Due to COVID related constraints, USTR’s internship program is on hold until further notice. This suspension extends to both volunteers and paid Student Trainees. We are looking forward to resuming our program for the 2021 Spring semester. The safety of USTR staff, including potential employees remains our top priority. We invite you to revisit this page for changes.
Program Description
The intern program at USTR offers paid and volunteer opportunities in which undergraduate, graduate, and recently graduated students gain knowledge and experience in conducting U.S. trade policy. Assignments may include research, analysis, statistics, and coordination of briefing books, report preparation, meeting and conference planning, letter writing, and covering meetings, hearings, and/or legislative markup sessions. Internships are available in most departments of the Washington, DC office.
The program timeframe and application deadline for each session is as follows:
| Sessions | Program Timeframes | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | January - April | November 15th |
| Summer | May - August | March 25th (or once 250 applications are received) |
| Fall | September - December | July 15th |
Due to the fact that this is a volunteer program, USTR does not provide stipends, assistance with housing, nor any other relocation expenses. However, we can provide a transportation subsidy to assist with local commuting costs to and from the DC work location.
Prerequisites
Volunteer applicants must be:
- U.S. Citizens
- 18 years of age or over at the time of application
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college or university (2-4 year institution), or have graduated in the past 2 years from undergraduate or graduate school.
- Selected applicants will be required to obtain a favorable security determination as a prerequisite to employment.
Applicants interested in the paid summer program must meet the specific criteria and qualifications of the job announcement. In order to be considered, you must apply for an opening. Click Here to apply.
USTR is a drug-free workplace. Recent or current drug use is not acceptable, and selectees will be required to complete a confidential pre-employment security questionnaire that includes questions on alcohol and drug use. The Executive Office of the President reserves the right to disapprove tentative selectees based on screening results.
For additional information on the program, please contact USTR's Human Capital Office at (202) 395-7360.
