Student Import Policy Internship (Unpaid, Hybrid/Online)

Job title: Student Import Policy Internship (Unpaid, Hybrid/Online), Summer 2024 

Industry Monitoring and Analysis Unit, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration (ITA), United States Department of Commerce 

About this Internship:

1. The aluminum and steel industries are important for U.S. trade policy given their role in many sectors of the economy and infrastructure of the United States.  These industries are especially relevant to current trade policy because they are central to many trade issues and covered by numerous trade measures in countries around the world.  The Industry Monitoring and Analysis Unit (IMAU), within Enforcement & Compliance’s Office of Policy, makes information widely available by publicly monitoring early U.S. import trends in the aluminum and steel industries.  This allows the public to make market-based decisions and helps implement Commerce’s aluminum and steel strategies. Please look at our websites: trade.gov/steel and trade.gov/aluminum for more information.

1. This hybrid, virtual internship will give the successful candidate first-hand exposure to the implementation of public trade policies on both a national and international level. The incumbent will have the opportunity to learn about tools the government has available to address trade distortions in the manufacturing sector, as well as learning how to identify and evaluate trade trends and investment patterns that affect global aluminum and steel trade. In addition, this internship will provide an understanding of potential trade-related career paths in the U.S. Federal Government. The internship may be extended into the Fall of 2024 upon successful completion of the Summer semester program.

1. The intern will primarily assist the IMAU team with their responsibilities of monitoring U.S. imports of aluminum and steel mill products, and global trade/investment patterns in the aluminum and steel industries. Tasks will include helping to draft reports that inform the public about recent developments in the world’s largest steel importing and exporting countries and conducting research into trade distortion patterns on aluminum, steel, and other industries. The interns may also assist in company research and preparing briefing materials for Commerce and other agency officials. 

1. In the Summer 2024 semester, the selected intern will complete the hybrid internship either in-person (part-time) or online and will be expected to maintain regular communication with IMAU team members through Microsoft Teams, email, and other online communication. Interns in the DC Area may be able to come into the office periodically.

Desired knowledge, languages, skills, abilities, and/or experiences needed to successfully achieve the deliverables of this assignment:

1. Ability to multi-task; work in a multi-faceted environment.
2. Excellent research and writing skills.
3. Strong skills using Microsoft Office programs, especially data analysis through Excel. 
4. Looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual who has the ability to work as part of a team. 
5. Candidates should have an interest in and some knowledge of international affairs. 
6. Minimum of 25-30 hours per week for the summer. If extended to the fall, minimum of 15+ hours per week.
7. U.S. citizen and will need to complete fingerprinting along with onboarding paperwork soon after acceptance of the internship offer.

About International Trade Administration – Headquarters: The International Trade Administration (ITA) strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment, and ensures fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of our trade laws and agreements. ITA works to improve the global business environment and helps U.S. organizations compete at home and abroad. 

Education Criteria and Who May Apply:  Undergraduate (current Juniors, or Seniors) or Graduate students, majoring in Economics, Political Science/Government, International Studies/Comparative Politics, International Business, Public Administration, or a related field. Applicants must plan to be enrolled full-time or part-time in the fall 2024 semester and be U.S. citizens capable of providing proof of citizenship if selected.

Application Instructions:

We will start reviewing applications on a rolling basis as soon as they are received and the application will be open until midnight on Friday, March 15th, 2024, or as soon as a sufficient number of applications have been received. Therefore, this internship may not remain open until March 15th, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. Please submit the following required application materials:

1. Resume. 
2. Short (1-2 page) cover letter addressing why you want to intern with IMAU and what academic or work experiences qualify you for the position. Please address your cover letter to: Julia Hancock and Jonathan Christensen, Intern Coordinators.
3. Unofficial transcript
4. Writing Sample: (Approximately three-five pages, double spaced)
5. Apply through Handshake.