"My legal internship at USTR afforded me the opportunity to develop skills and contacts which have been instrumental in pursuing a career in international trade law."

Myles Getlan, Attorney, Office of Chief Counsel for Import Administration U.S. Department of Commerce

"My internship at USTR allowed me to obtain a first hand view of how U.S. trade policy is formulated."

Keun Ho Bae, International Trade Attorney

"My experience at USTR gave me the opportunity to work closely with dynamic public and media affairs experts, while enhancing my knowledge of foreign economic affairs. I was able to develop my organizational skills, learn how to perform multiple tasks under strict deadlines, and work as a team player. Most importantly, I acquired the communication skills and professional background that helped me obtain a job on Capitol Hill after I graduated from college."

Elise Kenderian, Legislative Assistant U.S. House of Representatives

Synopsis of Program

The student intern program at USTR is a volunteer program where undergraduate and graduate students gain knowledge and experience on U.S. trade policy and, in many cases, earn college credit at the same time.

Assignments range from research, analyses, statistics, briefing books, report preparation, meeting and conference planning, letter writing, to covering Hill meetings, hearings, and markups as necessary.

Requirements

Students at the undergraduate and graduate levels are eligible. Students are required to submit a resume, writing sample, and a letter stating period of availability. Students may wish to include their particular area of interest (i.e, Asia, Western Hemisphere, Europe). Each resume must include date and place of birth, social security number, current address, and telephone number. ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE UNITED STATES CITIZENS.

Selected applicants will be required to submit to a background security check to obtain at least a "confidential" security clearance. Final clearance depends upon the applicant’s ability to obtain the appropriate security clearance.

USTR is a Drug Free Workplace. Recent or current drug use is not acceptable. Selectees will be required to complete a confidential pre-employment security questionnaire that includes questions on alcohol and drug use. USTR reserves the right to disapprove tentative selectees based on information provided in this questionnaire.

Application Process

Applications will be processed by the Intern Coordinator and circulated to senior staff to determine if there is a need for volunteer assistance. These offices include, General Counsel; Congressional Affairs; Western Hemisphere; Europe and the Mediterranean; Japan; China; Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation; World Trade Organization and Multilateral Affairs; Industry, Agricultural Affairs; Public Affairs; Intergovernmental Affairs; Environment and Natural Resources; Services, Investment, and Intellectual Property; and our Geneva headquarters.

If an office expresses interest, applicants will be interviewed and tentatively selected by one of the unit managers or a staff member.

USTR generally receives approximately 300 applications each semester. Due to the small size of the agency, only 20 to 30 interns are chosen. Those who are not selected are encouraged to apply for the next semester.

The process requires four to six weeks following receipt of application materials. Also, since it is a volunteer program, USTR does not provide stipends. No assistance with housing, transportation, or other arrangements is available. For additional information on the program, please contact USTR Human Resources at (202) 395-7360.

APPLICATION INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO:

Deborah Tidwell
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
Human Resources - Intern Coordinator
600 17th Street, N.W. - Winder Building
Washington, D.C. 20508

Deadlines for Internships are as follows:

• Spring internships - November 30
• Summer internships - March 15
• Fall internships - September 30