The Indian market and its one billion plus population, presents lucrative and diverse opportunities for U.S. exporters with the right products, services, and commitment. In recent times, the declining value of the dollar, vis a vis competitors currencies, is expanding and accelerating these opportunities. India’s infrastructure, transportation, energy, environmental, health care, high-tech, and defense sector requirements for equipment and services will exceed tens of billions of dollars in the mid-term as the Indian economy globalizes and expands. India’s GDP, currently growing at 8.7 percent, makes it one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Construction of nearly everything from airports to container ports to teleports is setting the stage to remake India.
We are an experienced, leading edge, worldwide organization helping American firms meet the challenges of a global economy. With India on the forefront of economic prosperity, the U.S. Commercial Service is ready to take on the challenges of such a dynamic system.
The U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is always looking for bright and energetic individuals to join our internship team at either the Embassy or our consulates in Chennai and Mumbai,
Students have the opportunity to apply for a position at one of our three offices during the Spring/Summer/Fall sessions. The internship program will provide invaluable practical business experience in the field of international commerce. There is no better opportunity for students to showcase and enrich their business/marketing skills, develop contacts and gain knowledge of India and its commercial market.
Responsibilities include:
- Work closely with Commercial Service American Officers and Indian Trade Commercial Specialists to help U.S. executives understand India and Indian commercial opportunities;
- Prepare industry specific market research
- Counsel U.S. Companies
- Edit Publications
- Participate in the organization of trade events and exhibitions
- Office management/administration projects on an as-need basis, including system administration IT management
- Attend various functions as a representative of the Commercial Service
- Work closely with other U.S. and Indian agencies on various projects
- Clerical work
Internship Eligibility
Applicants should have upper division standing with a declared major or classified graduate standing at their respective universities, good academic history, and a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average for undergraduates and graduates at the time of application. The applicant also should be prepared to accept the challenge of working in a country with a system different from our own. Students must be U.S. Citizens and require a positive background investigation that takes up to three months (security clearance is mandatory prior to commencing the internship).
Applications will be accepted for one-semester terms. Students are required to be full-time while working in India and, thus, work the equivalent 32-40 hours each week.
This internship is not exclusive to Business students as majority of the majors are relevant. Computer skills, interpersonal skills, and business communication skills are preferred. Foreign travel, studies and language add important dimensions to applicants.
Compensation
This internship is a voluntary position and is unpaid however academic credit is available; consult with your advising councilor. Students are responsible for obtaining their own transportation to and from post, housing, and personal expenses.
Application Process
Eligible applicants are required to submit a resume (limited to one page), letters of recommendation, recent transcripts and a list of five references. We accept applications on a rolling basis - first come, first served.
There after, our internship coordinators will review the applications and schedule telephone interviews for the next round. After the completion of telephone interviews our panel will review all information and make their decision.
Once interns have been selected, all applicants will be notified by email regarding their status, after which the process of security clearance starts. It takes around 3 months for the security paperwork to be completed.
Application Check List
Resume
Two Letters of Recommendation
First, from a current/previous professor who is familiar with your work.
Second, must be from someone with professional credentials, preferably from a previous employer or someone who has known you for more than two years.
(Letters cannot be from any family relatives)
Official College Transcripts
Five References
References must not be related to you
Should know you for a minimum of one year
Must provide all relevant contact information (e-mail, phone number, address)
Completed and Signed Application (upon offer of internship)
Security Clearance
As an intern for the U.S. Commercial Service you will go through a background security investigation. A security clearance is mandatory for the position. If you receive an offer from our office and fail your security clearance then the offer will be revoked. We take the security clearance seriously and make no exceptions.
Upon Completion
Once students have completed their internship with CS India, they will receive a certificate of completion. Further more, the time allotted for the internship can be applied towards the application process for employment with the U.S. Commercial Service.
Interested Students
Please e-mail all applications to: New.Delhi.office.box@mail.doc.gov
Subject line (last name, first name) Internship Application