Welcome!

The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commercial Service) located in the U.S. Embassy in Seoul has had, for nearly 10 years one of Korea’s most highly successful and intensive internship programs. We have graduated over 150 interns from our program.

Our six (6) month internship program is longer than most. It provides interns months, not weeks, of real-world business exposure and experience that prepares interns for a professional job.

Please review carefully and thoroughly the information that follows. While we are not able to provide financial remuneration, we do provide a meaningful, constructive, positive working environment that will assist you as you prepare yourself for professional employment.

We sincerely hope, that if you are qualified, you will submit an application.

Sincerely yours,
Commercial Service/U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Embassy, Seoul, South Korea

2013: Winter - Spring Internship Program

Benefits of an Internship with CS Korea

♣ All interns are respected as young professionals and have real international trade assistant responsibilities. As a result, CS Korea interns have a high learning curve and gain valuable experience in a professional work environment.

♣ CS Korea interns are teamed up with a dedicated commercial specialist. They receive continuous individual mentorship and are given opportunities to shadow the specialists during international trade counseling and strategy meetings with business executives. CS Korea interns are afforded rare and prestigious opportunities to participate in both normal and high profile events.

♣ CS interns may have rare and special opportunities to participate in other events and activities that in the past have included: Single Company Promotion receptions, events at the Ambassador's residence, and other high-profile events.

♣ All CS interns will leave with a sound command of professional ethics and protocol. They will network with numerous business entities and form lifelong friendships with their class of interns, and simply have fun.

What You Will Learn

♣ Develop a keen understanding of international trade (U.S.-Korea) and how to foster sound business judgment by developing company screening skills, matching potential business partners, and scheduling/participating in business meetings.

♣ Learn to conduct independent market research and, with supervision, draft quality reports that offer professional industry sector insight.

♣ Gain effective and persuasive communication skills by utilizing different modes/mediums, including telephone, email, conference calls, and letters.

♣ Critical verbal and non-verbal cues in business communication and becoming sensitized to the different styles and cultures associated with international business.

♣ Careful and skillful communication skills with all levels of management.

♣ How to multi-task; how to plan and execute a trade event.

♣ Interns will be exposed to a business environment where they learn to perform under pressure while remaining composed, competent, and organized. Tasks often require very fast turn-around time, and will require quick on-the-ground thinking.

♣ Collaborating with and leveraging colleagues, and networks to strengthen output.

♣ Learning and developing an expertise in one or more of the following areas.

If you have specific areas of interest, please indicate so in your cover letter.

In addition, CS Korea interns receive special training sessions: e.g. orientation, database training, reception training, trade show training, etc. As well, interns will build industry expertise and will develop a network of contacts by being given the opportunity, at no cost, to attend industry specific seminars and conferences alongside Commercial Specialists.

Comments from Previous Interns

The following are comments from previous interns about their internship experience with the U.S. Commercial Service in Korea:

“I will never forget the 6 months I worked here in CS Korea. At first, I was surprised that I was not treated just as an intern but, I could actually express my opinions and be part of many valuable projects as an assistant of commercial specialists. Also, as well as having rare and prestigious opportunities to participate in high profile events, the most things I earned are the precious relations with specialists and my colleague interns. The specialists have been my mentors providing me with advice for my future career to broaden my perspective. My colleague interns taught me the importance of cooperation through many team works. Students pursuing for real working experience along with human relations, CS Korea can be the best place to catch two birds with one stone!” – Nam, You Sun/ Ewha Womans University/ Intern, Winter 2010 – Spring 2011

“An internship at Commercial Service Korea should be considered to be the best opportunity for students who want their careers to get involved in the field of business, government and international relations. When it comes to experiencing real business and government environment, I think interning at Commercial Service Korea is the most appropriate place one can consider working for. As CS Korea interns, we all were able to participate in business meetings, receptions and important diplomatic events with American Officers and Korean commercial specialists.

