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, Cognitive Warfare, 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.
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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
National Security and Intelligence Analysis Internship
ISW is a premier provider of cutting-edge analysis and intelligence on global conflicts that pose a threat to American national security. Through regular research reports and visual content, ISW informs policymakers, military leaders, journalists in Washington, DC, and the broader public. Interns play a crucial role in supporting our analysts, receiving hands-on training from experienced supervisors and participating in a structured development program led by our leadership team. Interns will gain proficiency in utilizing advanced technologies for open-source collection and analysis, all while working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Interns will be paired with ISW researchers on subject matter that best matches their skill sets and language capabilities. Interns are tasked with collecting, processing, analyzing, and synthesizing intelligence from native language sources under the guidance of our expert staff. They will collaborate with the broader research team to produce intelligence products, assist with editing and compiling materials for publications, and support the planning, coordination, and execution of public events and private briefings hosted 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.
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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.
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COGNITIVE WARFARE
Interns support the development of the new Cognitive Warfare Task Force at ISW, which aims to analyze and visualize adversary information operations and warfare against the United States and its allies. Interns are expected to collect, process, analyze, and synthesize intelligence relating to adversary operations in the information environment, psychological operations, emerging information technologies, narratives, and influence campaigns among other related topics. Interns will also 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 information environment and how it impacts policymaking, kinetic activities, and strategy.
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COMMUNICATIONS INTERNSHIP
ISW’s Communications Team provides a distinctive opportunity for candidates interested in gaining experience in non-profit communications with a focus on national security. Interns will refine their skills by supporting a range of communications functions, including media relations and monitoring, writing and copyediting, social media management, digital content creation, and research on media and policy issues.
Over the course of a quarter, interns will receive guidance from ISW’s professional communications and publishing staff, gradually expanding their knowledge of communications strategy and sharpening their ability to improve written products. 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, Facebook, LinkedIn, 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.
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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.
