Intern - Economic Security and Technology Department (Spring 2026)

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

CSIS's Economic Security and Technology Department (EST) is a center of excellence for strategic insights and policy solutions for the United States and its partners to promote economic dynamism and sustain technological advantages essential to their growth, security, and global influence. The Department focuses on areas shaping global technology and commercial competition and their role in national security-economic policies related to trade, investment, intellectual property, and innovation; advanced and strategic technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, digital, quantum, and cybersecurity; energy security and climate, as well as economic relations with China and with partners. It has launched a number of integrative products such as its signature Tech Edge Report, country economic security studies, and the Back-and-Forth series.

Position Overview

The Economic Security and Technology (EST) Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is seeking a highly motivated intern to support our research on U.S. economic security, technology competitiveness, and U.S. economic relations with third countries.

This position offers hands-on experience in data analysis and policy writing on a wide range of issues within one of CSIS's most dynamic departments. The intern will assist in collecting and cleaning economic datasets as well as drafting policy memos relevant to the department's research products, Betting on America podcast, and senior staff speaking engagements.

The ideal candidate is organized, creative, and proactive, with strong writing and data manipulation skills and an interest in U.S. technology policy, global trade and finance, and geopolitics. This internship provides a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of international economic and technology issues while learning about the broader mission and work of CSIS.

The hired candidates will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.00/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.00/hour for hires with a bachelor's degree, and $20.00/hour for hires with a master's degree).

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

* Support all day-to-day research activities of the EST Front Office

* Support data collection, cleaning, and analysis on economic and technology trends using Excel and other programs (e.g., Flourish)

* Compile literature reviews on macroeconomic, technology, and industrial policy topics

* Develop memos in preparation for bi-weekly Betting on America podcast episodes on U.S. technology competitiveness and for senior staff speaking engagements

* Collaborate closely with fellow interns and research staff on time-sensitive assignments and other departmental initiatives

* Must hold a bachelor's degree; progress towards a master's degree, or a master's degree, is a plus.

* Must have prior research experience, which may include academic coursework, in at least one - preferably both - of the following areas:

o International trade and finance

o U.S. technology and innovation policy

* Some prior experience using Excel (e.g., pivot tables, charts, simple formulas), including through coursework or past internships, is required. Familiarity with at least one statistical and data analysis software (e.g., Python, R, Stata) for tasks like data cleaning is preferred

* Must have excellent English-language writing and research skills and be detail-oriented under pressure

* Should be a critical and creative thinker who thrives in an independent working environment with tight deadlines. Proactive problem solving, proper time management skills, and the ability to brief staff in an effective and concise manner are essential

* Must be able to work in-person at the CSIS office with the ability to work from home occasionally if needed

* Must be able to function well as part of a friendly, small, and close-knit team. The ability to communicate efficiently and effectively is necessary

* Preference will be given to candidates who are able to complete an in-person, 6-month, full-time internship.

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Interested applicants should submit a single combined PDF of their resume, cover letter, writing sample (3-5 pages) on a relevant topic, and one professional reference. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

Please note that an additional writing assessment may be requested.

Applications should be submitted via careers.csis.org. Please do not submit additional materials (references, transcripts) etc. These will be requested if needed during the interview process.

To submit an application for this position, click the "Apply" button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.

For more information about the CSIS Economic Security and Technology Department, please visit https://www.csis.org/economic-security-and-technology.