Security Related Internships
The Davidson Institute offers security-related internships that provide Dartmouth students with immersive, hands-on experience in international security and policy. By working alongside leading practitioners and researchers, students build practical skills while deepening their understanding of how security policy is developed and implemented. Please see the list of partnered institution internships below and respective application deadlines; please note that not all opportunities are available for each term. There is also an option to “Build Your Own” internship and receive funding for a security-related internship.
Stimson Center Internships
The Stimson Center is a non-profit, non-partisan policy organization that promotes international security, shared prosperity, and justice through applied research and independent analysis, deep engagement, and policy innovation.
We take pride not only in the quality of our work but in the quality of our office culture. Regular social events; professional development opportunities; and an organizational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion make the Stimson Center a fun, supportive, and inclusive place to work.
Interns will be working at least 32 hours per week for 8-10 weeks. All internships are in person based in Stimson’s Washington, D.C. office. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample in one PDF. Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Encouraging diversity is one of Stimson’s core values. As such, we will strive to maximize gender, racial, ethnic, and all other forms of workforce diversity in our hiring process.
Please note: Cover Letters, Resumes, and Writing Samples will be shared with the Stimson Center.
Latin America Internship
The Stimson Center Latin America Program works to address the most urgent challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean. By engaging senior government decision makers, civil society leaders, the private sector, and experts, the Latin America program produces actionable insights to strengthen democratic governance, improve regional security, promote sustainable development, and deepen U.S. relationships in the hemisphere. Latin America program publications and public and private dialogues prioritize U.S. foreign policy, democracy and human rights, trade and economic development, environmental conservation and natural resources, migration, and the rule of law — with a commitment to bridge analysis and policy action.
Latin America program projects aim to accelerate Latin America’s digital transformation, expand the region’s role in the global energy transition, and generate pragmatic ideas for U.S. regional engagement, including to improve the rule of law and compete more effectively against extra-regional actors. These activities involve partnerships with nonpartisan regional experts and institutions and aspire to be innovative and make tangible impacts throughout the Americas.
Application deadline for 26W will be announced this fall.
Better World Campaign Internship
The Better World Campaign is looking for a legislative and research intern to support our outreach to Capitol Hill in support of the U.S.-UN relationship. Interns will have the opportunity to support outreach to legislators, research emerging issues in the U.S.-UN space, assist with strategic communications campaigns, and support general office functions as needed. Additionally, for the fall term, interns will gain experience researching and drafting advocacy materials through the contributions to our annual UN Explained report. Applicants should have good research and writing skills, high-level communication, and an interest in international relations, policy, or political science.
Application deadline for 26W will be announced this fall.
U.S. Naval War College Internships
Work with the U.S. Naval War College faculty in Rhode Island on research related to a wide range of topics in international affairs, security studies, and foreign relations.
The U.S. Naval War College offers in-person internship opportunities. Student interns work directly with Naval War College faculty on research related to a wide range of topics in international affairs, security studies, and foreign relations. Past interns have contributed to research on cyber security, counterterrorism, energy policy, ethics and technology, great-power competition, grand strategy, and maritime conflict, among other themes and topics.
The internship program welcomes students from various academic backgrounds. We are particularly interested in students with training and interests in international history, political science, international relations, economics, and security studies. Students with strong language skills, especially Chinese and Russian, are also encouraged to apply.
The Initiative for Global Security offers funding for Naval War College internships during the fall, winter, and spring terms. The program identifies internship opportunities, based on the needs and availability of Naval War College departments, centers, and faculty. Student interns must be U.S. citizens actively pursuing a degree. To be eligible for this internship students must be on a registered “L” term with the College.
Application
The application is the first phase of a two-phased process. If you are selected by the review committee at the Dickey Center, you will be given further guidance on how to apply directly with the team at NWC. They will require, at least, a cover letter, current CV, and a transcript. If the NWC is able to place you in an internship, the Dickey Center will work with you on funding and pre-departure information.
Note: The application process for these internships is longer than those for most, thus you must apply two terms in advance. The deadline for application for Winter Term 2026 is August 19.
“Build Your Own” Security-Related Internship
What constitutes a security-related internship? Generally speaking, if an internship is focused on peace or security, or is offered by an institution with work that focuses on issues of peace and security, then it qualifies.
In the past, we’ve funded internships with the American Enterprise Institute, the Hudson Institute, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Department of Justice, and the Association for Diplomatic Studies & Training.
Eligibility/Requirements
- Internship must be 8-10 weeks in duration.
- Internship must be unpaid.
- You must already have been accepted for the internship by your host organization.
Application
Deadline for fall ’26 internships is July 29, 2026
Questions?
Reach out to Tom Candon