Spring 2027 Cyber and Technology Innovation Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipends provided

Hybrid/Remote internship options

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) offers internship opportunities in Washington, DC, with hybrid and remote options. Interns participate in a speaker series, collaborate with scholars, and may receive stipends or academic credit.

Rolling applications are encouraged, and in-person interns are preferred but virtual participation is considered. Qualified applicants should have coursework in international relations or security studies, strong Microsoft Office skills, and be eligible to

Qualifications

• Must have coursework in international relations, security studies, or related fields.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills and basic Excel abilities required.
• Eligible to work in the United States and able to commit to at least 22 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research, data gathering, and briefing materials for senior staff.
• Participate in the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation projects and policy analysis.
• Support interns in writing, data interpretation, and program logistics.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Excel basics

Education

International Relations

Security Studies

History

Communications

Journalism

International Economics

Political Science

Computer science

STEM field

Job description

Internship Opportunities

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.

About FDD's Internship Program

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide meaningful professional development. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series featuring senior staff members in a small-group setting and are encouraged to strengthen their academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation

FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI) is seeking part-time or full-time interns. CCTI promotes a greater understanding within the U.S. government, private sector, and allied countries of the threats and opportunities to national security and economic prosperity posed by the rapidly expanding technological environment. Interns will work closely with CCTI director Annie Fixler, senior policy analyst Jiwon Ma, and CCTI Senior Director RADM (ret) Mark Montgomery to conduct research on cyber capabilities and intentions of U.S. adversaries and on policy and technological solutions to these challenges.

Qualified interns will have coursework in international relations, national security policy, computer science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study. Qualified interns will have an interest in the intersection between cyber, national security, and economic power, as well as the ability to work alone and as a member of a team. An understanding of computer networking, cybersecurity best practices, writing for government audiences, and previous research on cyber-related topics is a plus. Experience on Capitol Hill is helpful, but certainly not required. Standout candidates are responsive, self-motivated, and able to learn and work quickly. In-person interns are preferred, but virtual participants will be considered equally. For additional information about CCTI, please visit fdd.org/ccti

Please apply by midnight on Thursday, November 5, 2026 for your application to be considered. Applications submitted prior to November 5 will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Eligibility

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science. Computer science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
• Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Application Materials Required

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)
3. Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
4. Unofficial transcript copy

Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.