📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Internship Fall 2025
🔹 Company: Institute for the Study of War
🔹 Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States
🔹 Job Type: Intern
🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Think Tanks
🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (In-person, Remote, or Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting various communications functions, including media relations, writing, and social media management
- Assisting in creating and editing digital content and executing social media campaigns
- Working directly with analysts and receiving classroom education, regular leadership engagement, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies
- Potential to draft, edit, and publish research under the mentorship of senior analysts and gain academic credit for the internship
ASSUMPTION: This internship is designed to provide a well-rounded experience in communications within the context of national security, offering a unique opportunity to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting media relations and monitoring, writing and copyediting, social media monitoring and management, digital content creation, and media and policy research
✅ Assisting in special projects and company initiatives, including video, graphics, and written material creation and editing
✅ Working five days per week, with part-time work considered on a case-by-case basis
ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed are subject to change based on the organization's needs and the intern's skills and interests.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Current college students or recent graduates
Experience: Demonstrated proficiency in a related field
Required Skills:
- Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills
- Experience adhering to a codified writing style guide
- Experience reviewing the written work of others
- Self-motivation, creativity, and ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with graphic design software
- Knowledge of the national security landscape
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with social media platforms are likely expected.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Up to $1,000 monthly living stipend (taxable income)
Benefits:
- Potential academic credit for the internship
- Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies
- Regular leadership engagement and mentorship
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with part-time work considered on a case-by-case basis
ASSUMPTION: The living stipend is intended to help cover living expenses during the internship period.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Think Tanks, focused on military affairs, defense policy, and national security
Company Size: Small (11-50 employees), allowing for close collaboration and mentorship opportunities
Founded: 2007, with a history of providing reliable research and trusted analysis to inform policy decisions
Company Description:
- Committed to improving the nation’s ability to execute military operations and respond to emerging threats
- Conducts detailed, open-source intelligence analysis to provide accurate information on current conflicts and security threats
- Educates practitioners, policy makers, members of the media, and the public to enhance the quality of policy debates
Company Specialties:
- Research and analysis
- Foreign policy and military affairs
- Defense policy and national security
- Middle East studies and Russia studies
Company Website: understandingwar.org
ASSUMPTION: The Institute for the Study of War is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy research organization dedicated to advancing an informed understanding of military affairs.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level, with opportunities for growth and development
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Communications Team, with opportunities to work with analysts and other departments
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (in-person, remote, or hybrid), with the option for part-time work on a case-by-case basis
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to draft, edit, and publish research under the mentorship of senior analysts
- Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies employed in business and the intelligence community
- Potential to gain academic credit for the internship
ASSUMPTION: This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in communications within the context of national security and to develop skills that can be applied to future career pursuits.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (in-person, remote, or hybrid)
Office Location(s): 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 515, Washington, DC 20036, US
Geographic Context:
- Washington, DC, is a major hub for national security and policy-making
- Close proximity to various government agencies and think tanks
- Vibrant cultural scene and numerous historical sites
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with part-time work considered on a case-by-case basis
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with opportunities for collaboration and mentorship.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Submit resume, cover letter, and writing/editing sample through the application portal
- Review of application materials
- Interview with the Communications Team
- Decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Creativity and adaptability
- Alignment with company values and mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this specific role
- Include a well-crafted writing/editing sample that demonstrates the impact of your edits
- Address the most pressing national security problem the US faces today and propose solutions in your scholarship application cover letter
ATS Keywords: Writing, Editing, Communications, Media Relations, Social Media Management, Digital Content Creation, Research, Copyediting, Creativity, Organization, Self-Motivation, Dynamic Environment
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and applicants should strive to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Social media platforms (X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
- Graphic design software (if applicable)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is expected, and proficiency may be required for certain tasks.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Non-partisan and non-profit mission
- Commitment to reliable research and trusted analysis
- Focus on improving the nation’s ability to execute military operations and respond to emerging threats
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Collaborative and mentorship-driven culture
- Opportunities for growth and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I possess strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills?
- Am I comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment?
- Do I share the company's commitment to improving national security through reliable research and trusted analysis?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with the company's values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling internship experience.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing internship responsibilities with academic coursework
- Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
- Meeting the high standards set by the organization and its mission
- Competing with other applicants for a limited number of internship positions
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong time management skills, adaptability, and a commitment to the organization's mission.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other communications internships, this role focuses on national security and military affairs
- Applicants should have an interest in and knowledge of the national security landscape
- This internship offers unique opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies and gain academic credit
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider their interest in national security and military affairs when comparing this role to other communications internships.
📝 Sample Projects
- Creating and editing digital content, such as videos, graphics, and written material
- Assisting in special projects and company initiatives
- Executing social media campaigns across various platforms
ASSUMPTION: These projects are subject to change based on the organization's needs and the intern's skills and interests.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing national security challenges facing the US today, and how can this internship contribute to addressing them?
- How does this internship fit into the organization's broader mission and goals?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development during this internship?
- How does the Communications Team collaborate with other departments within the organization?
- What are the expectations for this internship, and how will my performance be evaluated?
ASSUMPTION: These questions can help applicants better understand the role, the organization, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your resume, cover letter, and writing/editing sample through the application portal (https://understandingwar.bamboohr.com/careers/209)
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this specific role
- Include a well-crafted writing/editing sample that demonstrates the impact of your edits
- Prepare a scholarship application cover letter addressing the specified questions and upload it as part of your internship application
- Follow up with the hiring manager after one week if you have not heard back regarding your application status
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
