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Foreign Policy

Production Designer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$65K - $70K/yr

Foreign Policy (FP) is seeking an organized and engaged early-career production designer to join ... with strong internships will be considered. * Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite products ...

Foreign Policy

Production Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Foreign Policy (FP) is seeking an organized and engaged early-career production designer to join ... with strong internships will be considered. * Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite products ...

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How much do foreign policy internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for foreign policy internship in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or tasks do interns typically work on during a Foreign Policy Internship?

Foreign Policy Interns often support research on international issues, draft briefing materials, attend and summarize meetings or hearings, and help organize events or policy discussions. Interns may also assist with monitoring global news, preparing reports for senior staff, and conducting analysis on current foreign policy developments. These tasks provide hands-on experience and the opportunity to collaborate with policy analysts, diplomats, and advocacy professionals, offering valuable exposure to the complexities of international relations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Foreign Policy Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foreign Policy Intern, you need a strong foundation in international relations, political science, and research, typically supported by coursework or a related degree in these fields. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, data visualization software, and proficiency in foreign languages or research databases is often expected. Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical thinking, and cultural awareness are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively supporting policy research, analysis, and communication in a fast-paced, globally focused environment.

What is the difference between Foreign Policy Internship vs Policy Analyst?

AspectForeign Policy InternshipPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates, some internships may require relevant coursework or language skillsBachelor's or master's degree in political science, international relations, or related fields; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentInternships in government agencies, NGOs, or think tanks; often temporary and entry-levelFull-time roles in government, think tanks, or consulting firms; more permanent and responsibility-driven
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations to train future professionals; often part of educational programsUsed by organizations to analyze policies, provide recommendations, and influence decision-making

Foreign Policy Internships are entry-level opportunities for students or recent graduates to gain exposure to international relations, often in a temporary setting. Policy Analysts are more experienced professionals who evaluate and develop policies, typically holding advanced degrees and working in permanent roles. While both roles focus on international and policy issues, internships serve as training positions, whereas analyst roles involve active policy development and analysis.

What are foreign policy internships?

Foreign policy internships are temporary positions, often for students or recent graduates, that provide hands-on experience in the field of international relations and diplomacy. Interns support organizations such as government agencies, think tanks, international NGOs, or research institutions with tasks like research, policy analysis, event planning, and communications. These internships offer valuable exposure to global issues, networking opportunities, and a chance to develop skills relevant to foreign policy careers. They can also serve as a stepping stone to full-time roles in the sector.
What cities are hiring for Foreign Policy Internship jobs? Cities with the most Foreign Policy Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Foreign Policy jobs? The most popular types of Foreign Policy jobs are:
What states have the most Foreign Policy Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Foreign Policy Internship jobs include:
Foreign Policy Internship jobs near you
FDD Action Policy Fall 2026 Internship

FDD Action Policy Fall 2026 Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Washington, DC • On-site

$1.0K - $2.0K/wk

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

About FDD Action
FDD Action is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization that works with policymakers to advance a robust U.S. foreign policy-one that strengthens our national security, counters our adversaries, and supports our allies. FDD Action provides Congress with actionable insights and legislative solutions, including through the NDAA and appropriations processes, to counter China, Russia, Iran, and other adversaries and threats. Our extensive expertise ranges from sanctions and counterterrorism to arms sales, combating antisemitism, and addressing foreign influence in education.
About FDD Action's Policy Internship
We are seeking full-time and part-time policy interns to work at the intersection of research, strategy, and legislative action. You'll be embedded in real congressional projects: analyzing pressing national security challenges and tracking live policy debates as they unfold on Capitol Hill. Issue areas include sanctions and export controls, defense policy, and countering foreign malign influence and activities. Through this internship, interns will contribute to FDD Action's efforts to shape policies being developed in Congress.
As a policy intern, you will develop a tangible skill set and insider knowledge of how Congress actually works-the kind of foundation that launches Capitol Hill careers. Expect to sharpen your research, writing, and analytical abilities while building a professional network that extends well beyond your time here. You'll also gain unique experience in our policy work, providing insight into how national security advocacy operates in practice.
We provide interns with dedicated mentorship and career guidance through educational sessions with issue-area experts and FDD Action staff. Our alumni have gone on to hold positions in congressional offices, think tanks, and executive-branch agencies.
We are looking for detail-oriented self-starters with strong research skills and genuine curiosity about the legislative process. Prior Hill experience is a plus, but is not required-motivation and initiative matter more.
Intern Responsibilities
  • Conduct legislative research on pressing national security issues in support of FDD Action's policy objectives
  • Track and analyze policy developments as they move through the NDAA and appropriations processes
  • Monitor, summarize, and analyze executive and legislative branch actions
  • Attend, cover, and summarize key congressional hearings and national security events
  • Provide responsive research support to FDD Action staff
  • Prepare briefing materials and background documents for congressional meetings

Eligibility
  • Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Computer Science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
  • Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
  • Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Application Materials Required
  • Resume/CV
  • Cover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD Action projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also, indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)
  • Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
  • Unofficial transcript copy

In your cover letter, please specify the internship concentrations for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences): 1) Europe and U.S. Cyber Policy; 2) Middle East and U.S. Defense Policy; and 3) Indo-Pacific, Latin America, and U.S. Financial Power. If you plan to also apply for the advocacy internship, please indicate which internship you would consider your primary preference.
The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Apply