Why Intern at INSA?
- Networking. INSA provides many unique forums to build your professional network, from evening
- events, both large and intimate, to brown-bag lunches with young professionals, longtime Intelligence Community members, and hiring managers from government and industry.
- Professional development. INSA interns are afforded tremendous responsibility as the primary support staff to INSA’s policy groups, overseeing administration and contributing to policy products. Interns will contribute to project management, professional writing, event planning, data collection, and more.
- Practical engagement of intelligence issues. One challenge to entering the intelligence field is developing your résumé before you have received a security clearance. INSA offers a unique opportunity for you to make meaningful contributions to policy initiatives in an unclassified environment.
Position Description
As a medium-sized nonprofit, INSA relies on teamwork, with staff and interns supporting each other to accomplish the best customer service we can provide for our members. Interns are tasked with a variety of responsibilities. Typical duties include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting staff with planning and execution of events, including registration support and serving as liaison to guest speakers and other key invitees
- Coordination of policy group meetings and conference calls and recording notes of those discussions
- Supporting development of white papers and other policy products, per guidance of the staff and policy group chairs
- Reporting on relevant symposiums and panel discussions hosted by local organizations
- Front desk responsibilities, including greeting guests and answering phones
- Other general administrative tasks as assigned
Qualifications
Applicants are not required to have specialized expertise in intelligence or national security, although relevant coursework at the undergraduate or graduate level is a plus. All applicants should be highly motivated and sincere in their desire to pursue a career in intelligence or national security.
Prerequisites
- U.S. citizenship required
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s program concentrating on foreign policy, national security, public policy, homeland security or intelligence studies
- Have a flexible schedule with occasional evening availability
The ideal candidate would have:
- Ability to commit to at least two consecutive semesters*
- Administrative experience and strong customer service skills
- Demonstrable project management or event planning experience
- Strong writing and editing skills and the ability to write for a variety of audiences
- Strong sense of organization and close attention to detail
To Apply
Internship applications are accepted throughout the year, including from admitted students who have not yet begun their graduate program. To be considered, please submit a cover letter identifying the INSA policy groups you would be most interested in working with and résumé to internship@insaonline.org.
