Apply now for the ISW Summer 2026 Internships based in Washington, DC / Remote ($1,000 monthly living stipend)
Closing Date: 17 April 2026
Apply now for the ISW Summer 2026 Internships based in Washington, DC / Remote ($1,000 monthly living stipend)
ISW Summer 2026 Internships
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is now accepting Summer 2026 Internship Applications! Join a community of young professionals interested in national security and intelligence. From practicing your analytic tradecraft skills in trainings to directly contributing to ISW’s mission on its various research portfolios, you will build relationships that will shape your career in DC and beyond.
ISW s looking for critical thinkers who are ready to challenge themselves and solve new problems. Students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. ISW is offering the following programs for the ISW Summer 2026 Internships:
- National Security & Intelligence Analysis
- Geospatial Intelligence & National Security Technologies
- Communications
- Cognitive Warfare Task Force
Why Work for ISW?
ISW believes that ground realities must drive the formulation of strategy and policy. In pursuit of this principle, ISW conducts detailed open-source intelligence analysis to provide timely and accurate information on current conflicts and security threats directly to policymakers and warfighters.
ISW interns have a unique opportunity to analyze conflicts in ways that directly influence policymaking on the most urgent national security challenges facing the United States. They collaborate closely with analysts throughout the process. They receive classroom education, regular leadership engagement, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technologies employed in business and the intelligence community. Interns have the opportunity to stand at the front lines of military research and policy development, tackling the latest crises in the headlines.
Intern Programs
The Institute for the Study of War is committed to developing the next generation of national security leaders through rigorous, immersive educational programs. ISW offers a wide range of research internships focused on critical regions—including Russia, China, and the Middle East—as well as specialized opportunities in Geospatial Intelligence, National Security Technologies, Cognitive Warfare, and Communications and External Relations.
These programs identify high-potential talent and prepare them for impactful careers in national security by equipping them with skills, mentorship, and real-world experience within ISW’s dynamic open-source intelligence environment.
What You’ll Do
Interns in ISW national security and intelligence analysis program will be paired with researchers on subject matter that best matches their skill sets and language capabilities. Interns provide critical assistance to ISW analysts and receive hands-on training from their supervisors as well as a formal development program taught by its leadership. Interns also collaborate with the wider research team to generate intelligence products and assist with editing, documenting, and compiling materials for publications.
Interns in ISW national security innovation program will use Python and HTML coding and GIS software skills to improve ISW’s research collection, intelligence analysis, and visualizations.
Interns in the operations department play a vital role in supporting mission-critical initiatives that enhance its outreach, amplify its analytical capabilities, and assist with the planning, preparation, and execution of both public events and private briefings hosted by ISW. This internship track offers valuable experience in business development and the operational management of a non-profit research institution.
What ISW Offers
Interns at ISW have an unparalleled opportunity to analyze conflicts in ways that directly inform policy-makers on some of the most pressing issues facing American national security. ISW interns work directly with analysts. Interns receive classroom education, regular leadership engagement, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technologies employed in business and the intelligence community. Interns at ISW have the unique opportunity to engage directly with military research and policy development, addressing the most pressing crises currently shaping global events. In addition to research, ISW provides opportunities to support its team with mission-critical projects that drive its organizational impact.
ISW seeks to prepare its interns for careers in national security. The Institute provides regular, formal education in war studies, analytic methods, policy writing, and more. ISW interns participate in weekly briefings, seminar-style sessions, and workshops. Interns undergo an intensive two-week development program at the start of each semester on key concepts and skills. ISW expert staff is dedicated to each team member’s growth.
The ISW Internship Program is one of three core education programs housed within The General David H. Petraeus Center for Emerging Leaders, launched to identify, educate, and develop the future cadre of leaders committed to America’s national security. ISW views interns as an integral component of the team. Through close collaboration with seasoned analysts, interns have the opportunity to draft, edit, and publish their own research, gaining hands-on experience that directly contributes to national security discourse. Many of these talented individuals have gone on to join ISW’s staff, further demonstrating the program’s commitment to fostering long-term career development in national security.
Interns also join a broad alumni community of up-and-coming national security leaders and practitioners upon completing the program. ISW alumni work across the national security profession, in government as well as NGOs, security and management consulting, law firms, academia, and more.
What ISW is Looking For
ISW is currently seeking motivated and experienced students or recent graduates who can demonstrate a commitment to and interest in the core mission of ISW to join the ISW Internship Program. ISW seeks critical thinkers eager to challenge themselves and tackle complex, evolving problems. ISW welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, including those in non-traditional and interdisciplinary fields. Prior experience in foreign and defense studies is not necessary.
ISW is offering remote, hybrid, and in-person internships in Washington, DC unless stated otherwise. ISW will work with students to receive academic credit where appropriate.
How to Apply
The ISW Internship Program accepts applications seasonally at the application links provided for each internship. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis during the application period.
All internship applications require a:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample
The Institute for the Study of War also has a scholarship program in which candidates may submit an additional cover letter to be considered when applying for one of the internship positions. Intern candidates may receive up to a $1,000 monthly living stipend.
Candidates will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Ability to contribute as a member of one of ISW’s research, operations, business development, or external relations teams; and
- Financial need, such that an unpaid internship would not be possible without assistance.
Click Here To Apply
Follow Opportunities For Everyone on Social Media
