INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Internship - Defense Budget Analysis Program (Fall 2026)

CompanyCenter for Strategic and International Studies, Inc.
LocationWashington
Work ModeOn Site
PostedAugust 28, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will conduct literature reviews, analyze data, and provide writing and editing support for research projects related to defense spending and strategy. Additionally, they will assist with administrative tasks such as event preparation and tracking relevant legislation in the defense sector.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
1763
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to advancing practical ideas to address the world’s greatest challenges. Founded in 1962, CSIS is led by General Joseph F. Dunford, who was appointed chief executive officer in 2026. CSIS brings together more than 275 full-time staff and a global network of affiliated scholars working across four core areas of public policy: defense and security, geopolitics and foreign policy, economic security and technology, and global development. Our scholars are regularly called upon by Congress, the executive branch, the media, and others to explain the day’s events and offer recommendations to improve U.S. strategy. CSIS’s purpose is to define the future of national security. We are guided by a distinct set of values—non-partisanship, independent thought, innovative thinking, cross-disciplinary scholarship, integrity and professionalism, and talent development. CSIS’s values work in concert toward the goal of making real-world impact. X: cs.is/U4RJEq LinkedIn: cs.is/33W0gX8 Instagram: cs.is/2ZbBTkF Threads: cs.is/3vamuH2 Bluesky: https://bit.ly/4admmIb YouTube: cs.is/2TKVQ0k Podcasts: cs.is/2NuWcaD
About the Role

JOB SUMMARY

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS Defense Budget Analysis Program is seeking an intern to support its research and administrative needs. The Defense Budget Analysis Program explores trends in the overall defense budget, military readiness, force structure, defense acquisitions, and military compensation in a broader effort to assess the alignment of the country’s defense strategy and its resources.

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience.  

Essential duties and responsibilities 

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following 

RESEARCH AND WRITING (70%) 

  • Conduct literature reviews, and compile and analyze data for ongoing research projects;
  • Provide other research, writing, and editing support for various reports and documents;
  • Support written products through background research, copy-editing, and editing citations as necessary;
  • Collaborate with and support multiple staff members on different research projects on topics including U.S. and international defense spending, defense acquisition and the industrial base, military force structure, and security cooperation. 

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES (30%) 

  • Assist in preparation for meetings, private and public events, and conferences; 
  • Tracking relevant legislation and public announcements in the defense funding sector; 
  • Perform ad hoc requests and other duties as necessary in support of staff members. 

Knowledge, education, and experience 

  • Either currently enrolled in a master’s or Ph.D. program; or has recently graduated with a B.A., B.S., M.A., Ph.D. or equivalent; 
  • Interest or experience analyzing U.S. and/or international defense budgets, defense acquisition and the industrial base, or national security; 
  • Excellent record in an academic or research environment; 
  • Strong writing, organizational, communication, and time management skills; 
  • Ability to work independently; 
  • Preference for applicants with statistical and quantitative analysis skills; 
  • Mandarin language skills are a plus, though not required. 
  • Eligible to work in the United States.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS


The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
 
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer. 

 

 

Key Skills
ResearchWritingData AnalysisLiterature ReviewCopy-editingCitation ManagementDefense Budget AnalysisLegislative TrackingOrganizational SkillsCommunicationTime ManagementStatistical AnalysisQuantitative AnalysisMandarin Language
Categories
Science & ResearchGovernment & Public SectorAdministrativeConsultingSecurity & Safety