Unpaid Internships with Global Markets Asia in the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration

The Global Markets Asia unit at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration  (ITA) is seeking unpaid interns on a full or part-time basis. Our mission is to create prosperity by strengthening the international competitiveness of U.S. industry, promoting trade and investment, and ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements.

In the Global Markets Asia unit, you will primarily work with colleagues in one of two sub-offices: the Office of South Asia or the Office of Southeast Asia. Additionally, you will collaborate with colleagues from the unit’s other sub-offices (the Office of East Asia and Oceania and the Office of Multilateral and Strategic Initiatives). Our work is centered at our headquarters in Washington, D.C., with coordination among U.S. Foreign Commercial Service Officers in the field, Locally Employed Staff in embassies and consulates around the region, the Executive Director, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary. Our unit covers 16 countries in the Indo-Pacific region (we do not cover China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Mongolia).   

The Office of South Asia covers Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan. 

The Office of Southeast Asia covers Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Job Duties May Include:

• Researching and analyzing trade issues and data
• Participating in meetings with companies, trade associations, foreign governments, the Commerce Department and other U.S. government agencies
• Writing and editing briefing documents and preparing trip books for U.S. Department of Commerce Officials
• Supporting regional and multilateral ITA initiatives
• Networking with current ITA interns and alumni
• Supporting strategic outreach to U.S. exporters, particularly in underserved communities
• Supporting strategic communications including social media
• Helping develop presentations and visualizations
• Supporting Desk Officers in meetings with foreign governments
• Supporting trade missions of U.S. small, medium, and large-sized businesses
• Coordinating meeting arrangements
• Reporting on events such as congressional committee hearings and think tank conferences.

Ideal applicants should have: 

• A strong interest in U.S.-Asia trade policy and promotion
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• An ability to work independently and within a team
• Research experience
• Be able to work minimally 24 hours per week

Dates:

January 13, 2025 to April 30, 2025*

Requirements: 

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Applicants must be able to come in-person to the office in downtown Washington, D.C. (transit subsidies are available).
• Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

*Internship hours and dates are flexible, but students must be able to work at least 24 hours (3 full days) per week, with accommodation made for class schedule.

How to Apply – Geographic Area of Interest: 

Interested applicants are asked to apply for only one of the geographic areas by submitting ONE document containing your cover letter, resume, transcript, and a writing sample in pdf (preferred) or word format DIRECTLY to one of the contacts listed below. Please use the following naming convention for your document: LASTNAME_Firstname (e.g., DOE_Jane.pdf). Submit your application in Handshake by 11:59pm EST on XXX. Applications will be reviewed as they are received so submission before the deadline is highly encouraged. Thank you for your interest!  

Email Subject Line: “Last name, First Name: Global Markets Asia Spring 2025 Internship Application”

South Asia: Staren Pierce at staren.pierce@trade.gov

Southeast Asia: Emma Santini at emma.santini@trade.gov

• Full-time candidate preferred

If selected for an internship: Applicants may wish to 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. ITA interns may join U.S. Department of Commerce Employee Resource Groups.

ITA is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and students of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.