The most special and memorable moment for me during this internship was when Gary Locke, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce was visiting in Korea with his delegation. I assisted commercial specialist that I was working with in preparing Secretary’s Tea Time with Korean college students. It was truly an honor to meet the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and that was the moment where I felt proud of myself working as an intern at Commercial Service Korea.” – Lee, Se Young/ Ewha Womans University/ Intern, Winter 2010 – Spring 2011

“The most rewarding part of this internship experience is that it gives college students the opportunity to be exposed to special government occasions, as well as real-world business situations. Over the past six months, I’ve enjoyed participating in a wide range of work situations, including basic office work like making phone calls, to attending business meetings and trade shows and assisting VIP protocol at the Secretary’s reception. I’ve learned so much! I am really fortunate to have contributed to trade promotion and business affiliation between Korea and the United States. Last but not least, I thank my colleagues for teaching and supporting me in various ways. It would have been impossible without you guys!” – Kim, Chack/ Yonsei University/ Intern, Winter 2010 – Spring 2011

“Contributing at the forefront of US and Korea trade, acquiring business etiquette through VIP receptions business meetings, and developing effective communication skills are only a small portion of the priceless lessons and experiences gained during my internship. Treated as assistants of commercial specialists, one of the biggest advantages of interning at the US Embassy CS Korea is being able to practice theories into real business settings. Especially, taking part in Maine trade mission and Secretary Locke’s visit to Korea was an unforgettable opportunity as an intern.

Not only did I obtain so much in the international business arena, but also built profound interpersonal relations with my colleagues and commercial specialists. Firmly believing my valuable experience will help me in international relations and business career, I recommend this internship program to applicants seeking for firsthand experience in business and diplomatic fields without hesitation.” – Kim, Ji Yeon/ Ewha Womans University/ Intern, Winter 2010 – Spring 2011

“When you hear the word ‘intern’ what comes up to your mind first? A person scurrying for coffee and papers? Or a person chasing after constant telephone rings and facing battles with an old copy machine day by day? If you find yourself worrying about managing all those tedious chores, you are more than welcome to dispel such ideas once you set your foot into the U.S. Commercial Service Korea. You will be involved in a host of eye-widening experience that will put you into a different self with improved skills and a broader scope of knowledge and intelligence. You will be exposed to the founts of opportunity to grow in researching, composing reports, preparing a meeting from beginning to end, and networking with not only officers and interns within the Embassy but also businessmen from both Korean and American firm. When you leave the Embassy, don’t get too overwhelmed by how much you have grown up!” – Kim, Mi Rae/ Yonsei University/ Intern, Winter 2010 – Spring 2011

Qualifications

General business experience is helpful. Computer skills, and spoken and written business English are required. Fluency in Korean, and previous experience in an international environment are highly desirable. Also highly desirable are the qualities associated with teamwork, the ability to learn quickly, the ability to follow directions, energy, and a high level of enthusiasm. Applicants must meet the June 30, 2012 deadline. A positive background security check, that takes about 3 months, is required prior to commencing the internship.

Remuneration

This position is voluntary and unpaid. We are looking for full-time interns for a minimum of a 24-week period from January 2013 to June 2013.

Timeline for 2013 Winter - Spring Applicants

June 30, 2012 - Application deadline for 2013 Winter - Spring Internship
July 1 to 31, 2012 - Application Reviews and Interviews
August 10, 2012 - Submission of Security Forms for Selected Interns
End of November to Mid-December - Notification of positive security clearance, and internship start date.

Application Packet Should Contain

♣ Curriculum Vitae

♣ Education background including month and year you graduated or will graduate from your current academic institution

♣ Korean and English fluency levels: Spoken, Written and Reading

♣ Previous work or internship experience

♣ Contact information including telephone numbers and email addresses where we can easily reach you

♣ Citizenship

♣ Supporting information: Letter of Recommendation, Cover Letter, etc.

If interested, please send the above information and introductory cover letter via email to:
Intern Coordinator
Email: Office.Seoul@trade.gov
Deadline: June 30, 2012