Internships
Why Work for ISW?
ISW believes that ground realities must drive the formulation of strategy and policy. In pursuit of this principle, ISW conducts detailed open-source intelligence analysis to provide timely and accurate information on current conflicts and security threats directly to policymakers and warfighters.
ISW interns have a unique opportunity to analyze conflicts in ways that directly influence policymaking on the most urgent national security challenges facing the United States. They collaborate closely with analysts throughout the process. They receive classroom education, regular leadership engagement, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technologies employed in business and the intelligence community. Interns have the opportunity to stand at the front lines of military research and policy development, tackling the latest crises in the headlines.
Fall 2023 Interns
General David H. Petraeus Center for Emerging Leaders
Intern Programs
The Institute for the Study of War is committed to developing the next generation of national security leaders through rigorous, immersive educational programs. ISW offers a wide range of research internships focused on critical regions—including Russia, China, and the Middle East—as well as specialized opportunities in Geospatial Intelligence, National Security Technologies, and Communications and External Relations.
These programs identify high-potential talent and prepare them for impactful careers in national security by equipping them with skills, mentorship, and real-world experience within ISW’s dynamic open-source intelligence environment.
What You’ll Do
Interns in our national security and intelligence analysis program will be paired with researchers on subject matter that best matches their skill sets and language capabilities. Interns provide critical assistance to our analysts and receive hands-on training from their supervisors as well as a formal development program taught by our leadership. Interns also collaborate with the wider research team to generate intelligence products and assist with editing, documenting, and compiling materials for publications.
Interns in our national security innovation program will use Python and HTML coding and GIS software skills to improve ISW’s research collection, intelligence analysis, and visualizations.
Interns in our operations department play a vital role in supporting mission-critical initiatives that enhance our outreach, amplify our analytical capabilities, and assist with the planning, preparation, and execution of both public events and private briefings hosted by ISW. This internship track offers valuable experience in business development and the operational management of a non-profit research institution.
Fall 2022 Interns in their Daily Work Flow
What We Offer
Interns at ISW have an unparalleled opportunity to analyze conflicts in ways that directly inform policy-makers on some of the most pressing issues facing American national security. Our interns work directly with analysts. Interns receive classroom education, regular leadership engagement, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technologies employed in business and the intelligence community. Interns at ISW have the unique opportunity to engage directly with military research and policy development, addressing the most pressing crises currently shaping global events. In addition to research, ISW provides opportunities to support our team with mission-critical projects that drive our organizational impact.
ISW seeks to prepare our interns for careers in national security. The Institute provides regular, formal education in war studies, analytic methods, policy writing, and more. Our interns participate in weekly briefings, seminar-style sessions, and workshops. Interns undergo an intensive two-week development program at the start of each semester on key concepts and skills. Our expert staff is dedicated to each team member’s growth.
The ISW Internship Program is one of three core education programs housed within The General David H. Petraeus Center for Emerging Leaders, launched to identify, educate, and develop the future cadre of leaders committed to America’s national security. ISW views interns as an integral component of the team. Through close collaboration with seasoned analysts, interns have the opportunity to draft, edit, and publish their own research, gaining hands-on experience that directly contributes to national security discourse. Many of these talented individuals have gone on to join ISW’s staff, further demonstrating the program’s commitment to fostering long-term career development in national security.
Interns also join a broad alumni community of up-and-coming national security leaders and practitioners upon completing the program. ISW alumni work across the national security profession, in government as well as NGOs, security and management consulting, law firms, academia, and more.
Fall 2022 Interns on a Professional Development Trip to the International Spy Museum
What We’re Looking For
ISW is currently seeking motivated and experienced students or recent graduates who can demonstrate a commitment to and interest in the core mission of ISW to join our intern team. We seek critical thinkers eager to challenge themselves and tackle complex, evolving problems. ISW welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, including those in non-traditional and interdisciplinary fields. Prior experience in foreign and defense studies is not necessary.
ISW is offering remote, hybrid, and in-person internships in Washington, DC unless stated otherwise. ISW will work with students to receive academic credit where appropriate.
How to Apply
ISW accepts applications seasonally at the application links provided for each internship. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis during the application period.
All internship applications require a:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample
The Institute for the Study of War also has a scholarship program in which candidates may submit an additional cover letter to be considered when applying for one of the internship positions. Intern candidates may receive up to a $1,000 monthly living stipend.
Candidates will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Ability to contribute as a member of one of ISW’s research, operations, business development, or external relations teams; and
- Financial need, such that an unpaid internship would not be possible without assistance.
Questions? Email [email protected] for more information.
ISW’s internship program was unlike any other program that I’ve seen or experienced. It provided me with a structured education and introduction to national security, including seminars in structured analytic techniques, writing and briefing conditional assessments, military jargon…and advanced weaponry. Ultimately, though, it was ISW’s compelling mission and mentorship from seasoned analysts that drove my decision to stay on as staff.
