In today’s competitive world economy, the value of internship and volunteer experience has never been greater.
Future employers and graduate schools are all seeking incoming employees and applicants with “real world” experience. The lack of such experience can place the newly graduated student in a disadvantageous position when looking for a job or applying to graduate school.
Internships and volunteer work provide an opportunity for students to gain this experience.
To find out about volunteer opportunities at OSU, the Columbus area and nationally, make sure to read “Volunteer Opportunities” either on the web, or pick up a copy at the International Studies office in Room 33 Townshend Hall.
Whether for academic credit or not, an internship is a valuable addition to a resume or transcript. To be eligible to receive credit under International Studies 5191, a student must be a Junior or Senior and have a 3.00 minimum cumulative GPA.
All internships for credit must be reviewed and approved by the Director.
Students are strongly encouraged to obtain internship experience. There are two main types of internships: those found by students themselves, and those offered through International Studies.
The first type is typically at the national and international level. International Studies students have successfully interned at the Department of State (including embassies around the world), CIA, NSA, FBI, and other national and international agencies.
The student is responsible for making contact with these agencies and applying for their internships. It is highly recommended that students begin exploring these opportunities during their sophomore and early junior years since paperwork and security clearances can take over a year to complete.
A list of agencies follows, where you can begin your internship search!
The second type is at the campus and metro-Columbus level. Here, International Studies maintains ongoing relationships with several governmental, non-profit and private agencies and organizations. A list serve message is sent out to IS majors approximately two months before the start of each semester listing the local internships available to students.
Eligible students interested in such opportunities submit their resumes to International Studies. A list of agencies is available at the International Studies office.
Below are things to consider when selecting your internship:
- Is the internship paid or unpaid?
- Is the internship full-time or part-time?
- Are there travel costs involved?
- Does the agency assist interns with housing?
- Will participating in the internship delay your graduation?
- Are you required to be enrolled for credit during the internship?
- How long is the internship?
- Is a security clearance required (security clearances can add 8 months to 1 year to the application process)?
- Do you need to be a U.S. Citizen?
- Are there fees involved (example, Washington Academic Internship Program)?
- Do you need to be a certain rank in school?
- Do you meet the application requirements (examples are GPA, particular major)?
- Is the internship during the summer or school year?
Campus & OSU Study Abroad Programs
ASC Center for Career and Professional Success, OSU
Posting of internships for current OSU students.
Canadian Parliament Internship Program, Canada (OSU)
Study Abroad Program
Search under Canada. The Canadian Parliament Internship Program is a semester program during which interns work in the office of a Member of the Canadian Parliament. Students may choose which party and what area of expertise the Member represents.
Washington Internship Program (OSU)
John Glenn College of Public Affairs
The Washington office of the Glenn College works with government agencies and NGOs to supplement the work of the Glenn College, and is the headquarters of the Washington Academic Internship Program, an exciting opportunity for OSU undergraduates to study and work in the nation’s capital as a Glenn Fellow.
National and International
American Academy of Diplomacy
The Academy's mission is to support and strengthen U.S. diplomacy and enhance public appreciation of its critical role in advancing the national interest.
CARE
CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty.
Carter Center
The Carter Center seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.
Center for Disease Control Environmental Internship (CDC)
The CDC collaborates to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health.
Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS)
Since 1962, CSIS has been dedicated to finding ways to sustain American prominence and prosperity as a force for good in the world.
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
The Central Intelligence Agency was created in 1947 to act as the principal adviser to the President for intelligence matters related to the national security.
Commission on Security & Cooperation in Europe (CSCE)
CSCE is an independent U.S. Government agency created in 1976 to monitor and encourage compliance with the Helsinki Final Act.
Corporation for National & Community Services
Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that helps more than 5 million Americans improve the lives of their fellow citizens through service.
Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher.
Cross-Cultural Solutions, Intern Abroad
Cross-Cultural Solutions is a nonprofit working to address critical global issues by providing meaningful volunteer service to communities abroad, and contributing responsibly to local economies.
Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
The Defense Intelligence Agency is a Department of Defense combat support agency and an important member of the United States Intelligence Community.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The Department of Homeland Security has a vital mission: to secure the nation from the many threats we face.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Our mission is to help protect you, your children, your communities, and your businesses from the most dangerous threats facing our nation—from international and domestic terrorists to spies on U.S. soil...from cyber villains to corrupt government officials...from mobsters to violent street gangs...from child predators to serial killers.
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) mission is “We train those who protect our homeland.”
Foreign Affairs
Since its founding in 1922, Foreign Affairs has been the leading forum for serious discussion of American foreign policy and global affairs.
Foreign Agricultural Service Internship (FAS)
The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world to enhance export opportunities and global food security.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
NATO’s essential purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (CWC)
The implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which entered into force in 1997.
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
With 57 States from Europe, Central Asia and North America, the OSCE is the world's largest regional security organization.
Refugees International
Refugees International advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises.
Society for International Development (SIDW)
The Society for International Development is a not-for-profit founded in 1957 and headquartered in Rome.
Strategies for International Development (SID)
Strategies for International Development (SID) works to eliminate rural poverty and build democratic practice in developing countries.
Student Conservation Association (SCA)
SCA places over 2,000 interns in a diverse array of businesses, public land agencies and nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Following 9/11 attack the TSA was created to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems.
UN Association of the United States of America (UN-USA)
The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) is a membership organization dedicated to inform, inspire, and mobilize the American people to support the ideals and vital work of the United Nations.
Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD)
Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) enhances the capacity of community organizations around the world to address local health, social, environmental, and economic issues.
Fund for Peace
The Fund for Peace works to prevent violent conflict and promote sustainable security.
Global Rights Internship in Latin America
Global Rights is a human rights organization working in partnership with local activists in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights.
Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD)
The ICD's ultimate goal is to promote global peace and stability by strengthening and supporting intercultural relations at all levels.
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.
International Trade Center (ITC)
ITC's mission is to foster sustainable economic development and contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
Internships, Fellowships, in the Federal Government
This report describes Internet resources on internships, fellowships, and work experience programs within the federal government.
Middle East Institute
For 65 years, the Middle East Institute has operated as one of the preeminent centers for Middle East research in Washington, DC.
National Security Agency (NSA)
The National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) leads the U.S. Government in cryptology.
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF)
UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
The UNHCR is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide.
UN Office in Geneva
United Nations in the heart of Europe.
U.S. Agency for International Development (AID)
US Agency for International Development has a long history of extending a helping hand to people overseas struggling to make a better life.
U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
CBP’s priority mission of keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S.
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
The Secretary of Defense is the principal defense policy advisor to the President.
U.S. Department of State (DOS)
The US Department of State's mission is to advance freedom for the benefit of the American people and the international community.
U.S. Immigration & Customs (ICE)
The principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA)
Support American businesses with inherently governmental and trade promotion activities.
U.S National Central Bureau of Interpol (USNCBI)
USNCBI's mission is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law.
U.S. Secret Service
The United States Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency. This pamphlet is part of the World of Work career series publications. May 2013.
Download this internship opportunities brochure [pdf]
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