Internship Opportunities
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.
About FDD's Internship Program
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide meaningful professional development. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series featuring senior staff members in a small-group setting and are encouraged to strengthen their academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Cyber & Technology Innovation Research
FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI) is seeking part-time or full-time interns. CCTI promotes a greater understanding within the U.S. government, private sector, and allied countries of the threats and opportunities to national security and economic prosperity posed by the rapidly expanding technological environment. Interns will work closely with all members of the CCTI team, including CCTI director Annie Fixler and CCTI senior director RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery.
For the fall semester, specific projects will include work related to adversarial influence operations, adversarial use of AI, U.S. and allied cyber capabilities, NATO cyber readiness, and critical infrastructure resilience.
Qualified interns will have coursework in international relations, national security policy, computer science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study. They will have an interest in the intersection between cyber and national security, as well as the ability to work alone and as a member of a team. Standout candidates are responsive, self-motivated, and able to learn and work quickly. Basic awareness of computer networking and cybersecurity practices, knowledge of policy writing, experience on Capitol Hill, and familiarity with Europe or the Indo-Pacific are all helpful but not required. In-person and full-time interns are preferred, but virtual and part-time participants will be considered equally.
Applicants should indicate preferences and include experiences related to upcoming CCTI areas of work as indicated above. Please submit a resume or CV, cover letter, transcript, and writing sample. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For additional information about CCTI, please visit fdd.org/ccti.
Eligibility
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Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
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Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science. Computer science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
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Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
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Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
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Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Application Materials Required
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Resume/CV
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Cover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)
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Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
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Unofficial transcript copy
Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
