Internships | The Institute of World Politics

National Security and International Affairs Internships in Washington, D.C.

The Institute of World Politics is one of the few graduate schools that offers internships designed specifically to prepare you for a career in national security and statecraft. Interns conduct research with IWP scholar-practitioners and are able to explore career options in national security and international affairs. Based in the heart of Washington, D.C., interns have the opportunity to network with top policymakers and government officials, including those on IWP’s faculty, and to audit a graduate-level course at the Institute.

IWP internships are offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

About IWP

The Institute of World Politics is a graduate school devoted to the study of statecraft, national security, and international affairs. The Institute was founded to fill a major national need: to supply professional education in statecraft, national security, intelligence and foreign policy that no other school offers. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to play a vital role in assisting with the Institute’s important mission.

About the Internship Program

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 explore career opportunities in these fields. Based in the heart of Washington, D.C., interns gain the advantage of networking with top policymakers and government officials, including IWP’s faculty. The Institute’s mission is the education of a new generation of leaders in statesmanship, and you will find that our faculty, staff, and students embrace this mission personally and will seek to include you in it fully.

Responsibilities

Professional Research Assignment

Contingent upon the availability of professors and the scope of their respective needs, interns will be selected based on their strengths and interests — e.g. terrorism, human rights advocacy, cyber intelligence, Cold War studies, etc. — for a research assignment with a member of the faculty. This position will give you the opportunity to work with one of our scholar practitioners on their research projects. You will have the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge work in the fields of national security, international affairs and strategic intelligence.

Operational/Administrative Duties

In addition to their research responsibilities, interns work 8-10 hours a week at IWP assisting the Operations and Events Departments. Typical tasks include: assisting with the planning and implementation of IWP’s public lecture series, writing pieces for IWP’s website, staffing IWP’s front lobby, and assisting in IWP’s library.

Opportunities

Class Audits

Each intern has the opportunity to audit one [4 credit] course during their time at IWP. Interns are expected to attend every class and submit the writing assignments to the professor. It is highly recommended that interns take advantage of IWP classroom opportunities to ensure that they get the most out of their time here. Those who complete the work and receive a minimum of a B+ will receive reserve credit at IWP if they chose to enroll in IWP after their internship. Students who take classes for credit (vs. auditing) may apply no more than 8 credit hours towards their degree completion requirements. These credits are awarded in the student’s final semester as an MA candidate.

Lecture Lunches

From time to time, IWP’s own distinguished friends and faculty will provide a briefing on national security related issues for the intern program. These are excellent opportunities to sit in an intimate learning environment, free of the distractions and pressure of a larger class setting. These events will allow you to sit in with the professor and ask questions and seek advice on your own research and professional interests

Career Development

Interning at IWP can be the beginning of a long and prosperous career in national security, intelligence, and international affairs. In order to help you in your career pursuits, you will have full access to IWP’s Career Services Director, Derrick Dortch. Mr. Dortch is an expert in career counseling for those seeking work in national security, intelligence, and international affairs, and is available to assist you all aspects of the career exploration process.