Intern, Turkey Program

Job Description

About the Job

About the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)

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 operates with integrity and transparency, affirming that it 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 (eligibility requirements apply) and can assist students seeking academic credit. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and early submission is recommended. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Internship Opportunity: The Turkey Program

The Turkey Program is seeking a full-time or part-time intern to work closely with our Turkey team, including Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Sinan Ciddi. The intern will assist with research on Ankara’s domestic, security, and foreign policies, as well as its regional influence.

• Required Skills: Previous research experience and ability to conduct research in Turkish.
• Desired Skills: Additional Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern languages, such as Arabic, Armenian, Greek, Hebrew, Kurdish, or Persian, are a plus, but not required.
• Application Tip: If there is a particular Turkey-related issue of interest to you, please indicate that in your cover letter.

Eligibility Requirements

• 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) and 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

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter:
  • Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why.
  • Indicate where you found this internship.
  • State your availability for the semester.
  • Specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences).
• Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
• Unofficial transcript copy

Important Application Notes

• 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.