The Harlem U.S. Export Assistance Center has a limited number of unpaid student volunteer positions to offer undergraduate and graduate students considering careers in international business.

Eligibility

• The student should be at least 16 years of age
• The student must be a U.S. citizens; and
• The student must be enrolled at least half-time at an accredited college/university

Major Areas of Study

All Business Majors, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, Law, International Studies and Relations, Marketing, Finance, Foreign Language, Communications, Sociology, Geography and History.

Required Skills and Computer Knowledge

• Proficient typing skills, data entry skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Lotus Notes;
• Proficient internet skills using Microsoft Internet Explorer, knowledge in information retrieval, search engines and cut/paste skills; and
• Basic telephone etiquette skills, fax knowledge, and e-mail proficiency.

Responsibilities

The student volunteer will conduct a host of duties that range from responding to telephone inquiries concerning international trade to international market research. The value of the internship is centered on the research that the student will perform for the Harlem U.S. Export Assistance Center office staff.  Student volunteers will research Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Upper Manhattan manufacturing and service companies to determine the extent of their international activities, assist companies in locating foreign agents and distributors for their products and services, and pursue foreign sales leads provided by commercial officers at U.S. Embassies abroad. Not only will the student volunteer gain an insight into international market research and exporting, but the he or she will also acquire an understanding of the resources available to businesses at the city, state, and federal levels.

Student volunteers will also have the opportunity to work on individual projects. Such projects may include recruiting for Foreign Trade Delegations and Trade Shows, and organizing Foreign Buyer Programs, taking part in trade development meetings with American and foreign government officials and executives in key industries, writing on international trade and regulatory issues involving trade negotiations, and promoting industry trade events to the international community.

Duration of Student Volunteer Position

The positions are usually for a period of three months and can be extended. The internship is a voluntary effort.  Unfortunately, funds are currently not available to cover any costs incurred during this internship. We request that an intern have at least 12 to 16 hours a week to offer.

How to Apply

If you would like to learn more about our student volunteer program, please complete the interest questionnaire, and we will contact you with further details.