Application Guide
How to Apply for Intern - Critical Minerals Security 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 policy research organization focused on global security and international relations. As a leading think tank, CSIS offers unique access to policymakers, diplomats, and industry experts, making it an exceptional place to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of policy, research, and critical resource security. The Ottawa location provides proximity to Canadian government agencies and mining industry stakeholders central to critical minerals discussions.
About This Role
This internship involves supporting the Critical Minerals Security Program by conducting literature reviews, analyzing data on supply chains and geopolitical risks, and helping develop research projects that inform policy recommendations. You'll contribute directly to CSIS's mission of shaping strategic responses to vulnerabilities in critical mineral supplies, which are essential for national security and clean energy transitions. The role offers practical experience in translating academic research into actionable policy insights.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a team meeting to discuss progress on a research project about nickel supply chains, followed by independent work conducting a literature review on geopolitical risks in Southeast Asia. In the afternoon, you could analyze data on mineral production trends using Excel, then collaborate with a senior researcher to draft a section of a report, ending with preparing slides for an upcoming stakeholder presentation.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Center For Strategic And International Studies Is Looking For
- A current undergraduate or graduate student in political science, international relations, geology, environmental studies, or economics with coursework covering resource economics, geopolitics, or supply chain analysis.
- Has demonstrable research experience through academic projects, prior internships, or publications, ideally related to natural resources, energy security, or international trade.
- Possesses strong data analysis skills (possibly using tools like Excel, R, or Python) and can synthesize complex information from academic journals, government reports, and industry sources.
- Shows genuine interest in Canada's role in critical minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt, rare earths) and can discuss current issues like the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy or US-Canada collaboration on supply chains.
📝 Tips for Applying to Center For Strategic And International Studies
Tailor your resume to highlight specific research projects, data analysis tasks, or coursework related to minerals, security, or policy—quantify outcomes like 'analyzed 50+ reports on cobalt supply chains'.
In your cover letter, reference CSIS's recent publications on critical minerals (e.g., reports from the Energy Security and Climate Change Program) to show you've done your homework.
Emphasize any experience with Canadian policy contexts, such as internships with government agencies in Ottawa or coursework on Canadian resource management.
Submit transcripts promptly, as the GPA requirement (3.0+) is explicitly stated, and consider explaining any relevant grades or projects in your cover letter if your GPA is borderline.
Apply early, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—CSIS often fills internships quickly due to its reputation.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain why you're passionate about critical minerals security, linking it to your academic background and career goals in policy or research.", "Provide a concrete example of a research or analysis project you've completed, detailing your methodology and findings.", "Demonstrate knowledge of CSIS's work by mentioning a specific program or publication (e.g., the Energy and National Security Program) and how your skills align.", 'Highlight teamwork and communication skills, perhaps describing a collaborative academic project or presentation to stakeholders.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review CSIS's Critical Minerals Security Program outputs, such as articles, podcasts, or reports, to understand their focus areas and tone.
- → Study Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy and key agencies (e.g., Natural Resources Canada) to grasp the national context for this Ottawa-based role.
- → Explore CSIS's broader mission and bipartisan approach, noting how they engage with stakeholders in government and industry.
- → Look into recent global events affecting critical minerals (e.g., trade policies, mining developments) to discuss in applications or interviews.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention CSIS, critical minerals, or policy research—this shows lack of interest.
- Overlooking the GPA requirement or failing to provide transcripts, which could lead to immediate disqualification.
- Focusing solely on technical mining knowledge without connecting it to policy, security, or international relations aspects of the role.
📅 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!