Fall 2024 Internship, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Office of Asia

The Office of Asia is excited to announce an internship opportunity to support our Southeast Asia Team’s dynamic, high-profile international affairs work as we promote U.S. trade and investment with the fast-growing Indo-Pacific region. The Office of Asia is part of the International Trade Administration (ITA), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, in Washington, DC.  

The Southeast Asia Team assists and advocates for U.S. businesses in international markets to foster U.S. economic prosperity. We work with a network of trade promotion and policy professional colleagues in the 10 countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and in 100 U.S. cities. Together, we promote U.S. exports by companies large and small; advance and protect U.S. commercial interests overseas; and attract inward investment into the United States. 

The Southeast Asia Team is seeking a full- or part-time unpaid intern in Washington, DC. Candidates who will intern in-person at the Washington, DC, office are preferred, but candidates who work remotely will be considered.  Interns must be able to commit to at least 20 hours, with a maximum of 40 hours of work per week, for a flexible internship period not to exceed 120 days.  Interns will have the opportunity to work with several international trade specialists at our headquarters in Washington, DC, and with other Department of Commerce colleagues in the United States and overseas. 

Opportunities may include: 

• Supporting country experts in our office in D.C. to prepare for meetings with trade associations, companies, foreign governments, think tanks, and other organizations
• Researching and analyzing trade issues involving the United States and Southeast Asia
• Participating in meetings with country experts and office leadership
• Drafting briefing documents and preparing trip books for Department of Commerce officials
• Analyzing and presenting trade and investment data
• Coordinating meeting arrangements
• Networking with other Department of Commerce interns
• Supporting strategic outreach to U.S. exporters, particularly in underserved communities;
• Supporting strategic communications, including social media
• Helping develop presentations and visualizations
• Supporting Department of Commerce trade missions to Southeast Asia
• Other projects as needed

Ideal applicants must have: strong research and analytical skills, an interest in advancing U.S. industry competitiveness, excellent oral and written communication skills, and an ability to thrive in a team setting. Also welcome are: knowledge of Asia and economic issues and ability to work in-person at the Washington, DC office. 

Requirements:  Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university, and living in the United States.   

How to apply:  Interested applicants are asked to submit a cover letter (optional), resume, and writing sample of no more than 1-2 pages (an excerpt of a longer paper is acceptable). Please submit ONE document containing your materials in pdf (preferred) or Word format. Please use the following naming convention for your document: LASTNAME_Firstname.pdf (e.g., DOE_Jane.pdf).  Submit your application via Handshake by July 19, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received so submission before the deadline is highly encouraged.  Thank you for your interest! 

If offered an internship:  Applicants must ask their school’s career center about financial aid or other funding options for public service or other unpaid internships and to research possible sources outside school.  The Office of Asia is open to accommodating students seeking academic credit if the internship meets their school’s requirements. 

The U.S. Department of Commerce provides fair access, opportunities, and advancement for all, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or work arrangement.