We encourage all students to seek out internships while working on completing their degree programs. For opportunities specific to the Yeutter Institute learn about the Yeutter Student Scholar Award and the institute's internship partnership with the Washington International Trade Association in Washington, D.C.
The following list details organizations to consider if you are interested in the field of international trade. This is to serve as a resource; the Yeutter Institute is not connected with these programs. Please directly contact the sponsoring organization for more information and consult Career Services for additional support when seeking out and applying for internships.
U.S. Government
- Office of the U.S. Trade Representative - Washington, D.C.
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.
Timeline: Summer session, apply by March 25th; Spring session, apply by November 15th; Fall session, apply by July 15th.
- U.S. Department of Commerce - Washington, D.C.
The Department of Commerce accepts interns in offices across the department. The International Trade Administration (ITA) is one participating office. ITA’s mission is to create prosperity by strengthening the global competitiveness of U.S. industry, promoting trade and investment, and ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements.
Timeline: Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis for summer, spring, and fall sessions.
- U.S. Department of Treasury - Washington, D.C.
Unpaid opportunity to support Treasury’s work in promoting economic prosperity and ensuring the financial security of the United States. Students can work in one of many offices which make up Treasury Departmental Offices (headquarters).
Timeline: Spring, apply in October; Summer apply in December; Fall apply in June.
- U.S. Department of State - Washington, D.C.
Unpaid internship with the opportunity to work in U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world, as well as in various bureaus located in Washington, D.C. and at Department offices around the United States. This program is designed to provide substantive learning experiences in a foreign affairs environment.
Timeline: Summer session, apply September-November); Fall session, apply February-March; Spring session, apply May-June.
Virtual Student Federal Service Internship, Department of State
Virtual interns partner with U.S. diplomatic posts and domestic federal offices to conduct digital diplomacy that reflects the realities of our networked world. Students work remotely on projects up to 10 hours per week from September to May, and can have a flexible schedule during the school year. Projects may be research-based, reporting on human rights, economics or the environment, for example. Or they may be technology-oriented, designing web pages or coding.
- U.S. Senate: Committees on Finance, Foreign Relations - Washington, D.C.
Senate committees offer internships with the majority and minority party and are listed independently of each other. Often preference is given to applicants from the chair or ranking member’s home state. Senate offices also accept interns. Opportunities are posted to the Senate Internship Opportunities Bulletin.
Timeline: Summer, apply mid-spring. Internships may be offered in the spring and fall as well and should be confirmed with each member office and committee.
- U.S. House of Representatives: Ways and Means Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee - Washington, D.C.
House committees offer internships with the majority and minority party and are listed independently of each other. Often preference is given to applicants from the chair or ranking member’s home state. Congressional offices also accept interns. Deadlines for summer programs are typically mid-spring.
Timeline: Summer, apply mid-spring. Internships may be offered in the spring and fall as well and should be confirmed with each member office and committee.
- U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) - Washington, D.C.
The U.S. International Trade Commission is an independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial federal agency that fulfills a range of trade-related mandates. They provide analysis of international trade issues to the President and the Congress. Information about the Internship Program can be found at USAJOBS. - U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) - Washington, D.C.
DFC is America’s development bank. DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. -- DFC’s unpaid Student Internship Program offers challenging opportunities to more than one hundred undergraduate and graduate students each year. Applicants must apply via USAJOBS in order to be considered for placement.
Timeline: Summer - Apply by March 1; Fall - Apply by July 1; Winter - Apply by November 1; Spring - Apply by January 1.
International Organizations
- United Nations System and other International Organizations Internship Programs
Please review the U.S. Department of State’s International Organization Careers page for specific information about each program and their respective application deadlines, as the requirements for these programs vary. It is possible that some international organizations do not advertise internship opportunities, in which case, you should reach out to the specific international organization of interest to inquire about possible internship positions. Regional offices tend to be less competitive than headquarters posts.
Trade-related internship programs with international organizations include, but are not limited to:
International Trade Centre - Geneva, Switzerland
ITC's works towards creating 'trade impact for good.' ITC goals are to strengthen the integration of the business sector of developing countries and economies in transition into the global economy; improve the performance of trade and investment support institutions for the benefit of SMEs; improve the international competitiveness of SMEs.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTD)* - Geneva, Switzerland
*Must be a graduating senior, recent graduate, or enrolled in a graduate school program
Internships are intended to promote a better understanding of trade and development issues among students and to provide them with insight into how UNCTAD attempts to find solutions to these problems. Internships are not remunerated. Interested students can apply to the specific internship announcements through the UN careers portal.
