International Trade Administration - US Commercial Service - DC Student Internship Program
The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Internship Experience
Do you want to help senior management make informed decisions, advocate for a wide variety of clients, and solve organizational problems for staff across the US and within embassies around the globe? As trusted intermediaries with extensive public and private sector contacts, credibility and influence in foreign markets, the Commercial Service (CS) effectively assists U.S. businesses and partners in entering and expanding international markets, addressing barriers to accessing foreign markets, winning foreign government procurements, and attracting inward investment. The CS is part of a global network of 106 domestic offices and 119 international offices in 78 markets across the globe.
What can you expect from this internship?
Because of our hands-on internship program, this unique opportunity provides invaluable skills that prepare interns for careers and post-graduate studies at the highest levels. Former interns enjoyed careers and studies at companies and institutions that include Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, IBM, Vanguard, Lockheed Martin, the U.S. Naval Academy, the London School of Economics, NASA, and Lexicon Branding.
The Office of Strategy & Engagement (OSE) within CS operates as an internal consultancy/think tank for the organization and facilitates strategic planning, collects and analyzes data, coordinates performance reporting, conducts and manages program evaluations, identifies and implements business process improvements, manages the customer experience across the organization, executes on social media strategies, coordinates the development of digital content, and manages the organizations web presence.
Job responsibilities vary by staff assignment but include:
- Data analysis and visualization
- Evaluate customer feedback and provide recommendations
- Support staff with project management
- Develop and implement social media strategies
- Write social media posts
- Create engaging marketing materials and images for internal and external stakeholders
- Update web content
- Provide input on digital content and content marketing
- Conduct research on international trade trends, stakeholders, social media trends
Desired candidates will demonstrate personal motivation, resourcefulness, initiative, and professionalism. A relevant major (Business, International Relations/Affairs, Communications, Political Science, Marketing, Economics, Statistics etc) is preferred but not required. Experience with Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and Salesforce is a plus. In addition to the above, strong candidates will possess problem-solving and analytical skills as well as excellent written and communication skills.
Though the internship is unpaid, the valuable experience gained during the program can prove to be very beneficial in the future, especially if the intern is interested in working for the federal government. Please note that due to COVID-19, this position will be remote (i.e. teleworking from home), and will not be required to work in Washington, DC.
Requirements:
- U.S. Citizen
- Available 40 hours/week
- Currently enrolled student at least half-time pursuing a bachelors or graduate degree during the entire duration of the internship