Fall 2013 State Department Internship Opportunity

This is an ideal opportunity for anyone enrolled in an undergrad or graduate program this fall.  Many colleges and universities will offer credit, I understand.

There is no better way to experience the Foreign Service than to travel overseas to work in an embassy or consulate.  While it’s unpaid, it’s worth the investment…

On other blogs, I’ve seen 20-somethings complain that they can’t compete with those who’ve had previous international careers or others with a lot of development or other experience.  This is the way to even the odds.  Ask for a letter of recommendation from your FSO boss.  She’ll be eager  to help, especially if you worked hard and did good work.

The Department notice starts here:

Hello:

We are now accepting applications for the U.S. Department of State 2013 Fall Student Internship Program (unpaid).

Click here (https://state.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/336405300) to go directly to USAJobs to start the Gateway to State online application. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is March 1, 2013.

This program offers U.S. citizen undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to participate in 10-week, unpaid internships that provide intensive educational and professional experience within the environment of America’s principle foreign affairs agency.

The unpaid internships are available at many of the over 265 U.S. embassies, consulates and missions to international organizations around the world, as well as at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. and other locations throughout the U.S. Participants gain first-hand, hands-on experience, and learn the realities of working in – and with – Foreign and Civil Service professionals who are at the forefront of America’s diplomatic efforts.

As an unpaid intern, you may have the opportunity to:

• Participate in meetings with senior level U.S. government or foreign government officials;
• Draft, edit, or contribute to cables, reports, communications, talking points, or other materials used by policy makers in furthering U.S. foreign policy objectives;
• Help organize and support events, including international and/or multi-lateral meetings and conferences on critical global issues;
• Contribute to the management and administration of the Department of State and America’s foreign policy; and
• Engage directly with U.S. or foreign audiences to promote U.S. foreign policy and improve understanding of U.S. culture and society.

So consider spending your Fall 2013 with the U.S. Department of State, witnessing and participating in the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy, working closely with the U.S. diplomats and civil servants who carry out America’s foreign policy initiatives. You’ll not only have an experience of a lifetime, you may even earn educational credit.*

* Applicants who are selected for a U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program (unpaid) can contact the selecting bureau, or the central Student Programs office, if they require further details about the program to support their request for academic credit.

Please visit http://careers.state.gov/students/programs for more information about the Fall 2013 Student Internship Program (unpaid), and to start the online application process via USAJobs. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is March 1, 2013.

We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State.

Visit our forums if you have any questions, or to search for topics of interest. The forums can be found under Engage on the careers.state.gov website. You can also search our FAQs for more information.

U.S. citizenship is required. An equal opportunity employer.