National War College Internship Program

About the National War College

The NWC mission is to educate future leaders of the Armed Forces, Department of State, and other civilian agencies for high-level policy, command, and staff responsibilities by conducting a senior-level course of study in national security strategy.

The curriculum emphasizes the joint and interagency perspective. Reflecting this emphasis, 59 percent of the student body is composed of equal representation from the land, air, and sea (including Marine and Coast Guard) Services. The remaining 41 percent are drawn from the Department of State and other federal departments and agencies, as well as international fellows from a number of foreign countries.

Internships

NWC offers full-time and part-time volunteer (unpaid) internships during the Fall, Spring, and Summer for currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in Security Studies, International Relations, Public Diplomacy, Grand Strategy, Military Studies, and Political Science.

Interns generally support NWC’s core courses, functional and geographic practicums, and a wide range of national security electives. Interns assist in unclassified areas that include research, administrative support, program development and execution, publication development, communications, and other events such as meetings, conferences, and symposia.

NWC offers interns the opportunity to meet high-level government officials, hear them speak on current issues, and interact with policymakers and academics. Interns work directly with NWC faculty and staff throughout their internships and are exposed to people from all branches of military service, multiple government agencies, international military officers, as well as academics and practitioners in the field of national security. Learning about how the Department of Defense interacts with other government agencies, how these agencies work together to protect our national security, and the career possibilities that exist within government service are just a few benefits of interning at NWC

Who should apply?

• Undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in accredited U.S. universities and colleges.
• Completed coursework and interest in the fields of Security Studies, International Relations, Public Diplomacy, Grand Strategy, Military Studies, and Political Science is highly desirable.
• Applicants interested in external communications are strongly encouraged to apply.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Internship applicants will be assessed on their ability in the following areas:

• Excellent research, analysis, and writing skills
• Strong communication skills
• Team oriented, but able to work independently without constant oversight
• Using online library resources, including online databases, to produce concise analytical pieces
• Comfortable assisting in routine administrative duties including but not limited to copying/scanning, data input and organization, and assisting with NWC events as needed

Internship time period, days, and hours

All NWC internships are located in Washington, DC. Internships are in-person.

Internship periods vary based on the needs of the organization and the course assigned.  Generally, each internship is expected to last one academic semester (specific start and end dates are flexible and are based on each intern’s availability and NWC course requirements).  Interns are expected to work a minimum of 20 hours and a maximum of 40 hours a week, with the specifics to be determined by the intern and his or her supervisor.

When and how to apply

Internship Semester, Dates of Internships, and Application Deadlines are as follows:

We will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis, so it is recommended that interested students apply earlier rather than later.  All applicants must apply by email.  Candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted directly.  Your application should include a cover letter, a resume, a short academic writing sample, and a list of references (at least 3), with at least one academic reference.  Within the cover letter, please explain the semester you are applying for, why you are interested in interning at the National War College, and your areas of expertise and/or interest. All materials should be submitted as one single combined PDF file.

Please send application materials to: interns.nwc@ndu.edu with the subject header “Internship Application, NAME”

Please Note:

• Due to the volume of inquiries and applications, you will only be contacted if you have been selected for an interview after the initial confirmation of receipt.
• Please read all directions carefully before submitting an application; your application will not be reviewed if you do not submit all materials required in one single PDF file.