Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern - Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy (Summer 2026)

at Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

🏢 About Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a premier bipartisan policy research organization that provides strategic insights and policy solutions to global challenges. As a leader in international affairs think tanks, CSIS offers unique access to policymakers, diplomats, and experts, making it an ideal environment for aspiring leaders in global strategy and international relations.

About This Role

The Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy Internship is a specialized contract role focused on developing future leaders in international affairs through mentorship, research support, and program coordination. This position offers hands-on experience in leadership development programming while contributing to CSIS's mission of advancing global security and prosperity through strategic analysis.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve conducting research on leadership development frameworks, supporting virtual mentorship sessions between Academy fellows and CSIS experts, and assisting with program coordination tasks. You would likely participate in virtual meetings with Academy staff, analyze leadership case studies relevant to international affairs, and contribute to developing program materials for the next cohort of emerging leaders.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS) Is Looking For

  • Demonstrated interest in leadership development, international relations, or public policy through academic coursework or extracurricular activities
  • Strong research and analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences
  • Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, with experience in professional settings
  • Proactive, self-motivated individual who thrives in remote work environments and can manage multiple priorities

📝 Tips for Applying to Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

1

Highlight any experience with leadership programs, mentorship initiatives, or youth development in your application materials

2

Demonstrate specific knowledge of CSIS's current research priorities or recent publications in your cover letter

3

Emphasize your ability to work independently in a remote setting with concrete examples of successful remote collaboration

4

Connect your academic background directly to CSIS's focus areas like international security, global health, or technology policy

5

Showcase any experience with program coordination, event planning, or administrative support for leadership development initiatives

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your understanding of CSIS's bipartisan approach to policy research and how it aligns with your professional values", "Specific examples of leadership experience or development you've pursued and how it prepares you for this academy", "How your research skills can contribute to the Academy's mission of developing future policy leaders", 'Your ability to thrive in a remote contract position and manage deliverables independently']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → The Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy's previous cohorts and their projects or focus areas
  • → CSIS's current research initiatives and how they intersect with leadership development
  • → Recent publications or events from CSIS's various programs (International Security, Global Health, etc.)
  • → The backgrounds of CSIS leadership and their approach to mentorship and professional development

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach researching leadership development best practices in international affairs organizations?
2 Describe a time you had to coordinate multiple stakeholders for a project or event remotely
3 What current global challenge do you believe requires innovative leadership approaches, and why?
4 How would you support mentorship programming in a virtual environment?
5 What specific CSIS research areas interest you most and how might they inform leadership development?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic application materials that don't reference CSIS's specific work or the Leadership Academy
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of what a contract role entails in terms of deliverables and remote work expectations
  • Overemphasizing partisan political views rather than CSIS's bipartisan approach to policy research

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)!

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