National Security and International Affairs Summer 2025 Research Intern

IWP National Security & International Affairs Research Internship

The Institute of World Politics is one of the few graduate schools that offers an internship program designed specifically to prepare you for a career in national security, intelligence, and international affairs. Interns conduct research with IWP scholar-practitioners and are exposed to career opportunities in these fields. Based in the heart of Washington, D.C., interns gain the advantage of professional and social networking with other interns from D.C. think tanks and academic institutions, in addition to IWP’s faculty. 

The application deadline for Summer 2025 is February 12, 2025. As there are a limited number of spots available, it is strongly advised that applications are submitted well before the deadline.  

Internship Program Overview 

• Conduct research for an IWP faculty member on topics related to national security and international affairs.
• All interns take 4-8 credits of IWP courses, free of charge – a $10,400 value. Those who complete all course work and receive a B- or better will receive reserve credit at IWP when they enroll in IWP after the internship. This offer only applies to courses taken during the time of the internship.
• Tours of the Pentagon, the Department of Justice, the Capitol Building, DIA Museum and others; DC Think Tank seminars; Embassy visits. Tours and visits vary per semester.
• Access to all IWP guest lectures and events, including informational career sessions by organizations that may include the State Department, CIA, FBI, DIA, Department of Energy, National Counter Terrorism Center, USAID, or others.
• Administrative work supporting a department within IWP, providing additional learning experiences within the national security, intelligence, and international affairs sphere, and developing business acumen.

Qualifications 

• Qualified applicants to the IWP Internship should be college students or recent graduates in good academic standing from an accredited institution.
• The internship is open to rising juniors and seniors and recent graduates not already pursuing an advanced degree.
• Applicants must have taken introductory studies in history, political science, international affairs, or economics, and demonstrate a serious interest in pursuing graduate studies and/or a career in national security, intelligence, or international affairs.
• They should also be able to demonstrate how their interests and goals align with IWP’s mission.

Application Requirements 

The following materials are required of all applicants interested in IWP’s internship program. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you are finding it difficult to meet one of the requirements listed below, please contact the Director of Internship Programs, Melissa Juarbe-Pratt at internships@iwp.edu. 

• Completed and signed application: Internship Application*
• 1-2 page resume
• Academic Transcripts (Student copy is acceptable)
• Essay on professional and educational goals (Typewritten, 500 words)
• 3-5 page writing sample on a topic related to international affairs, national security, or intelligence (you may also submit a paper you have already written in its entirety)
• A copy of your passport or other official government identification
• Note: Two academic or professional letters of recommendation (LORs) will be required if you are advanced to the next level. If you have LORs on hand, you may submit them with your application.

IWP Internships are very competitive, and we receive hundreds of applicants for each semester. IWP accepts a limited number of applicants into each program. This internship is unmatched in its opportunity for undergraduates to gain invaluable knowledge and experience as well as open significant doors for their future careers. 

Please submit your completed application and all related materials via email to Melissa Juarbe-Pratt at internships@iwp.edu.