Spring 2025, Talbott Center Research and Events Internship, Foreign Policy (Job ID: 2024-3530)

The Brookings Institution

Oct 12

Applications are closed

Internship
Full-time
Summer Internship
Government & Politics
Research & Development
Washington

Requirements

This internship is an opportunity for undergraduate students in their junior or senior year and graduate students pursuing a masters degree with an interest in international affairs, foreign policy, political science, international law, international political economy, or related fields to apply principles and theory learned in the classroom in a professional environment.
Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in one or more of the following research areas: national security, U.S. defense policy, maritime security, illicit economies (such as narcotics or wildlife), nonstate armed actors, insurgencies, militant/extremist groups, terrorism, and human rights.
English fluency required; research and summarization proficiency in Spanish, is desired.
This internship requires you to be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for interning at Brookings.

Responsibilities

This hybrid internship will focus on a broad range of foreign policy and national security issues, including U.S. defense modernization and innovation, maritime security, illicit economies and trafficking, non-state armed actors and conflicts, and security cooperation. Candidates should also be prepared to conduct research on additional security issues.
Interns will learn how to apply theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom to a professional public policy institution and environment. They will monitor current developments in relevant research areas, conduct qualitative/quantitative research, produce written briefings and memos, brief support staff and senior fellows, summarize and synthesize documents, edit publications, help staff Brookings events, attend additional external think tank events, maintain databases, conduct additional administrative tasks related to web-postings, and logistical tasks related to events featuring guest speakers. Depending on an intern's foreign language abilities, they may also help translate documents.
Interns should leave the internship with a better understanding of how to conduct high quality research and impartial analysis, additional subject matter knowledge on a broad range of national security and foreign policy issues, and experience interacting with top scholars in the field.

FAQs

What is the duration of the internship?

The internship lasts approximately 12 weeks.

What is the pay rate for this internship?

The internship pays an hourly rate of $17.50.

Are there any location restrictions for the internship?

Yes, applicants must be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship, and work cannot be done from Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, or Washington.

What are the minimum hourly requirements for this internship?

Interns must commit to a minimum of 24-32 hours per week during regular business hours.

What academic qualifications are required for applicants?

Applicants should be undergraduate students in their junior or senior year or graduate students pursuing a master's degree in relevant fields such as international affairs, foreign policy, or political science.

Is previous experience in government or academia required?

Previous experience is not explicitly required, but a demonstrated interest in national security and foreign policy areas is important.

Will interns have opportunities for professional development?

Yes, interns will have the opportunity to attend professional development workshops, meetings, and events, and network with other interns.

Are non-English language skills beneficial for the internship?

Yes, proficiency in Spanish is desired for research and summarization tasks.

What materials are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should highlight educational experience and skills relevant to the internship.

What happens if I am selected as a finalist for the internship?

If selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit two letters of recommendation or provide two professional references.

The Brookings Institution

Consulting

Industry

201-500

Employees

1916

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

For over 100 years, Brookings experts have conducted high-quality, independent research and produced innovative policy solutions for the nation and world. Brookings is proud to be consistently ranked as the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tank.