Intern - Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program (Summer/Fall 2025)

WASHINGTON, DCPosted 23 days ago

Job summary

• Job post source

  This job is directly from CSIS Middle East Program

• Job overview

  The Intern position in the Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program at CSIS offers a paid opportunity to gain experience in public policy and national security research and event support during a 3-month summer/fall internship.

• Responsibilities and impact

  The intern will conduct research on terrorism and military activities, create data visualizations, prepare briefs, support scheduling and event logistics, assist with publications, and provide general administrative support.

• Compensation and benefits

  The internship is paid hourly at $18-$20 depending on education level, with no mention of additional benefits.

• Experience and skills

  Candidates should have a completed or near-completed bachelor's degree, 0-2 years of relevant experience, strong writing skills, and ability to manage multiple projects; preferred qualifications include master's pursuit, quantitative data research, mapping software skills, and language proficiency.

• Career development

  Interns gain first-hand experience in national security policy research and professional development activities within a leading public policy organization.

• Work environment and culture

  CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization with a collaborative team environment and moderate office noise level, emphasizing equal opportunity and inclusivity.

• Company information

  CSIS is a large, bipartisan nonprofit public policy organization founded in 1962, focused on global security and prosperity with over 220 staff including 120 analysts.

• Team overview

  The intern will join the Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program team, working alongside research staff on security issues.

• Job location and travel

  The position is based in Washington, D.C., in an office environment with reasonable accommodations for disabilities; no travel requirements stated.

• Application process

  Applicants must submit resume, cover letter, and transcripts via the CSIS online portal; selected candidates take a writing and quantitative skills test before interviews.

• Unique job features

  The internship offers unique exposure to cutting-edge research methods including satellite imagery analysis and geospatial mapping in national security contexts.

Company overview

The CSIS Middle East Program is a division of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a prominent Washington, D.C.-based think tank focused on global policy analysis and strategic issues. The program specializes in research, analysis, and policy recommendations related to political, economic, and security developments across the Middle East and North Africa. Funding comes from a mix of private donors, government grants, and corporate sponsors, supporting its events, publications, and expert commentary. Established as part of CSIS’s broader mission, the Middle East Program has played a key role in shaping U.S. and international policy discussions, often collaborating with policymakers, academics, and media. Candidates should be aware of the program’s reputation for nonpartisan, in-depth analysis and its influence in shaping informed debate on regional affairs.

How to land this job

• Position your resume to highlight your academic background and any research experience related to terrorism, irregular warfare, or military activities of U.S. competitors such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, emphasizing your ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research.

• Showcase your skills in data analysis, including experience with Excel, databases like ACLED or Janes Terrorism and Insurgency Centre, and mapping tools such as QGIS or Google Earth, as these are key to the role.

• Apply through multiple channels including the CSIS corporate careers portal and LinkedIn to maximize your chances of being noticed by the hiring team.

• Connect on LinkedIn with current or former members of the CSIS Middle East Program or the Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program; use ice breakers like commenting on recent CSIS publications or events, or asking about their experience working on specific security issues or research projects.

• Optimize your resume for ATS by integrating keywords from the job description such as 'qualitative and quantitative research,' 'data visualization,' 'event planning,' 'terrorism analysis,' and specific tools like 'QGIS' or 'ACLED' to ensure your resume passes automated screenings.

• Utilize Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailoring your resume, finding all relevant application portals, and identifying LinkedIn contacts to network with, allowing you to focus your energy on preparing for interviews and enhancing your skills.