KELLY CAMPA | Middle East Researcher / Middle East Intern, Spring 2024
Every day of the internship was jam-packed with responsibility and tasks. But in the first few weeks and throughout the summer, we received a lot of support from analysts and staff throughout the organization. Everyone was approachable and willing to help us throughout the summer with our projects, but also happy to chat about their career paths as well. Every day was a whirlwind of new and old tasks, and interns are an essential part of the day-to-day.
BENJAMIN CORDOLA | Geospatial Intelligence Intern, Summer 2024
During my two-semester internship at ISW, I gained invaluable insights into the fundamentals of warfare, including battlefield tactics, military technological advancements, and their applications to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Aspiring to build a career in international security, I recognize that a deep understanding of the nature of warfare, key strategies, and tactics is essential for crafting lasting peace solutions and effectively addressing conflicts…I also developed critical skills in OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) collection and analysis, which are instrumental in conducting future research and contributing meaningfully to the field of international security and policymaking.
KATE SHYMKIV | Russia Intern, Summer 2024
Throughout the internship, I gained a great appreciation for how my daily action items were contributing to the weekly products of the China team… Perhaps most importantly, I also learned a great deal about how to help cultivate a strong team dynamic of individual responsibility and cooperation that made producing work both rewarding and enjoyable. I am confident that these skills will aid me going forward in my career, both at ISW and beyond.
JACKSON KARAS | China Intern, Summer 2024
I’m incredibly proud to have the opportunity to create graphics for the Institute for the Study of War’s educational programs for their social media. ISW plays a pivotal role in educating both the public and professionals about global military conflicts, and contributing to their educational initiatives through design is something that feels both meaningful and impactful.
SYDNEY BAUM | Operations and Development Associate; Communications Intern, Fall 2023
internship program
Russia & Ukraine Intelligence Analysis
Interns will conduct the daily collection and analysis of open-source information in native language sources and contribute to long-term research projects under the guidance of ISW researchers for the Russia & Ukraine research portfolio. In addition, interns collaborate with the wider research team to generate the Russia & Ukraine portfolio’s intelligence products; assist with editing, documenting, and compiling materials for publications; and support the planning, preparation, and execution of public events and private briefings held by ISW. This is a full-time internship (five days per week), but part-time work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
internship program
Russian Occupation Research
Interns will support ISW’s Russian Occupation Update product line and related research efforts, which examine the implications of Russian occupation strategy, governance policy, and coercive apparatus in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. Interns will be expected to collect, process, and analyze data from a wide-variety of open-sources and write sections of the Russian Occupation Update to publishable ISW standard. Interns will also support longer-term research efforts focusing on occupation administration, repression, sociocultural control, administrative integration, and the humanitarian and human rights implications of the occupation. Over the course of this internship, interns will develop a rigorous understanding of how military occupations are enacted and enforced, and how adversaries use occupation as a tool of influence and demographic management. This is a full-time internship (five days per week), but part-time work may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
internship program
China & Taiwan Intelligence Analysis
Interns will conduct the daily collection and analysis of open-source information in native language sources and contribute to long-term research projects under the guidance of ISW researchers for the China & Taiwan research portfolio. In addition, interns collaborate with the wider research team to generate the China & Taiwan portfolio’s intelligence products; assist with editing, documenting, and compiling materials for publications; and support the planning, preparation, and execution of public events and private briefings held by ISW. This is a full-time internship (five days per week), but part-time work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
internship program
Korean Peninsula Intelligence Analysis
Interns will conduct the daily collection and analysis of open-source information in native language sources and contribute to long-term research projects under the guidance of ISW researchers for the weekly Korean Peninsula Update in partnership with the Center for Defense of Taiwan (CDOT) at the American Enterprise Institute. In addition, interns collaborate with the wider research team to generate the weekly Korean Peninsula Update’s intelligence products; assist with editing, documenting, and compiling materials for publications; and support the planning, preparation, and execution of public events and private briefings held by ISW. This is a full-time internship (five days per week), but part-time work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
internship program
Middle East Intelligence Analysis
Interns will conduct the daily collection and analysis of open-source information in native language sources and contribute to long-term research projects on Iran’s Axis of Resistance, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Turkey, and Yemen under the guidance of ISW researchers for the Middle East research portfolio that works in partnership with the Critical Threats Project (CTP) at the American Enterprise Institute. In addition, interns collaborate with the wider research team to generate the Middle East portfolio’s intelligence products, such as the daily Iran Update; assist with editing, documenting, and compiling materials for publications; and support the planning, preparation, and execution of public events and private briefings held by ISW. This is a full-time internship (five days per week), but part-time work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
internship program
Cognitive Warfare Project
