Last updated June 6, 2008 Washington: The deadline for Summer 2008 internships has passed.  We are now accepting applications for Fall 2008 internships. Please read below for further details on available positions.  General Information: The Center for Defense Information, a nonpartisan, nonprofit research think tank, and a divsion of the World Security Institute based in Washington, D.C., offers full-time paid internships in research.  The World Security Institute's other divisions offer internships in television, translation/editing, and computers/web editing. CDI's internship program was created over 15 years ago.  We believe that interns are an integral part of CDI’s success.  Competition for the few spots available generally is very tough. First priority is given to filling full-time paid internships lasting the customary length of the term. There are usually several research internships, as well as communications and development internships, and one computer internship.  These positions are full-time (40 hours, Monday-Friday) and paid ($1,000/month).  Candidates applying for a computer internship should do so with the expectation of working exclusively in that area. CDI presently does not anticipate offering part-time internships, opportunities lasting less than an entire term, or positions outside normal business hours.  Interns work closely with CDI staff and are given considerable responsibility. Interns have the flexibility to come up with and follow through on their own research projects which could be published on CDI’s website. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Available Research Internships Research Internships Interns write articles for The Defense Monitor, CDI's regular print publication, and for on-line projects such as the “CDI Terrorism Project,” “Missile Defense Project,” or “Space Security Updates.”  Some interns assist CDI staff members with their research projects and other published material.  Interns are expected to follow current events and keep information on CDI’s website up-to-date. CDI usually hires three to four interns per trimester to work in a regional or topical area related to their own interests. For the fall semester, we will be looking for interns to assist with the following projects: (1) Straus Military Reform Project (background or interest in U.S. national defense issues helpful); (2) Science, Missile Defense and Space Policy (combined background in hard science and public policy is helpful); (3) Arms Trade and Children in Armed Conflict Project (interest or background in child soldiers, landmines, and arms trafficking helpful); (4) Nuclear Proliferation Project; and, (5) Terrorism Project (interest or background in Iraq and Afghanistan helpful).     Deblinger Internship The Deblinger Internship was established by the Deblinger family and Joseph N. Deblinger, a longstanding member of the Center for Defense Information Board of Advisors. Deblinger represented CDI on the NGO Committee at the United Nations, and was an advocate for peace and security issues. CDI seeks applicants for this special research internship who have training and interest in topics such as non-military conflict resolution, protection of human rights, and a commitment to the values and principles of the United Nations.  Applicants should mention in their cover letter, as part of the regular application for a CDI internship, why they should be considered for the Deblinger Internship.   Communications Internship Each semester, CDI and the World Security Institute offer internships in media relations, communications and event management.  Interns will help manage press contacts and write press releases, track news coverage of the organization's analysts, and assist with on-line outreach projects as assigned.    IT Internships IT interns may assist with web editing and posting; user, system, and hardware support; and, according to their skills and interests, may also assist with web and graphic design, and database management. Candidates applying for a computer internship should do so with the expectation of working exclusively in that area. Internships are primarily within a WSI division, however, a few IT or Computer internships have been categorized broadly under WSI. Applicants for computer internships should be familiar with Microsoft Office, Server 2003, Server 2000, SQL, Veritas, and Cold Fusion. Computer internships are offered on an as-needed basis; please write to our intern coordinator to inquire about up-coming openings.   : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : World Security Institute Internships: CDI is a division of the World Security Institute, which also offers a variety of internships each year. If you are interested in working on the Institute’s International Media projects in Russian, Chinese, Arabic or Farsi, with the Azimuth Media production group, or with an International Program, please visit www.worldsecurityinstitute.org to learn more. You can also download the complete guide to World Security Institute internships by clicking here (PDF).  The guidebook includes information on how to apply for CDI internships. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Eligibility Internships are open to recent graduates, graduate students, and highly qualified undergraduates with a strong interest in military policy, national security, foreign affairs, and related public policy issues who are willing to undertake some small administrative tasks. While course work in these areas is not required, strong writing capabilities, prior experience in CDI’s issue areas, and solid computer skills are appreciated. We encourage anyone who is interested in the work of CDI to apply.  U.S. citizenship is not required; however, interns must be able to provide proof at the time of their application that they may work legally in the United States. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Compensation World Security Institute and CDI interns are paid $1,000 per month. In some cases by pre-arrangement, interns may earn academic credit. Interns are responsible for obtaining their own housing.  Applicants with Non-U.S. Citizenship All new hires, when applying, are required to present appropriate identifying documents and documentation of authorization to work in the United States. Interns are responsible for obtaining their own travel and visa arrangements; CDI does not serve as a sponsor for intern work authorization.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, please inform yourself as to the options available for gaining work authorization, the costs, and the time frame. Deadlines A complete application includes a cover letter, resume, university-level transcripts, one 3-5 page writing sample, and two letters of recommendation.  Any materials available electronically ideally may be sent by e-mail as long as they bear the name of the candidate.  The subject line should read "Spring 2008 Internships." Term Dates Deadline Spring 2008 Jan. 1 - May 31 Extended to Oct. 15, 2007 Summer 2008 June 1 - Aug. 31 March 1, 2008 Fall 2008 Sept. 1 - Dec. 31 July 1, 2008 If a candidate anticipates requesting a variance from the specified internship dates, or if they are available and flexible to start earlier, they should indicate this in their e-mail or cover letter. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : How to Apply A complete application includes: • e-mail address • resume  • cover letter • writing sample (3-5 pages in length is sufficient) • transcripts of all university-level courses and grades (unofficial transcripts will suffice) • two letters of recommendation • your country of citizenship and, if not the United States, the availability of appropriate work authorization CDI may conduct a limited number of phone interviews as part of the application process. Where to Direct Your Application Submit application materials to: Internship Coordinator Center for Defense Information 1779 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-2109 internships@cdi.org 202.462.4559 (fax) Questions The information you need to apply can be found on this webpage, which gets updated periodically. Regrettably, due to the large number of candidates, we generally are not able to respond to special inquiries about individual applications or provide tracking information about specific communications of material. Download the complete Internship Guidebook for the World Security Institute (PDF).