Research/Programmatic Internships at American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC)

Internship Program Overview

The internship program at the American Foreign Policy Council provides aspiring young foreign policy leaders with the opportunity to thrive and begin contributing to national security in a meaningful way. Internships are awarded three times a year (typically January to April, May to August, and September to December). Our internship is rigorously research-based and awards positions only to those who are capable of serious work. The majority of our interns delve into large research projects and assist with the publication of articles and/or the organizing of events with foreign dignitaries. Interns are also provided an opportunity to work closely with foreign policy professionals, thanks to the relatively small size of our organization and the selectivity of our intern program. Many past interns have also been published in prestigious media outlets, including U.S. News and World Report, CNN.com, and the Wall Street Journal Europe, among others.

Developing Future Leaders

AFPC has great interest in preparing our interns for future success. Policymakers and statesmen, who have held senior positions in government, are brought in as part of a weekly lecture series to meet with interns and discuss the numerous career paths in foreign policy and the ways to best pursue them. Additionally, AFPC maintains good relations with all of its former interns and has established an extensive network of AFPC alumni. To provide networking opportunities, AFPC hosts annual reunions that allow former interns back into the office to share their experiences with the current interns, and provide them with insights and potential access to future positions in the government and graduate programs. As a result, the majority of former AFPC interns have obtained positions or pursued graduate degrees at leading public policy institutions and government agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of State, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Georgetown University, Harvard University, and U.S. Congressional staff offices.

Internship Responsibilities

AFPC internships are part-time with the opportunity for flexible hours. Interns are expected to work a minimum of 20 hours per week between 9 AM and 6 PM at the AFPC headquarters. Candidates should have a strong interest in foreign policy and national security. Knowledge of Russian, Mandarin, Arabic or Farsi is helpful.

We are actively seeking candidates with experience using Adobe InDesign.

Responsibilities vary depending on program schedule, but may include:

• foreign policy research and writing
• logistical support for both domestic and foreign delegations
• editorial assistance with publications
• special events planning
• social media and podcasting support
• general administrative support
• designing high quality and professional brochures, newsletters, reports, and publications
• creating informational graphics

How to Apply

Please follow the application guidelines and deadlines below. We do not accept LinkedIn applications and incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have not been contacted 60 days after the respective application deadline, you were unfortunately not selected for an interview.

Interested candidates are requested to fill out and submit this form, which entails providing demographic information, uploading a single file containing your cover letter, resume, and a foreign policy-related writing sample (up to four pages), and indicating your top three interests from the following options:

• Central Asia Caucasus Institute (CACI)
• China Program
• Countering Islamic Extremism Project
• Defense Technology Program
• Future of Public Diplomacy Project
• Indo-Pacific Security Program
• Middle East Program
• Russia and Ukraine Program
• Space Policy Initiative
• U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Semester (September - December)  --   July 15
• Spring Semester (January - April)  --   November 4
• Summer Semester (May - August)  --   March 15

For questions related to the internship or application process, please reach out to internships@afpc.org.