Interns will support the new Cognitive Warfare Project (CWP) at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which studies, analyzes, and visualizes adversary cognitive warfare against the United States and its allies. Interns are expected to collect, process, analyze, and synthesize open-source intelligence (OSINT) relating to adversary cognitive campaigns. Interns will support long-term research assignments and may also have valuable interactions with software partners who are transforming the national security space. Interns will learn to analyze the cognitive domain and how it impacts policymaking, kinetic activities, and strategy. This is a full-time internship (five days per week), but part-time work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
internship program
Geospatial Intelligence and National Security Technologies
ISW uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to improve research collection, intelligence analysis, and visualizations. Interns will use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite remote sensing, data visualization, and Python coding skills to help refine how ISW’s analysts implement these cutting-edge tools. This internship provides practical hands-on experience using GIS in national security and intelligence applications. Interns will support data collection, analysis, and visualizations that support ISW’s world-renowned maps. Interns may also have valuable interactions with software partners who are transforming the national security space. Interns will receive further training on some of these platforms. ISW’s roster of technology partners includes Neo4J, Babel Street, Ntrepid, and Planet Labs, among many others. This is a full-time internship (five days per week), but part-time work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
internship program
COMMUNICATIONS INTERNSHIP
ISW’s External Relations Team offers a unique opportunity to candidates interested in learning more about non-profit communications with an eye towards national security. Interns will hone their skills supporting a variety of communications functions, including media relations and monitoring, writing and copyediting, social media monitoring and management, digital content creation, and media research.
Over the course of a quarter, interns will receive guidance from ISW’s professional communications and publishing staff, gradually expanding and honing their ability to develop and execute effective communications strategies. Interns will have the opportunity to create and edit videos, graphics, and written material as well as assist in special projects and company initiatives. Interns will also help develop and execute social media campaigns across platforms like X, Bluesky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
This internship provides a great opportunity to train alongside a small and flexible external relations team in an engaging and fast-paced work environment. This is a full-time (five days per week) in-person, remote, or hybrid internship; but part-time work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Internships
FAQs
Candidates who are authorized to work in the US, including US citizens and those who have CPT/OPT authorization. We recommend that international students apply for CPT/OPT authorization with the stated internship program dates in the position description. All selected interns must start the internship on the stated start date.
The internship program does not have school year or age eligibility requirements. As previously mentioned, ISW welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, including those in non-traditional and interdisciplinary fields.
Applicant reviewers are looking for demonstrated critical language skills, regional knowledge and experience, and professionalism.
Critical language skills are languages that are related to the regional research team that you are applying for. These skills are applied to the daily collection of open-source information in native language sources. Candidates should list relevant language skills and their level of proficiency for each language on their resume.
Regional knowledge and experiences include relevant academic coursework, study abroad program, professional or personal experiences. Candidates should list titles of relevant academic coursework under their Education section on their resumes, as well as relevant study abroad programs in the region of interest. Candidates should elaborate on other professional experiences with the region of interest on their resume. Candidates may expand upon any personal experience with the region in their cover letter.
Professionalism refers to any prior work experience that demonstrates the candidate’s ability to perform well in the workplace. Candidates should not discount any prior work experience if they do not have previous experience in the national security field. Candidates should include any service, retail, and/or restaurant industry experience to demonstrate their professionalism on their resume.
The required submission of a Writing Sample is an opportunity for candidates to further demonstrate their regional knowledge and strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
The instructions to apply for the scholarship are included towards the end of each internship position description on the application portal. To be considered for the scholarship, candidates must upload a scholarship application as part of their internship application.
Please note that the monthly stipend is classified as taxable income.
Candidates should submit their applications as soon as applications open. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis early in the application cycle. The sooner candidates submit their applications, the greater the chance their application will be reviewed.
Notifications for candidates’ applications vary. All candidates will receive a confirmation email for submitting their application. Reviewers will email selected candidates to schedule interviews. Candidates who are interviewed will receive a finalist or waitlist notice. If candidates do not receive further notices, they will receive an email when the position is filled. We cannot guarantee the selection timeline for any cycle.
Interns may participate in the internship program via in-person or hybrid at the ISW office in Washington, DC.
Interns may also do the internship program remotely. ISW authorizes interns to participate remotely within the United States. Therefore, interns must be located within the US to participate. ISW is unable to accommodate participation outside of the United States.
support us
GET Involved
Our internship program is supported by people who care deeply about the future of America’s defense and national security. The education and hands-on training of students and future leaders are essential to ensure America’s success both at home and abroad. ISW depends on charitable tax-deductible donations to make our vital work possible. There are several exciting new opportunities to fund our impactful educational programming at different levels of giving, including naming opportunities.
