Geospatial Intelligence and National Security Technologies Internship Spring 2027

understandingwar; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 10,000 - 12,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Scholarship monthly stipend up to $1,0

Job summary

Institute for the Study of War (ISW) offers Spring 2027 internship programs with in-person, remote, and hybrid options. Interns engage with GIS-driven research, open-source analysis, and collaboration across Russia, China, and Iran networks, under senior analyst mentorship.

The program emphasizes writing quality, editing, and clear communication for national security insights. Program runs Jan 12–May 14, requires US presence, CPT eligibility for visa students, and rolling review of applications

Qualifications

• Candidates must be motivated and organized college students or recent graduates with demonstrated expertise in a related field.
• Candidates must possess excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
• Candidates must possess strong capabilities in GIS software such as Esri's ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, or ArcGIS Online. Experience with SQL or ArcGIS Python (Arcpy), is a plus.
• Candidates must display the ability to conduct complex tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
• Candidates should be self-motivated, independent, creative, and capable of working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Candidates will preferably have demonstrated interest or expertise in national security issues, particularly Russia, Ukraine, China, or issues in the Middle East.
• Candidates must show commitment to—and interest in—the core mission and values of ISW.

Skills

Writing skills

Editing skills

Oral communication

Self-motivation

Independent work

Creative thinking

Ability to work in fast-paced env

Education

College student or recent graduate

Tools

ArcGIS Pro / ArcMap / ArcGIS Online

SQL

ArcGIS Python (Arcpy)

Job description

ISW Internship Program Overview

ISW is offering in-person, remote, and hybrid internships remote for Spring 2027.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is committed to training the next generation of national security leaders through its innovative educational programs. ISW seeks motivated and experienced college students or recent graduates to join our intern team. ISW offers internships across diverse research portfolios and departments, including Russia, China, and Iran's proxy networks. ISW also offers internships in National Security & Intelligence Analysis, our Cognitive Warfare Task Force, and in Communications.

Why Work for ISW?

ISW believes that ground realities must drive the formulation of strategy and policy. In pursuit of this principle, ISW conducts detailed open-source intelligence analysis to provide timely and accurate information on current conflicts and security threats directly to policy-makers and warfighters.

Interns at ISW have an unparalleled opportunity to analyze conflicts in ways that directly inform policymakers on some of the most pressing issues facing American national security. Our interns work directly with analysts. They receive classroom education, regular leadership engagement, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technologies employed in business and the intelligence community. Interns have the opportunity to stand at the front lines of military research and policy development, tackling the latest crises in the headlines.

The ISW Internship Program is one of three core education programs housed within The General David H. Petraeus Center for Emerging Leaders, launched to identify, educate, and develop the future cadre of leaders committed to America's national security. ISW views interns as an integral component of its team. ISW has worked with interns to draft, edit, and publish their own research under the mentorship of senior analysts. It has also hired many interns onto its staff.

Geospatial Intelligence and National Security Technologies Internship

ISW uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to improve research collection, intelligence analysis, and visualizations. Interns will use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite remote sensing, and data visualization to help refine how ISW's analysts implement these cutting-edge tools. This internship provides practical hands-on experience using GIS in national security and intelligence applications. Interns will support data collection, analysis, and visualizations that support ISW's world-renowned maps. Interns may also have valuable interactions with software partners who are transforming the national security space. Interns will receive further training on some of these platforms. ISW's roster of technology partners includes Neo4J, Babel Street, Ntrepid, and Planet Labs, among many others. This is a full-time internship (five days per week), but part-time work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be motivated and organized college students or recent graduates with demonstrated expertise in a related field.
• Candidates must possess excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
• Candidates must possess strong capabilities in GIS software such as Esri's ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, or ArcGIS Online. Experience with SQL or ArcGIS Python (Arcpy), is a plus.
• Candidates must display the ability to conduct complex tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
• Candidates should be self-motivated, independent, creative, and capable of working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Candidates will preferably have demonstrated interest or expertise in national security issues, particularly Russia, Ukraine, China, or issues in the Middle East.
• Candidates must show commitment to—and interest in—the core mission and values of ISW.

Spring 2027 Internship Program Dates

ISW internships start January 12, 2027. The program will run until May 14. Interns must both be authorized to work in the United States and be physically present in the United States during their internship tenure. Working remotely outside of the United States is not authorized. If you attend a US university on a student visa, you must be eligible for and obtain a CPT authorization before beginning at ISW. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until November 13, 2026.

ISW Scholarship Application

The Institute for the Study of War will offer intern candidates up to a $1,000 monthly living stipend as part of a scholarship program.* To be considered for the scholarship, candidates must upload a scholarship application as part of their internship application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until November 13, 2026.

Candidates will be assessed based on the following criteria:

1. Ability to contribute as a member of one of ISW's research, operations, business development, or external relations teams; and
2. Financial need, such that an unpaid internship would not be possible without assistance.

Within the scholarship application, candidates should upload a 2- to 3-page cover letter which answers each of the following questions. (This should be a different cover letter than the one used for the internship application itself.)

1. Which ISW internship is your top choice? Why do you believe you are qualified?
2. What do you believe to be the most pressing national security problem the US faces today? What solution(s) would you propose?
3. Where do you see yourself in your future career? How will an ISW internship help you get there?
4. Why have you chosen to apply for this supplemental scholarship?
5. Are you currently receiving federal financial aid and/or need-based aid from your university? Feel free to describe using as much detail as you are comfortable.

*Please note that the up to $1,000 monthly scholarship is classified as taxable income.

Questions? Email [e-mail] for more information.