Internships (multiple)

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.

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.

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.

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.