World Trade Organization (WTO)* - Geneva, Switzerland
*Must have completed at least one year of postgraduate studies
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments.
Think Tanks and Nonprofits
- Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) - Washington, D.C. and New York - Fall 2021 internships are on a fully remote/virtual basis.
"In an ever-changing world, CFR’s work as a leading nonpartisan resource for information and ideas about foreign policy is more important than ever. At CFR, interns do work that matters alongside smart and dedicated staff in a diverse and inclusive environment. Interns are paid a competitive hourly wage while gaining valuable experience through exposure to leading foreign policy experts. They are also offered professional development training as a foundation for future work in the field of foreign policy and international affairs." Opportunities include:
Geoeconomic Studies: Intern will enhance their research, communication, writing, and editing skills as well as data collection and quantitative reasoning skills. The intern will gain knowledge of issues relating to international trade, economic policy and competitiveness, and the legislative process.
International Institutions and Global Governance: Intern will have the opportunity to conduct research on current foreign policy topics, synthesize large amounts of information, and summarize complex arguments concisely. The intern will also develop an understanding of multistage publication production and launch process, learn to work professionally and sensitively with professionals from many different countries, and increase their understanding of international organizations, current issues and debates on global governance.
U.S. Foreign Policy: Intern will assist the research associate and fellow with research, editing, and administrative tasks. The intern will gain firsthand experience with the tools scholars use to analyze U.S. foreign policy and its implications.
Internship, International Economics, Economic History: Intern will work with a team in the studies department and will assist the fellow with research, writing, and editing. The intern will gain firsthand experience with the tools scholars use to analyze economic policy questions.
Timeline: CFR posts all internship opportunities on its website—in June for the fall semester, in October for the spring semester, and in February for the summer semester."
- Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program* - Washington, D.C.
*Graduating seniors or students who have graduated during the last academic year only
The Carnegie Endowment offers approximately 12 one-year fellowships to uniquely qualified graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. They are selected from a pool of nominees nominated by several hundred participating universities and colleges. James C. Gaither Junior Fellows work as research assistants to Carnegie’s senior scholars. Please see your school’s nominating official to learn more about the college application process and please see our FAQ for eligibility requirements.
Timeline: "The program’s deadline is January 15 (or the Friday before if the January 15 falls on a weekend or holiday). However, most schools set an earlier deadline (some as early as November) to receive and review applications. Consult your university for application deadlines and details on the school’s application process. All fellowships begin on August 1st. James C. Gaither Junior Fellows are hired for approximately one year. " - Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) - Washington, D.C.
"CSIS offers full-time and part-time internships for undergraduates, advanced students, and recent graduates who are interested in gaining practical experience in public policy. Interns participate in a variety of activities that support individual programs, including research, writing and project development. In addition, interns will participate in programs offered by the the Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy (AILA), the in-house leadership development program at CSIS.
Timeline: Summer internship opportunities are posted in February, Fall internships are posted in July, and Spring internships are posted in October."
- Atlantic Council - Washington, D.C.
"The Atlantic Council’s Young Global Professionals Program is designed for individuals in their junior or senior years of undergraduate studies or graduate students with a passion for learning and contributing to the Atlantic Council’s mission to shape the global future together. This prestigious paid internship program for intellectual entrepreneurs offers hands-on experience working at the forefront of international affairs and global engagement. The program is also designed as a career accelerator. Through three separate cohorts throughout the year, our program will provide driven, diverse, high-performing classes of young professionals the opportunity to represent the Council’s values and advance our mission with integrity in high-impact, global careers at the Council and beyond."
Timeline: Spring (check for application period), Summer (February-March application period), Fall (check for application period)
- Brookings Institution - Washington, D.C.
Interns may work with Brookings’s staff in research areas - Economic Studies, Foreign Policy, Global Economy and Development, Governance Studies, and Metropolitan Policy. Interns will have the opportunity to attend internal meetings, local think tank events, professional development workshops, and public Brookings events. In addition, interns may participate on Brookings sports teams and network with other interns throughout the Institution. Brookings offers three types of internships - paid, academic for credit, and external sponsorship.
Timeline: Internships are offered during the Summer (January-February application), Fall (check for application timeline) and Spring (October-November application) semesters.
Henry M. Jackson Internship Program - Work in NBR’s Seattle or D.C., offices on research projects and institutional initiatives, providing a mix of research, editorial, and administrative assistance.
