The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars offers various internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent graduates to gain experience by learning under scholars who are at the Centre on Fellowships. There are at least 50 research interns at any one time, many of whom are replaced at the end of each academic term. Most research assistants do not receive a stipend. A modest stipend may be available if the student is not receiving academic credit.
Interns’ Responsibilities
Most scholars who come to the Wilson Center spend their time carrying out research, writing books, and making public presentations. Research assistants have the unique opportunity to work directly with these experts, as they examine issues of contemporary public policy or explore topics that provide the historical context behind today’s public policy debates.
In support of the scholars, research assistants spend much of their time searching for information, using online academic databases or other publications. They often perform other duties, as well, such as proofreading, editing, critiquing, checking references, summarizing research materials, locating inter-library loan materials, and helping with software or presentation tasks.
Eligibility
- Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4 point scale) or its equivalent
- and be a current, recent (within one calendar year), and/or have been accepted to enter an advanced degree program. Most interns are of at least senior undergraduate level, though strongly qualified juniors will be considered. Graduate students are eligible to apply.
- International students are eligible, but they must hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and appropriate work authorization especially if they are receiving compensation for the internships. The Wilson Center does not sponsor visas.All international students must obtain written permission from their Designated School Official or Responsible Visa Officer at their university stating that they are in valid immigration status and eligible to do an internship at the Center.
- Typical research assistants are students of political science; U.S. government/politics; international relations; history (including US history); foreign languages; international affairs; regional studies; economics; public policy; security studies; journalism and similar disciplines, though students of many other fields of study have sometimes been selected. New scholars are constantly arriving at the Wilson Center, and it can be difficult to predict what specific projects will be carried out in the future. For that reason, all interested students are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
To apply, applicants will need to submit one complete application package to the Internship Coordinator by mail or email. Mailed applications are preferred. A hard copy will ensure that there are no technical difficulties when opening electronic files. The application materials include:
- a completed WWICS Internship Application Form.
- Cover Letter (indicating academic interests or areas of interest)
- Current Resume (indicating relevant coursework); if you are mailing your application, please send 2 copies of your resume
- 3-5 page Writing Sample or excerpt of a recent research paper with separate Works Cited page
- 2 letters of recommendation (do not have to be sealed by recommender); highlighting the applicant’s writing, research, and/or language skills would be useful
- Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
If you are submitting your application by email, attached files should be in Word 2003 compatible or PDF formats. A comprehensive PDF file is encouraged while multiple emails with separate attachments are unacceptable. Please direct your complete application materials to our Internship Coordinator in ONE EMAIL with your name in the subject line: internships@wilsoncenter.org. (This email address is only for research assistant internship applications and NOT for staff internship applications).
Recommendations: If your university prefers to send official recommendations or transcripts separately, then the school may mail, fax, or email them to:
Ms. Krishna Aniel
Internship Coordinator and Recruitment Specialist
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC. 20004-3027
If your recommendations are arriving separately from the rest of your application materials, then please make note of it in your cover letter. Please indicate the names of your recommenders and whether the letters of recommendation will be sent by mail, fax, or email.
Deadlines
Please note the following deadlines:
Start of Internships Deadline for Application
January October 15
June March 15
September July 1
They prefer you use the information on the website and refrain from making email enquiries.
For other internships at the Centre including Program/Staff Internships and Development Office Internships, click INTERNSHIPS here.
