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General Internship Program

Just Announced
Stipends of up to $1,000 per semester are available for qualified full-time interns. Contact the Center to learn more. Please note that not all interns qualify for a stipend.

Program Purpose

The Center for Advanced Defense Studies offers an internship program for promising students to contribute to its mission of identifying and implementing peaceful ways to secure, protect and defend individuals, communities, societies and nations.

This stimulating program features an opportunity for growth and applied learning in the nation’s capital. Interns gain key experience for building their future careers. The program also encourages participation in peace- and security-building projects of national and international significance. Interns join a team of dedicated professionals working to advance defense and security issues through innovative and strategic thinking.

The Center's program offers opportunities in four areas:

  • Operations interns provide office support through outreach and effective resource management. This position is also responsible for event coordination, website management, logistics and staff activities.
  • Public Relations interns raise awareness of the Center and its mission through marketing and fundraising. This internship position involves multimedia work, including video.
  • Technical interns help improve computer security, educational tools, network administration, technical troubleshooting, website management and other related activities.
  • Research interns undertake academic research in an array of topics, including defense and security studies, international affairs, international development, cognitive studies, information retrieval, computing systems and design. The Center gives preference to candidates with prior research experience. This position also provides opportunities to contribute to the Center's publications.

Before Applying

While all CADS internships under the general program are unpaid, they can be used for academic credit pending approval from the student intern's academic institution. Accepted applicants are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement before beginning their internship. Applicants who do not sign the non-disclosure agreement will not be accepted. The Center currently does not accept applicants from outside the United States.

Application Materials

Application Process

To apply please complete the application form, review (but do not sign) the non-disclosure agreement and submit all necessary documents (see checklist below).

Application Deadlines

The Center accepts interns on a rolling basis. However, in order to provide the best experience for all interns at the Center, the number of interns at any given time is limited. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience.

Application Checklist
  • Completed application form
    • Personal statement (as indicated on application form)
    • Writing sample (as indicated on application form)
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae outlining past professional and educational experience
  • Letter of recommendation (at least one)
  • Review (but do not sign) the non-disclosure agreement

Mail completed application materials to:

   Center for Advanced Defense Studies
   Internship Program
   10 G St. NE, Suite 610
   Washington DC 20002

The Center will not accept incomplete applications. Please mail application materials in their entirety.

Interviews

The Center will schedule interviews with qualified candidates. CADS will conduct interviews through an in-person office visit or by phone, for applicants residing outside the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Notification

The Center's internship committee will only notify accepted applicants of its decision via phone and/or email.

Program Orientation

CADS will provide an orientation session upon the commencement of each internship program. During this session, interns will meet their supervisors. The Center will also outline projects and discuss and distribute work plans.

Over the course of the program, the Center will conduct weekly progress reviews. Towards the end of the program, interns must prepare final presentations and reports for submission. Distinguished projects will receive certificates of recognition.

Video Interviews with Past Interns

Questions & Concerns?

Please direct any questions or concerns to internships [at] c4ads [dot] org or call 202-289-3332.