CSET Inaugural Summer Internship Program

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About the Internship

The Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) is seeking applications for its Inaugural Summer 2024 Internship Program. This inaugural internship program will take place over ten weeks, from June 3rd, 2024, to August 9th, 2024. Interns will reside in the heart of DC during the first nine weeks of the program, and complete their final week remotely. Designed specifically for students from select Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority-Serving Institutions, this program represents a unique opportunity for students to delve into the intersection of technology policy and national security under the guidance of experts in the field. 

Interns will report to a senior-level researcher at CSET, conducting research tied to one of CSET’s Lines of Research. Summer Interns will work closely with CSETs Analysis and Data teams to analyze critical aspects of emerging technologies and their impacts on national security. Projects may include researching, writing, and analyzing topics ranging from AI Education and Workforce trends, to global investment in AI, to military applications and industrial effects of AI, to how AI can impact US cybersecurity infrastructure. Interns will learn how to write impactful reports for policymakers, participate in professional development opportunities, broaden their network in DC, and experience immersion into DC culture through various social activities. The internship will culminate in publishing and presenting a CSET research product, providing interns with valuable experience in developing policy solutions in collaboration with the CSET Team.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to apply for the CSET Summer Inaugural Internship program, students must meet the following eligibility criteria.

  • Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in either STEM or policy-related fields, with proven technical skills through a minor, specific courses, or related academic activities.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 Cumulative GPA;
  • Be a rising Junior or Senior (60 completed credits) at one of the following institutions:
    • Turtle Mountain Community College
    • Spelman College
    • Florida A&M University
    • Florida International University
    • Morgan State University
  • Strong interest in emerging technology and national security;
  • Proficiency with office productivity tools like Google Docs, Google Sheets, Microsoft Word and Excel, etc.; 
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills;
  • Comfort working in a collaborative matrixed/multi-disciplinary environment;
  • Motivated, enthusiastic, intellectually curious and self-driven; 
  • Alignment with CSET’s mission, values and culture; and
  • Ability to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

While not a requirement, experience or classwork in related areas (such as national security, international relations, public policy, statistics, etc.) or foreign language proficiency is a plus.

Intern Compensation

In addition to gaining valuable professional experience in the fields of technology policy and national security, summer interns will receive:

  • Competitive hourly wage of $21 for up to 40 hours per week for the 10-week internship program, with the opportunity to continue in a part-time, virtual capacity through the fall 2024 semester for select interns.
  • Cost-free lodging in Washington, D.C for the first 9 weeks of the program.
  • Cost-free travel to and from Washington, D.C.
  • Stipend provided for groceries, metro transport, and professional attire.

Application Instructions

Before starting your application, please carefully review our Intern Research Opportunities document and the CSET web page to familiarize yourself with our work. This document provides an overview of the potential research topics available during the summer internship and will help you identify which Lines of Research align with your skills, academic background, and interests. This will help us place you where you would fit best within our team.

A complete application package consists of the following:  

  • A Resume (2 page max)
  • A copy of your unofficial transcript
  • One faculty or program advisor (academic) letter of recommendation (1-2 page max)
  • Cover letter (3-page max) that addresses the following questions:
    • Why are you interested in this internship opportunity? 
    • What do you hope to gain from the internship? 
    • How would this internship advance your career opportunities?
    • What research topics related to tech policy and national security would you like to explore during the internship? 

Please submit your application to the CSET Inaugural Summer Internship Program before March 4, 2024. Please note that only complete applications will be considered. Application supporting documents and materials should be submitted as PDF files.