Intern - Korea Chair (Spring and Summer 2026)

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Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Posted 3 months ago

Internship

Washington, District of Columbia

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The intern will conduct policy research on the Korean peninsula and contribute to the Beyond Parallel project through data coding and database management. Additionally, they will provide administrative support, monitor current events, and assist in event planning and staffing.

Qualifications

You have demonstrated interest in the Korean peninsula and Asia with experience or coursework in compiling and coding qualitative data, or background in mapping and satellite imagery. You are a self-starter able to engage in research, writing, and logistical tasks, and you possess strong writing and communication skills.

Must Have Skills for ATS

Python

Korean

Chinese

Bluesky

Twitter/X

Instagram

Photoshop

Canva

Excel

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:   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.   The Office of the Korea Chair is devoted to building an active policy research program in Washington, DC on the Korean peninsula. The CSIS Korea Chair conducts independent policy research on issues critical to the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Asia more broadly; convenes public and private sector stakeholders in Washington and Seoul; and advances a greater understanding of Korean policy issues to policymakers and the public at large. Korea Chair interns gain experience in the areas of professional writing development, policy-research, data collection, and event planning. Due to our fast-paced work environment, interns should be motivated self-starters able to engage in a wide variety of logistical tasks, event management assistance, and research/writing work. We are hiring two full-time interns. Only in extraordinary circumstances will part-time interns be considered.    The 2026 internship will largely focus on work for the Korea Chair and also the Korea Chair’s project, Beyond Parallel: Bringing Transparency and Understanding to Korea http://beyondparallel.csis.org/. We are specifically looking for interns with experience or coursework in at least one of the following areas: 1. Compiling and coding qualitative data 2. Korean or Chinese language abilities are strongly preferred 3. Mapping and satellite imagery    Please indicate in your cover letter which of the above skill sets you have.    The hired candidate 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 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:   • Compile and code qualitative data • Contribute to the development and management of databases for Beyond Parallel • Gather, organize, and input data on infrastructure projects and related primary source documents • Monitor current events related to the Korean peninsula and write weekly policy issue briefs on topics including, but not limited to, unification planning, South Korean domestic politics, trade, & economics, the U.S.-Korea alliance, North Korea, and regional relations • Provide logistical and administrative support, including social media outreach and contact database management • Assist in event planning, preparations, and staffing • Assist in spot and background research for staff • Assist in research and writing for articles, conference reports, event summaries, grant proposals, and other such projects as dictated by program needs     KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:   • Excellent attention to detail, good organizational abilities, professional demeanor, general office skills and strong computer skills • Have a demonstrated interest in the Korean peninsula and Asia • Experience or coursework in compiling and coding qualitative data. • Background in mapping and satellite imagery.  • Good social media (Bluesky, Twitter/X & Instagram), Photoshop, Canva, Excel and coding skills preferred • Possess strong writing and research skills • Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills • Possess good understanding of the research with and usage of primary sources • Willingness to complete administrative and logistical tasks • Ability to work independently as well as closely with a team with a strong work ethic • Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple projects under tight deadlines • Be at least a junior in an undergraduate degree program and have at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent from a non-U.S. institution • Eligible to work in the United States • Ability to commit to working 35 hours per week • Korean, Japanese or Chinese language abilities strongly preferred   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:   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.   Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.   Equal Opportunity Employer.     HOW TO APPLY:    Interested applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, and college transcript at https://careers.csis.org/opportunities. 

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Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Established in Washington, D.C., over 60 years ago, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to providing strategic insights and policy solutions to help decisionmakers chart a course toward a better world. Founded in 1962 by David M. Abshire and Admiral Arleigh Burke, CSIS is one of the world’s preeminent international policy institutions focused on defense and security; geoeconomics and technology; Asia and other regional studies; and transnational challenges ranging from energy and climate to global health policy and food & water security. For nine consecutive years, CSIS was named the world's number one think tank for international security by the University of Pennsylvania's “Go To Think Tank Index.” The Center’s over 275 full-time staff and large network of affiliated scholars conduct research and analysis and develop policy initiatives that look to the future and anticipate change. CSIS is regularly called upon by Congress, the executive branch, the media, and others to explain the day’s events and offer recommendations to improve U.S. strategy. In late 2015, Thomas J. Pritzker was named chairman of the CSIS Board of Trustees. Mr. Pritzker succeeded former U.S. senator Sam Nunn (D-GA), who chaired the CSIS Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2015. CSIS is led by John J. Hamre, who has served as president and chief executive officer since 2000. Twitter: cs.is/U4RJEq LinkedIn: cs.is/33W0gX8 Instagram: cs.is/2ZbBTkF Threads: cs.is/3vamuH2 YouTube: cs.is/2TKVQ0k Podcasts: cs.is/2NuWcaD
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