INTERNSHIPS

The Center for the National Interest is seeking energetic undergraduate and graduate students (though non-students may also apply) interested in international affairs for volunteer (unpaid) internship positions in its Washington, DC office. An internship at the Center is an excellent way for students to learn about international affairs and meet influential people in government, think tank, academic, and media circles.

Internships at the Center for the National Interest can be full-time or part-time positions depending on the candidate's interest and the needs of the particular program.  Duties differ from program to program but generally involve research, administrative support, and event organization.

To apply, please send a cover letter, one-page resume, and writing sample (no more than five pages) to the attention of the intern coordinator by email to intern@cftni.org or by fax at (202) 887-5222. You should include the name of the program you are applying to in the subject line of your email or fax. Internship deadlines are listed below. 

Internships typically last for approximately 3-4 months.  However, shorter periods are possible under certain circumstances (e.g. Washington Study programs.)

The Center is currently seeking interns for the following programs:

U.S.-China Relations: China and the Pacific: This position supports both Lt. General Wallace "Chip" Gregson, Senior Director, China and the Pacific and a former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs at the Department of Defense and Ms. A. Greer Meisels, Associate Director and Research Fellow, China and the Pacific. Key research areas as they relate to this internship include U.S.-China relations, Northeast Asia security issues, and U.S. strategies in the Asia-Pacific region. Interns should be motivated self-starters that are able to engage in a wide variety of analytic and logistical task work. This position does NOT require Mandarin Chinese fluency, although proficiency in an East Asian language is strongly preferred.

U.S.-Russian Relations: This position supports Center for the National Interest Executive Director Paul Saunders. Interns will assist Mr. Saunders with research on various issues in U.S.-Russian relations, Russian domestic politics and other issues. Interns in this program will also assist in organizing occasional panel discussions, luncheon seminars, and briefings. Russian language ability and background in Russian politics and/or foreign policy are a plus.

Energy Security and Climate: This position supports the Center project on energy and climate change. Duties will focus on research, programs, and special projects. Background in international energy or economics helpful.
 

Regional Security Programs (Middle East and Caspian Basin): This position supports Geoffrey Kemp, Director of Regional Security Programs and a former senior White House official. His current projects focus on U.S. policy toward Israel, Iran and Iraq, the impact of the growing Asian presence in the Middle East on U.S. policy, and the role of new resources and climate change in international security. Successful candidates will have a demonstrable interest in the Middle East, Caspian Basin, or South Asia and, ideally, some background in economics, unconventional energy, security affairs, or regional politics.

Internship Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as early as possible. 

We regret that we cannot respond to all individuals who have submitted applications. Only successful applicants will be contacted and invited to an interview.

NO CALLS PLEASE

Summer Deadline: May 15

Fall Deadline: September 15

Spring Deadline: December 31