Strategic Communications and Social Media Internship Program

This internship is designed for undergraduate upperclassmen and recent graduates interested in digital media, communications strategy, and public affairs within the context of national security and international relations. The program provides hands-on training in institutional messaging and media outreach, while also preparing participants for IWP’s master’s degree programs.

Program Overview

As a Communications and Social Media intern, you will play a vital role in shaping IWP’s public presence and digital identity. Interns will work closely with institutional leadership to draft and publish content, develop graphics, and manage engagement across IWP’s primary social media platforms. The internship combines practical communications experience with exposure to IWP’s academic environment, providing both professional skills development and opportunities to connect with national security experts.

Intern Benefits

Upon successful completion of the Communications and Social Media Internship Program, participants gain access to preferential consideration for IWP’s master’s degrees. Eligible interns will also receive a $3,300 per semester scholarship, applicable toward tuition for the M.A. degree program. Additional merit-based scholarships are available. Interns will also strengthen their professional digital portfolios, participate in institutional events, and collaborate directly on messaging strategies with senior staff.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of IWP’s Communications team, interns will: 

• Draft and schedule content across social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X). 
• Design visual assets to support institutional campaigns. 
• Track analytics, monitor engagement, and recommend strategies to expand reach. 
• Cover IWP events in real time and contribute to media archives. 
• Assist with newsletters, email campaigns, and drafting press releases. 
• Ensure consistent branding and tone across all communications channels. 

Qualifications

Candidates should be juniors, seniors, or recent graduates in communications, public relations, journalism, digital media, or a related field. Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills are essential. Familiarity with tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or video editing software is highly desirable, as is experience with social media management platforms. Applicants should demonstrate creativity, attention to detail, and professionalism, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. A general interest in national security and international affairs is preferred but not required.  

Hours and Location

Interns are expected to commit 35–40 hours per week during the Summer and 25–30 hours per week during the Fall/Spring semesters. All internships are conducted in person at IWP’s Washington, D.C. campus. Please note that The Institute of World Politics does not offer remote internships. 

Internship Semester Dates and Application Deadlines