Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern - Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (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 think tank in Washington, D.C., known for its rigorous policy analysis and influence on U.S. foreign policy. Working at CSIS offers exposure to top experts and policymakers, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, and the chance to contribute to impactful research on maritime security and transparency.

About This Role

As an Intern for the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), you will support research and analysis on maritime disputes, security, and transparency in the Indo-Pacific. This role is impactful because AMTI is a leading source of open-source information and analysis on maritime issues, influencing policy debates and promoting stability in the region.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve monitoring news and social media for maritime incidents, drafting content for the AMTI Update, and updating GIS maps of vessel movements. You could also attend virtual meetings with the team to discuss ongoing research projects and contribute to longer-term reports on maritime security trends.

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Interview Prep

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

  • Strong interest in Asian security, maritime affairs, and international relations, with coursework or prior experience in these areas.
  • Excellent research and analytical skills, particularly in synthesizing open-source information from multiple languages (e.g., Chinese, Vietnamese, or Malay).
  • Proficient in data visualization or GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) to create maps and graphics for reports.
  • Self-motivated and able to work remotely with minimal supervision, meeting deadlines for weekly publications like the AMTI Update.

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

1

Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with maritime issues, Asian languages, or data visualization tools like GIS.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention how you have followed AMTI's work (e.g., cite a specific report or article) and why you want to contribute.

3

Demonstrate your ability to work remotely by describing past successful remote projects or internships.

4

Include a writing sample that showcases your analytical skills on a relevant topic, such as a maritime dispute or regional security issue.

5

Reach out to current or former CSIS interns on LinkedIn to gain insights into the team culture and expectations.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express genuine interest in maritime transparency and AMTI's mission, referencing specific projects or publications.", 'Highlight any language skills (especially Chinese, Vietnamese, or Malay) and how they can enhance research.', 'Emphasize your ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a remote environment.', 'Showcase your analytical writing and data visualization skills with concrete examples.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read recent AMTI reports and the weekly 'AMTI Update' to understand the team's focus and style.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key maritime disputes (South China Sea, East China Sea) and the role of international law.
  • → Research CSIS's broader Asia program and how AMTI fits into its strategic priorities.
  • → Look into the backgrounds of AMTI staff (e.g., Director, Fellows) to understand their expertise and interests.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss a recent maritime incident in the South China Sea and its implications for regional stability.
2 How would you approach gathering open-source information on vessel movements or naval activities?
3 Describe your experience with GIS or data visualization tools; can you provide an example of a map you created?
4 How do you stay organized and communicate effectively while working remotely?
5 Why are you interested in AMTI specifically, and what do you hope to learn from this internship?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference AMTI or CSIS specifically.
  • Overlooking the remote nature of the role; failing to demonstrate self-discipline and communication skills.
  • Ignoring the importance of data visualization; not highlighting any relevant technical skills.

📅 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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