About the role#
The Council on Foreign Relations offers paid internships through the Blavatnik and Robina Franklin Williams programs. These roles provide training in foreign policy and international affairs, along with practical skill development in research, writing, and program planning. Interns work alongside staff in a professional environment and gain exposure to foreign policy experts.
What you'll do#
- Assist staff with the preparation of briefing materials.
- Conduct research using approved databases.
- Write, review, and edit content.
- Support administrative tasks and work across departments.
- Help facilitate meetings and events under staff supervision.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate student.
- Completion of at least four semesters of college coursework by the start date.
- Interest in and knowledge of current foreign policy issues.
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
- Clear written and verbal communication.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
- Experience interacting with high-profile individuals.
Location & details#
- Locations: New York, New York and Washington, District of Columbia.
- Term: Winter 2027.
- Modality: Positions are primarily on-site, though some may allow for remote work.
- Compensation: $18.50 per hour.
- Schedule: 14 to 18 hours per week.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the United States.
About Council on Foreign Relations
The Council on Foreign Relations is a nonpartisan think tank and membership organization based in New York. Founded in 1921, it focuses on foreign policy, economics, and international affairs. The organization publishes the magazine Foreign Affairs and hosts discussions for policymakers and experts. It maintains a staff of 201 to 500 employees.
How to get in at Council on Foreign Relations
Applying to the Council on Foreign Relations requires timing and direct outreach. Because early applicants often secure more attention before the candidate pool becomes crowded, Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published. This helps you get your materials in front of the team while the process is still fresh. You should also look to connect with the people actually hiring for these roles. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company positions, allowing you to reach out directly to ask about the role or a referral. This approach often improves response rates compared to submitting an application into a general queue.
