Internships and Career Advice

Internship opportunities with the Middle East Program and advice for job seekers in Middle East policy

The Middle East Program may take on full-time, paid interns in the spring, summer, or fall. Any internship listings will be posted on https://careers.csis.org/. The Middle East Program’s analysis focuses on the drivers of change in the region. 

We strongly encourage interested candidates to review our Advice for Job Seekers in Middle East Policy and the requirements provided herewith before submitting your application for an internship with the CSIS Middle East Program. 

Candidates are also encouraged to read an interview Dr. Jon B. Alterman gave to the editorial board of New Perspectives in Foreign Policy, a journal by and for the enrichment of young professionals at CSIS, in January 2015. In the interview, he discusses his career in academia, government, and the think tank world. Read the interview here.

Essental Duties, Responsibilities, and Requirements:

Interns have substantive responsibilities. Essential functions include, but are not limited to, compiling research briefs and literature reviews for senior fellows and research staff; pitching and researching articles for the Middle East Program’s monthly newsletter; and assisting with program events and some administrative tasks. 

We require interns to have the following knowledge, experience, and education: 

  • Completion or near completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in Middle East studies, international affairs, political science, or a related field;
  • Minimum of a 3.5 GPA on a U.S. scale or equivalent;
  • Strong demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the Middle East;
  • Demonstrated research skills;
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills;
  • Working knowledge of Arabic, Persian, and/or French strongly preferred, with an emphasis on reading and listening skills.