Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern - Energy Security and Climate Change Program (Spring 2026)

at Center For Strategic And International Studies

🏢 About Center For Strategic And International Studies

CSIS is a premier bipartisan policy research organization that uniquely bridges academic rigor with real-world policy influence in Washington, D.C. Its Energy Security and Climate Change Program stands out for directly shaping international policy through research that informs governments, international organizations, and private sector leaders on critical global challenges.

About This Role

This internship involves hands-on research assistance for policy reports and briefs on energy security and climate change, plus logistical support for high-level events. It's impactful because you'll contribute directly to CSIS's mission of developing innovative solutions that influence international energy and climate policy decisions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning research on energy transition policies in a specific region for an upcoming report, followed by assisting with logistics for an afternoon expert roundtable. You could spend time drafting a section of a policy brief and then collaborating with team members to finalize event materials for a upcoming conference.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Center For Strategic And International Studies Is Looking For

  • A current graduate student or recent graduate in international relations, environmental policy, or energy studies with demonstrated research experience in energy/climate policy
  • Someone who can independently analyze complex policy issues but also collaborate effectively on team projects like event planning
  • A detail-oriented writer who can translate technical energy/climate data into clear, policy-relevant briefs and reports
  • A candidate familiar with current debates in energy security (e.g., geopolitical aspects of energy transitions) and climate policy (e.g., international climate finance mechanisms)

📝 Tips for Applying to Center For Strategic And International Studies

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific research projects or coursework related to energy security OR climate change policy (not just general environmental studies)

2

Mention any experience with policy brief writing or event coordination, as these are explicit responsibilities in the job description

3

Demonstrate knowledge of CSIS's recent Energy Security and Climate Change Program publications by referencing one in your cover letter

4

Highlight both independent research capabilities AND team collaboration examples, as the role requires both

5

If you have familiarity with energy/climate policy, be specific about which aspects (e.g., renewable energy geopolitics, carbon markets, climate adaptation policy) in your materials

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific interest in CSIS's bipartisan approach to energy/climate policy research and how it aligns with your academic or career goals", "Concrete examples of research or analysis you've conducted on energy security OR climate change topics", 'How your skills would contribute to both the research and event coordination aspects of the role', 'Why the Spring 2026 timing fits with your academic program or career trajectory']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Recent publications from the CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program (especially reports from the past year)
  • → CSIS's bipartisan approach and how it differs from other think tanks in D.C.
  • → The program's key focus areas (e.g., specific regions or topics mentioned in their recent work)
  • → CSIS events related to energy/climate policy and the types of speakers they feature

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss a current energy security or climate change policy issue that CSIS should research and why
2 Describe your experience with policy research methodologies and how you ensure accuracy in analysis
3 How would you approach organizing a high-level conference on a topic like 'Geopolitics of Energy Transition'?
4 What do you see as the biggest challenge in bridging energy security and climate change policy goals?
5 How do you stay current on developments in energy/climate policy, and what sources do you trust?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic application materials that don't mention energy security OR climate change specifically
  • Focusing only on climate change without addressing energy security aspects, or vice versa
  • Failing to demonstrate knowledge of CSIS's specific work or treating it like any other think tank

📅 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!

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

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