Back to jobs

Research Intern - Economics Program (Fall 2026)

Washington, D.C.

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 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business seeks a Fall research intern to support its work. The Economics Program focuses on international economic issues and how they impact U.S. competitiveness, prosperity, and economic security. Key areas of focus include trade policy, supply chain resilience, investment policy, international finance, innovation and drivers of economic growth.

We are seeking an undergraduate (junior standing or above), graduate, or recent graduate candidate who has completed coursework in international trade, has a background in trade and economics, and possesses good research and writing skills. The position is full- or part- time and in-person until December 2026. This internship is paid.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work directly with the Economics Program team on ongoing and future projects, including analysis of supply chains, climate change and trade, sustainable development, digital trade, trade and economic arrangements, global economic governance, multilateral institutions, trade facilitation, and foreign investment. 
  • Conduct research and assist with writing reports, quantitative data analysis, and other research products on international economic topics. 
  • Establish and maintain strong working relationships within CSIS and with other organizations under the guidance of the program. 
  • Identify, attend, and take notes on virtual internal and external events relevant to the work of the Economics Program. 
  • Assist as needed on ad hoc projects or requests, as directed by program staff. 

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

  • Candidates will possess advanced econometric and data science skills, with demonstrated experience analyzing economic data and creating insightful data visualizations. 
  • Candidates must have strong English-language writing and research skills and be detail-oriented under pressure. 
  • Candidates should be critical and creative thinkers who thrive in an independent working environment with tight deadlines. 
  • Candidates must be able to function well as part of a friendly, small, and close-knit team. 
  • Practical and/or academic background in the following areas is desirable but not required:   
  • International trade and investment policy  
  • International economics 
  • International finance  
  • International relations  
  • Climate change and sustainability policy 

This candidate will be working alongside colleagues internal to CSIS but also with external parties, including domestic and foreign government officials. Candidates must have strong communication skills, be self-disciplined, and be detail oriented. Prior professional experience is required.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Interested applicants should submit a single combined PDF of their résumé, cover letter, writing sample (3-5 pages), and a college transcript.

Submissions that are not submitted as a single combined PDF will not be considered.  

Salary Range

$18 - $20 USD

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. 

 

 

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

Resume/CV

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...

If yes, you can always opt-out by replying STOP. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy (ADD LINKS)

Conditions of Application and Employment: I understand that any false statements in this application may be cause for rejection or termination of my employment with Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS). I also grant permission to Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS) to investigate my former employment and references, to my former employers and references to release information about me to Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS). In consideration of my potential employment with Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS), I absolve Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS), former employers, and references from any liability with respect to providing information about me, including my employment and attendance records and reasons for termination. I understand that neither this document nor any offer of employment from the employer constitutes an employment contract, unless a specific document to that effect is executed by Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS) and myself in writing. *
Pre-employment Authorization and Consent for Release of Personal Information: The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) (""the Company"") may obtain information about you from a consumer reporting agency for employment purposes. Thus, you may be the subject of a ""consumer report"" and/or an ""investigative consumer report"" which may include information about your character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and/or mode of living and which can involve personal interviews with sources such as your neighbors, friends, or associates. These reports may contain information regarding your credit history, criminal history, social security verification, motor vehicle records (""driving records""), verification of your education or employment history, or other background checks. You have the right, upon written request made within a reasonable time after receipt of this notice, to request disclosure of the nature and scope of any investigative consumer report. Please be advised that the nature and scope of the most common form of investigative consumer report obtained with regard to applicants for employment is an investigation into your education and/or employment history conducted by CSIS, 1616 Rhode Island Ave, Washington, DC 20036, 202-887-0200 or another outside organization. The scope of this notice and authorization is all-encompassing, however, allowing the Company to obtain from any outside organization all manner of consumer reports and investigative consumer reports now and throughout the course of your employment to the extent permitted by law. As a result, you should carefully consider whether to exercise your right to request disclosure of the nature and scope of any investigative consumer report. New York applicants or employees only: You have the right to inspect and receive a copy of any investigative consumer report requested by Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS) by contacting the consumer reporting agency identified above directly. Acknowledgement and Authorization I acknowledge receipt of the NOTICE REGARDING BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION and A SUMMARY OF YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT and certify that I have read and understand both of those documents. I hereby authorize the obtaining of ""consumer reports"" and/or ""investigative consumer reports"" by Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS) at any time after receipt of this authorization and throughout my employment, if applicable. To this end, I hereby authorize, without reservation, any law enforcement agency, administrator, state or federal agency, institution, school or university (public or private), information service bureau, employer, or insurance company to furnish any and all background information requested by CSIS, 1616 Rhode Island Avenue, Washington, DC 20036, 202-887-0200, another outside organization acting on behalf of Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS), and/or Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS) itself. I agree that a facsimile (""fax""), electronic or photographic copy of this Authorization shall be as valid as the original. Minnesota and Oklahoma applicants or employees only: Please check this box if you would like to receive a copy of a consumer report if one is obtained by Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS). [ ] California applicants or employees only: By signing below, you also acknowledge receipt of the NOTICE REGARDING BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA LAW. Please check this box if you would like to receive a copy of an investigative consumer report or consumer credit report at no charge if one is obtained by Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS) whenever you have a right to receive such a copy under California law. *

Ensure that your address contains all necessary items (such as a zip code or house number). Your address cannot contain abbreviations.