Application Guide
How to Apply for Intern â Middle East Program (Spring 2026)
at Center For Strategic And International Studies
🏢 About Center For Strategic And International Studies
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a premier bipartisan think tank that provides strategic insights and policy solutions on global issues. What makes CSIS unique is its direct influence on policymakers through rigorous, nonpartisan research and its role as a bridge between academia and government. Working here offers unparalleled access to experts and opportunities to contribute to meaningful policy discussions that shape international relations.
About This Role
This internship with the Middle East Program provides hands-on experience in program management, research, and analysis focused on regional peace and stability. You'll support the development and implementation of program activities, including conducting research on regional issues and assisting with reports, directly contributing to CSIS's mission of informing policy debates. This role is impactful because your work will help shape discussions on critical Middle East challenges.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve conducting morning research on a regional issue, such as analyzing news articles or academic papers, followed by assisting the program team with drafting sections of a report or preparing materials for an event. In the afternoon, you could attend internal meetings to discuss project updates and collaborate on administrative tasks, like organizing data or supporting logistics for program activities.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Center For Strategic And International Studies Is Looking For
- A current Bachelor's or Master's student with a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA) in international relations, political science, Middle Eastern studies, or a related field.
- Demonstrates excellent research and writing skills through academic papers, policy briefs, or previous internship work focused on the Middle East region.
- Possesses strong analytical abilities to assess regional trends and issues, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite for creating program materials.
- Shows genuine passion for Middle East affairs through coursework, language skills, or extracurricular involvement, and can work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
📝 Tips for Applying to Center For Strategic And International Studies
Tailor your resume to highlight specific research projects, papers, or internships related to Middle East politics, security, or economics, using metrics where possible (e.g., 'analyzed 20+ sources on regional conflicts').
In your application materials, reference recent CSIS Middle East Program publications or events to show you've done your homework and understand their focus areas.
Emphasize any experience with program management or administrative support in academic or volunteer settings, as this role involves assisting with program activities.
If you have language skills relevant to the Middle East (e.g., Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew), mention them prominently, as they're highly valued for research roles.
Submit a writing sample that demonstrates analytical rigor on a Middle East topic, ideally in a policy-oriented format similar to CSIS reports.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain your specific interest in the Middle East Program's work, citing a recent CSIS publication or initiative that aligns with your academic or career goals.", 'Highlight your research and analytical skills with concrete examples, such as a paper on regional trends or experience analyzing policy documents.', 'Demonstrate your ability to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment by describing collaborative projects or prior internship experiences.', "Connect your passion for international relations and the Middle East to CSIS's mission of promoting peace and stability, showing how you can contribute meaningfully."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review recent CSIS Middle East Program publications, podcasts, or events to understand their focus areas and analytical approach.
- → Study the backgrounds of Middle East Program staff members to identify potential mentors or align your interests with their expertise.
- → Explore CSIS's broader mission and bipartisan stance to grasp how the organization influences policy and engages with stakeholders.
- → Look into current Middle East issues CSIS has highlighted, such as regional security dynamics or economic challenges, to prepare for discussions.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting generic application materials that don't mention CSIS or the Middle East Program specifically, showing a lack of tailored interest.
- Failing to provide concrete examples of research or analytical skills, relying on vague statements without evidence from academic or work experiences.
- Overlooking the administrative and team collaboration aspects of the role, focusing solely on research without addressing program support duties.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Center For Strategic And International Studies!