The U.S. Commercial Service in Mexico offers a unique opportunity for students to help promote U.S. business interests in Mexico. Internships are offered throughout the year, and interns gain practical, hands-on international business experience while working in the commercial section of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico.
The program is voluntary and uncompensated and is considered to be part of an applicant’s education. Therefore, internships are open to currently enrolled students who are taking at least one-half of a full-time academic workload, and who will be returning to complete their education immediately upon termination of their internship.
Intern Profile
We look for students with a wide mix of skills for our internship program, with majors ranging from business, international relations, cultural studies, languages, economics, and political science. General qualifications include a strong and consistent academic background, solid analytic skills, and the ability to present information – written and orally – in an organized and logical manner.
In short, we look to core capabilities, motivation and attitude more than a specific major or grade point average. We look for evidence of personal motivation, resourcefulness, initiative, maturity and professionalism.
Our office culture resembles a fast-paced global business more than a government office. We are a team of highly motivated professionals with a range of international business expertise. We are responsible for providing high-value advice and guidance to companies making strategic business decisions. These decisions typically involve evaluating and entering new markets, increasing market share, resolving problems with overseas customers, financing export sales and selecting a distributor who will increase a company’s sales.
Duties and Requirements
The U.S. Commercial Service is proud to offer students a year-round internship program to gain invaluable business experience in the field of international trade. A keen ability to understand the international business environment and global geography is essential. Foreign travel, international studies and multiple language capabilities add an important dimension from applicants. Numerous opportunities will be available to interact with local businesses and trade associations.
Intern duties vary according to the wide range of Commercial Service activities. All U.S. Commercial Service internships are unpaid and we cannot assist with airfare, housing or other expenses. Bilingual proficiency in both English and Spanish is required. To fully benefit from the internship experience, we require a minimum 10 week commitment of 36 hours per week for summer term internships or 20 hours per week for fall, winter or spring term internships.
Who is Eligible?
In order to participate in the U.S. Commercial Service internship program, you must meet the following qualifications:
- United States or Mexican citizenship
- Current enrollment in an institution of higher education
- Fluency in English and Spanish
- Availability for at least 10 weeks
- Good communication and computer skills
Selection is made without regard to considerations of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status or handicap. Every intern must receive a positive security check by the U.S. Government prior to the start of an internship.
Internship Opportunities in Mexico
The U.S. Commercial Service is represented in Mexico in the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City as well as with the U.S. Consulates in Monterrey, Guadalajara and Tijuana. All four offices offer dynamic internship experiences and the chance to learn more about U.S. Commercial Service programs and activities. Internships with the U.S. Commercial Service are ideal for students of international business, international affairs, economics, political science or those with prior international work experience.
For internship opportunities in Mexico, please contact the Intern Coordinator at the Commercial Service office of your choice:
- or Tijuana
Application Process
Commercial Service interns are chosen through a highly selective process. It is imperative that one is able to communicate in a professional environment, be enthusiastic, and willing to learn. The U.S. Commercial Service seeks hard-working, responsible interns of the college/university junior, senior or graduate student level. To begin the application process, please send a statement of interest and your resume/CV to the CS Mexico Intern Coordinator, Aliza Totayo.
If your initial application is accepted, a prospective intern will be required to complete a full application packet.
Employment Opportunities with the U.S. Commercial Service
The U.S. Commercial Service offers a number of different employment opportunities as well as both domestic United States and overseas internships. For more information on the complete range of employment opportunities within the U.S. Commercial Service, please click here.