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Geospatial Intelligence and National Security Technologies Internship Fall 2026

Institute for the Study of War · Washington, DC · 5 days ago
OTHR$1k/moVolunteer

ISW Internship Program Overview

ISW is offering in-person, remote, and hybrid internships for Fall 2026. Instructions to apply for the scholarship are below.

About the role

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is committed to training the next generation of national security leaders through its innovative educational programs. ISW seeks motivated and experienced college students or recent graduates to join our intern team. Internships are available across diverse research portfolios and departments, including Russia, China, and Iran's proxy networks. ISW also offers internships in National Security & Intelligence Analysis, our Cognitive Warfare Task Force, and in Communications.

Why Work for ISW?

ISW believes that ground realities must drive the formulation of strategy and policy. In pursuit of this principle, ISW conducts detailed open-source intelligence analysis to provide timely and accurate information on current conflicts and security threats directly to policy-makers and warfighters. Interns at ISW have an unparalleled opportunity to analyze conflicts in ways that directly inform policymakers on some of the most pressing issues facing American national security. Our interns work directly with analysts. They receive classroom education, regular leadership engagement, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technologies employed in business and the intelligence community. Interns have the opportunity to stand at the front lines of military research and policy development, tackling the latest crises in the headlines.

Qualifications

  • Motivated and organized college students or recent graduates with demonstrated expertise in a related field.
  • Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
  • Strong capabilities in GIS software such as Esri's ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, or ArcGIS Online. Experience with SQL or ArcGIS Python (Arcpy) is a plus.
  • Able to conduct complex tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Self-motivated, independent, creative, and capable of working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated interest or expertise in national security issues, particularly Russia, Ukraine, China, or issues in the Middle East.
  • Show commitment to—and interest in—the core mission and values of ISW.

Internship Details

This is a full-time internship (five days per week), but part-time work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application Process

Candidates must both be authorized to work in the United States and be physically present in the United States during their internship tenure. Working remotely outside of the United States is not authorized. If you attend a US university on a student visa, you must be eligible for and obtain a CPT authorization before beginning at ISW.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until July 24, 2026. Please upload your resume, cover letter, and writing sample. Your cover letter and writing sample should be no longer than five pages combined; the writing sample can be excerpted from a longer paper. ISW will work with students to gain academic credit for internships where applicable.

ISW Scholarship Application

To be considered for the scholarship, candidates must upload a scholarship application as part of their internship application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until July 24, 2026.

Candidates will be assessed based on the following criteria:

  • Ability to contribute as a member of one of ISW’s research, operations, business development, or external relations teams;
  • Financial need, such that an unpaid internship would not be possible without assistance.

Within the scholarship application, candidates should upload a 2- to 3-page cover letter which answers each of the following questions:

  1. Which ISW internship is your top choice?
  2. Why do you believe you are qualified?
  3. What do you believe to be the most pressing national security problem the US faces today? What solution(s) would you propose?
  4. Where do you see yourself in your future career? How will an ISW internship help you get there?
  5. Why have you chosen to apply for this supplemental scholarship?
  6. Are you currently receiving federal financial aid and/or need-based aid from your university? Please describe using as much detail as you are comfortable.

Note: The up to $1,000 monthly scholarship is classified as taxable income.

Questions? Email internships@understandingwar.org for more information.

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