The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is committed to developing the next generation of national security leaders through its innovative educational programs. ISW offers a wide range of research internships covering Russia, China, and Iran's Axis of Resistance in Iraq and Syria. ISW also offers internships across departments, including Geospatial Intelligence and National Security Technologies, and Communications and External Relations.
What You'll Do
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 policy-makers and warfighters.
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, HTML, and JavaScript coding and GIS software skills to improve ISW’s research collection, intelligence analysis, and visualizations.
Interns in our operations department assist with mission-critical tasks to help us expand our reach, amplify our analysis, and support the planning, preparation, and execution of public events and private briefings held by ISW. This internship track provides experience in both business development and the management of a non-profit research institution.
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 have the opportunity to stand at the front lines of military research and policy development, tackling the latest crises in the headlines. ISW offers additional opportunities beyond research to support our staff with mission-critical projects.
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. ISW has worked with interns to draft, edit, and publish their own research under the mentorship of analysts. It has also hired many interns onto its staff.
Interns 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.
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 are looking for critical thinkers who are ready to challenge themselves and solve new problems. ISW encourages students from non-traditional academic studies and interdisciplinary fields to apply. Prior experience in foreign and defense studies is not required.
ISW is offering remote, hybrid, and in-person internships in Washington, DC, for Fall 2024. ISW will work with students to receive academic credit where appropriate.
Ready to Apply?
ISW is currently accepting internships for its Fall 2024 Internship Program. The program will run from September 10 to December 13, 2024. Click on any of the following positions to learn more and apply.
- National Security and Intelligence Analysis Internship
- Geospatial Intelligence and National Security Technologies Internship
- Communications Internship
The Institute for the Study of War will offer intern candidates up to a $1,000 monthly living stipend as part of a scholarship program. To be considered for the scholarship, candidates must submit an additional cover letter for scholarship itself when they apply for a specific internship position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until August 2, 2024. 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 internships@understandingwar.org for more information.
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 is 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. ISW is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that takes no contributions from any US or foreign government source. Your generous gifts allow us to remain truly independent and non-partisan. To learn more about the many ways you can support us and our educational programs, join our network and consider donating today.