CSIS Summer Internship: Requirements and Opportunities

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) offers internships for students and recent graduates interested in gaining experience in public policy and international affairs. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements, opportunities, and application process for CSIS summer internships.

About CSIS

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962. CSIS provides strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision-makers concerned with global security and prosperity. It is one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts. These analysts address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

General Internship Information

CSIS internships are designed to provide students and recent graduates with valuable experience in the field of international affairs. Interns at CSIS receive an hourly wage. The CSIS Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business seeks interns to support its work.

Eligibility and Requirements

Citizenship and Work Authorization

CSIS welcomes applications from individuals of all nationalities. Citizenship is not a qualification used in their hiring practices. However, to be eligible for an internship at the Center, candidates must have work authorization.

Educational Background

CSIS typically seeks candidates with a strong academic background in relevant fields. For example, the Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business seek an undergraduate (junior standing or above), graduate, or recent graduate candidate who has completed coursework in international trade, has a background in trade and economics, and possesses good research and writing skills.

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Skills and Qualities

Successful candidates for CSIS internships typically possess the following skills and qualities:

Strong English-language writing and research skills
Detail-oriented under pressure
Critical and creative thinking abilities
Ability to thrive in an independent working environment with tight deadlines
Ability to function well as part of a friendly, small, and close-knit team
Strong communication skills
Self-discipline

Desirable Knowledge

Practical and/or academic background in the following areas is desirable but not required:

International trade and investment policy
International economics
International finance
International relations
Climate change and sustainability policy

Application Process

Online Application

To apply for any position at CSIS, candidates must use the online portal. It is essential to carefully read the job description to understand the necessary documents for the application.

Required Documents

Applicants must upload all the documents they would like to include in their application on the second page of the application. This page immediately follows the acceptance of the notice about federal government contractors and/or subcontractors abiding by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a).

Cover Letter

The cover letter should be addressed "To Whom It May Concern".

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Transcripts

If the position requires transcripts, unofficial transcripts are acceptable unless otherwise stated in the job description's "How To Apply" section.

Application Deadline

Unless otherwise stated in the job description in the How To Apply section, all positions are available for candidates to apply until the hiring manager has started the application review process or has filled the position. As an example, the deadline for submission for the Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business internship is February 27, 2026.

Internship Details

Duration and Schedule

The Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business internship position is full-or part- time and in-person until August 2026. This position will begin on or after March 30, 2026.

Compensation

Interns at CSIS receive an hourly wage. As an example, the hired candidate for the Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business internship will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.00/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.00/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $20.00/hour for hires with a master’s degree).

Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities of a CSIS intern may include:

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Working directly with the program team on ongoing and future projects.
Conducting research and assisting with writing reports, quantitative data analysis, and other research products.
Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships within CSIS and with other organizations under the guidance of the program.
Identifying, attending, and taking notes on virtual internal and external events relevant to the work of the program.
Assisting as needed on ad hoc projects or requests, as directed by program staff.
Working alongside colleagues internal to CSIS but also with external parties, including domestic and foreign government officials.
Analysis of supply chains, climate change and trade, sustainable development, digital trade, trade and economic arrangements, global economic governance, multilateral institutions, trade facilitation, and foreign investment.

Focus Areas of the Economics Program

Key areas of focus include trade policy, supply chain resilience, investment policy, international finance, innovation and drivers of economic growth.

Additional Information

Housing

CSIS does not provide housing for interns. However, resources like Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH) offer furnished apartments for interns working in the District of Columbia.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CSIS is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Northwest Missouri State University - School of Computer Science and Information Systems

Students in the MS-ACS program are encouraged to obtain summer internships. It is the student's responsibility to make the appropriate contacts to obtain an internship. An internship may be either on campus or off-campus. A student may or may not be paid for internship work. Students may or may not earn academic credit for an internship. Students who desire academic credit will sign up for a one-credit-hour section of 44-699 Graduate Internship in Information Technology or 44-599 Special Projects - Independent Study Computer Science. The School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Northwest Missouri State University participates in the CPT (curricular practical training) program for international students. The School of Computer Science and Information Systems will support requests for CPT for the summer semester. CPT requires that a student be enrolled full time for one academic year (two semesters) before becoming eligible for CPT. This means that students enrolling for the first time in the fall are eligible for CPT the following summer. CPT guidelines require that you enroll in an internship course.

Professional Development Resources

To learn more about interviewing and creating résumés, students can enroll in 44-296 Professional Development Seminar. This is a one-credit hour, undergraduate course that will prepare students to interview for internships and full-time jobs. Students will also learn how to create effective résumés.

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