National Security Research Internship

This internship is designed for undergraduate upperclassmen and recent graduates committed to elevating their academic pursuits in these respective areas.

This specialized pathway program is strategically crafted not only to impart foundational academic knowledge and professional skills but also to prepare you for IWP’s master’s degree programs.

Program Overview

As a research intern, you will embark on a rigorous educational journey guided by Doctoral Candidate Research Advisors and Master’s Student Research Assistants serving as research mentors. This role provides comprehensive academic resources, expert lectures, specialized workshops, and participation in the Civic Thought and Statecraft Seminar, all designed to enhance your readiness for graduate studies. Faculty interaction is streamlined to enrich this experience, with opportunities to attend two class sessions per semester, ensuring hands-on learning and professional development under the mentorship of seasoned scholar-practitioners.

Intern Benefits

Upon successful completion of the Research Internship and Graduate Pathway Program, participants gain access to preferential consideration for IWP’s master’s degrees. Additionally, eligible interns will receive a $3,300 per semester intern scholarship, which can be applied directly toward tuition for the M.A. degree program. Merit-based scholarships are also available.

Key Responsibilities

Under the guidance of an IWP Research Advisor, interns will collaborate with a team of peers to conduct and complete a final research product. This initiative not only hones critical research skills but also provides an opportunity for the findings to be published. Interns will apply their deepened understanding of national security, international affairs, and intelligence in a practical, evaluative setting.

Additionally, interns are expected to engage in educational activities, attend all scheduled seminars, workshops, and guest lectures, complete assignments, collaborate on projects, utilize IWP scholar-practitioner guidance, participate in site visits, and support the IWP mission.

Qualifications

Candidates should be current juniors, seniors, or recent graduates of political science, international relations, security studies, or a related field, with demonstrated interest in national security, intelligence, and international affairs. Strong analytical, writing, research, and communication skills are required, along with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team in a demanding academic environment.

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 (includes two first virtual weeks)

"Fall 2026:

• Sept 14 – Virtual Orientation
• Sept 21 – Virtual Meeting
• Sept 28 – Virtual Meeting
• Sept 29 – Nov 19 (in person)
• Sept 29 – In-Person Orientation
• Nov 18 – Capstones
• Nov 19 – Closing Ceremonies
• Application open, rolling admission

Spring 2027:

• Jan 19 – Virtual Orientation
• Jan 25 – Virtual Meeting
• Feb 1 – Virtual Meeting
• Feb 2 – In Person Orientation
• Feb 2 – Apr 1 (in person)
• Mar 24 – Capstones
• Mar 25 – Closing Ceremonies

Summer 2027:

• May 17 – Virtual Orientation
• May 24 – Virtual Meeting
• June 1 – Virtual Meeting
• June 2 – In-Person Orientation
• Jun 2 – July 22 (in person)
• July 21 – Capstones
• July 22 – Closing Ceremonies

Fall 2027:

• Sept 13 – Virtual Orientation
• Sept 20 – Virtual Meeting
• Sept 27 – Virtual Meeting
• Sept 28 – In-Person Orientation
• Sept 28 – Nov 18 (in person)
• Nov 17 – Capstones
• Nov 18 – Closing Ceremonies

Application Requirements

Complete the National Security Research Internship Screening Form to help us assess your qualifications.

The form will prompt you to upload your government-issued ID copy and current resume directly to intern.application@iwp.edu.

Selected candidates will be invited to the interview stage.

Point of Contact

Melissa Juarbe-PrattDirector of National Security Internship Programs | LinkedIn

Inna Vladimirovna Osetrova

National Security Internship Programs Coordinator | LinkedIn

Contact us: intern.application@iwp.edu

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