Spring 2025 Dr. Lawrence J. Korb National Security and International Policy Internship
Reports to:
Managing Director, National Security and International Policy
Staff reporting to this position:
None
Department:
National Security and International Policy
Position classification:
Internship
Compensation range:
$17.50 per hour
Work site:
Hybrid (on-site two days per week, Washington, D.C., office)
Summary
American Progress has an opening for a spring intern with its National Security and International Policy department. The inaugural Dr. Lawrence J. Korb National Security and International Policy Internship offers an aspiring foreign policy professional a unique opportunity to contribute to critical research and policy development in national security. The intern will work alongside experts to address pressing global challenges, with a focus on defense, foreign policy, and strategic studies. This new program honors the legacy of Dr. Korb, a distinguished public servant, scholar, and one of American Progress’ founding foreign policy experts. Throughout his career, Dr. Korb has shaped public discourse and policy direction on key defense and national security issues while offering generous mentorship to his junior colleagues. This internship will continue Dr. Korb’s work by fostering the next generation of national security leaders and offering opportunities to engage with thought leaders and practitioners in the field.
The department seeks to advance a strong progressive vision for U.S. foreign policy by developing innovative ideas and new coalitions to tackle pressing transnational issues such as climate change, economic prosperity, migration, and public health. The team works on a wide array of substantive issues and across a broad geographic scope: from Asia to the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Through this work, American Progress hopes to provide a practical road map showing how democracies and open societies can compete with alternative governing systems to bolster human security, protect democracy and accountability, and deliver results for all.
The intern will have the opportunity to conduct research and make substantive contributions to the department’s mission and ongoing projects in progressive national security, foreign affairs, and global development. The intern will develop the skills and experience needed to contribute effectively as a policy professional to the national security and foreign policy conversation.
The ideal candidate will be driven by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country and the world. The intern will be part of a dynamic department that supports work across American Progress’ five crosscutting priorities:
- Building an economy for all
- Restoring social trust in democracy
- Advancing racial equity and justice
- Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
- Strengthening health
Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and knowledge of basic research methods. The successful candidate will have an interest in helping to promote progressive national security and foreign policy and will be familiar with the department’s recent work.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct research on topical national security issues.
- Draft, edit, and contribute research to memos, columns, event summaries, and reports.
- Provide administrative support for events and large meetings.
- Attend and report on policy meetings, seminars, hearings, and lectures.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements and qualifications:
- Current pursuance of an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree.
- Demonstrated interest in national security issues.
- Strong research and writing skills.
- Willingness to dive into both substantive and operational issues.
- Attention to detail and ability to be thorough.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Commitment to American Progress’ mission and values.
American Progress interns are paid at the Washington, D.C., minimum wage rate of $17.50 per hour and receive paid time off for applicable holidays. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Interns are expected to be available to work from and commute to American Progress’ Washington, D.C., office at least two days per week.
American Progress’ hybrid work policy is posted on our Jobs page. Please visit this page for updates. Any changes to this policy will also be communicated at the time of hire.
Apply Now
This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.
Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from American Progress.
Thank you for your interest in American Progress.
Additional information
American Progress operates two separate nonprofit organizations to maximize the progressive agenda: the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “American Progress.” The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt research and educational institute. It undertakes research, public education and a limited amount of lobbying. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization dedicated to achieving progress through action. It works to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid-response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, political advocacy, and partnerships with other progressive leaders. The organizations share office space and employees.
American Progress is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is more than a commitment at American Progress—it is the foundation of what we do. American Progress recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and all the other characteristics that make us unique.
For more information on the Center for American Progress, please go to www.americanprogress.org. For more information on the Center for American Progress Action Fund, please go to www.americanprogressaction.org.