Application Guide
How to Apply for Internships in the research field
at Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) – Germany
🏢 About Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) – Germany
Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) is Germany's leading foreign policy and international relations think tank, providing independent research-based policy advice to the German government and parliament. What makes SWP unique is its direct influence on German and European policy-making through evidence-based analysis, offering interns unparalleled access to real-world policy processes. Working here provides exposure to high-level research that directly shapes Germany's international relations strategy.
About This Role
This internship involves supporting research groups with hands-on tasks including literature research, creating background reports, and assisting with event preparation for policy conferences. You'll gain practical experience in scientific text editing and documentation while contributing to SWP's mission of informing German foreign policy. The role is impactful because your work directly supports research that influences government decision-making on international affairs.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might begin with conducting literature research on current EU-Russia relations for an upcoming policy brief, followed by editing draft sections of a research report. Afternoon tasks could include preparing materials for an expert workshop, documenting meeting outcomes, and supporting administrative coordination for upcoming SWP events. You'd regularly collaborate with researchers, balancing independent literature analysis with team-based project support.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) – Germany Is Looking For
- A Master's student or recent graduate in political science, international relations, or European studies with demonstrated interest in policy analysis
- Someone with exceptional English writing skills who can produce clear, concise research documentation and meeting reports
- A detail-oriented individual comfortable with both academic research (literature reviews) and practical administrative tasks
- A team player genuinely passionate about how research translates into policy advice, particularly in German/European foreign affairs
📝 Tips for Applying to Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) – Germany
Highlight any experience with German or European policy research specifically - even coursework papers on EU foreign policy or German international relations
Demonstrate your English proficiency by submitting writing samples that show analytical thinking (e.g., research papers, policy briefs)
Mention specific SWP research areas you're interested in (e.g., EU-Russia relations, climate diplomacy, security policy) based on their current projects
Show how you've supported research processes before - even if in academic settings - like literature reviews, data organization, or conference preparation
Emphasize both your research capabilities AND administrative competence, as this role bridges academic and practical policy work
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific interest in German foreign policy research and how it aligns with SWP's mission of evidence-based policy advice", 'Concrete examples of research support experience (literature reviews, documentation, report writing)', 'How your academic background prepares you for both the analytical and practical aspects of policy research', "Your understanding of SWP's role as a government advisory body and why this institutional context appeals to you"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Current SWP research projects and publications - particularly from their research divisions (Europe, International Security, etc.)
- → SWP's recent policy recommendations to the German government and how they've been received
- → The specific research group you'd likely join based on your background and their current openings
- → SWP's role in the German policy advisory ecosystem compared to other think tanks like DGAP or Körber-Stiftung
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic applications that don't reference SWP's specific focus on German foreign policy and government advising
- Overemphasizing theoretical academic interests without showing practical research support skills
- Failing to demonstrate how you'd handle the administrative components alongside research tasks
📅 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 Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) – Germany!