The Gorton Leaders Program (GLP) - Offers ten-month fellowships to current undergraduate and graduate students whose degrees focus on international relations and U.S. policy to participate in monthly roundtables with foreign policy experts. Applications are due in January.
Timeline: Variable
- U.S. Global Leadership Coalition - Washington, D.C.
USGLC is looking for interns to help advocate for America's diplomacy and development programs. Students may apply to intern in the following departments: Government Relations, Outreach, Policy, Development (Fundraising), and Communications.
Interns may work in USGLC's
Timeline: Fall term (apply June 1-July 20); Spring term (apply October 15-November 15); Summer term (apply February 25-April 15). Students or recent graduates should send their resume and cover letter, including availability and department preference, to intern@usglc.org - U.S. Council on Competitiveness - Washington, D.C.
The Council on Competitiveness is a non-partisan and non-governmental organization made up of CEOs, university presidents, labor leaders and national lab directors working to ensure U.S. prosperity. Interns will gain valuable experience and have the opportunity to attend meetings with high-level attendees including chief executive officers from U.S. companies and presidents of U.S. universities.
Timeline: The Council accepts internships on a rolling basis – either current students or recent graduates
Private Sector
- Scoular - Omaha, NE based | Internship locations vary
Scoular is an agribusiness firm that buys, sells, stores, handles and processes grain and ingredients by leveraging global networks and expertise in international trade and transportation. Students can intern across many company divisions. A couple of positions include: Supply Chain and Finance Technology Intern, Research and Development Intern, and Brand Marketing & Corporate Communications (BMCC) Intern. - Farm Credit Services of America - Omaha, NE based | Internship locations vary
Intern in business development and strategy, financial services, or technology services. As a customer-owned financial cooperative dedicated to serving rural America, Farm Credit services a variety of clients, many of whom are engaged in international markets.
Timeline: Internships are posted in the third quarter each year for a May start date and 11-12 week duration. - Lindsay Corporation - Omaha, NE based
Lindsay is a global company and "meeting the world’s growing agriculture, water, transportation and industrial technology needs is just the beginning." Internship opportunities vary, including an "internal audit intern," "global irrigation product support intern," and more. - Valmont - Omaha, NE based
Valmont summer internships are part of a structured 10-week program with several students participating in multiple areas of the business. It provides a hands-on experience by immersing college students into the day-to-day business at our company. During the program, you’ll participate in a senior leadership interview, engage with subject matter experts and have the opportunity to present your summer accomplishments to management. Your ideas for continuous improvement can help deliver results on a global scale and change the future of Valmont.
Additional Opportunities
Public Policy Internship, National Corn Growers Association - Washington, D.C.
"The National Corn Growers Association is a membership organization and a federation of states that works with and for the corn states in the U.S. NCGA exists to coordinate the focus, interest and power of their dual membership into a national effort for the corn farmers in the U.S." The internship is supported and selected by the Nebraska Corn Board.
Timeline: Apply October-November for summer.
International Relations Internship, U.S. Grains Council - Washington, D.C.
"The U.S. Grains Council is a private, non-profit organization that develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and related products. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture's profitability. The main office is located in Washington, D.C. with ten overseas offices: China, Mexico, Egypt, Taiwan, Japan, Tunisia, South Korea, Jordan, Malaysia and Panama." The internship is supported and selected by the Nebraska Corn Board.
Timeline: Apply October-November for summer.
Promotion and International Relations Internship, U.S. Meat Export Federation - Denver, Colorado
"The mission of USMEF is 'to increase the value and profitability of the U.S. beef, pork and lamb industries by enhancing demand for their products in export markets through a dynamic partnership of all stakeholders.' Simply put, USMEF is 'putting U.S. meat on the world’s table.'” The internship is supported and selected by the Nebraska Corn Board.
Timeline: Apply October-November for summer.
International Business Development Intern, Nebraska Department of Economic Development - Lincoln, Nebraska
The International Business Development internship at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) is a paid internship program that provides aspiring global professionals an opportunity to assist in the state’s international business attraction efforts. An intern at DED will research companies, assist in hosting high-level visitors to the state, write official correspondence, organize events, and support the state’s Strategic Plan for International Engagement. Located in Lincoln and virtual, the intern will also have the opportunity to work with Nebraska’s international trade offices in Germany and Japan. Applicants are expected to be enrolled as a full-time student at a Nebraska university throughout the entirety of the internship.
Questions? Contact cobus.block@nebraska.gov, Director for International and Business Recruitment.
Timeline: The application window is typically January-March for a May start date. The internship runs one year.