The Atlantic Council, through the future leaders we develop, and the communities we build, shape global policy and strategies to create a more free, secure, and prosperous world. Our internship opportunities offer a unique hands-on experience in foreign policy to the next generation of global leaders. Below are our three internship pathways:
- Young Global Professionals (YGP) Program (Spring & Fall)
- Summer Internships
- Institutional Partnerships (Externally funded university collaborations)
Explore this page to find the best opportunity for you!
Young Global Professionals Program (YGP)
The Atlantic Council’s YGP program focuses on developing global policy experts through exposure to a robust curriculum of foreign policy research, leadership training and career development workshops, along with day-to-day operational exposure to our 16 programs and centers. As a highly competitive experiential learning program, Young Global Professionals gain experience through:
- Contributing to global policy research and development
- Contributing to publication efforts through writing and editorial work
- Atlantic Council Masterclasses and Career development workshops
- Building a professional network with peers and fellows
- Training on software platforms and operational tools
- Coordinating event logistics and supporting strategic engagement initiatives
YGP Program structure
Our YGP program offers two cohorts per year, bringing together driven, diverse young professionals to advance the Council’s mission of “shaping the global future together,” while gaining high-impact, global policy career experience.
- Spring & Fall cohorts: 19 weeks, part- or full-time, 30 hours/week.
(Hours can be adjusted based on the participant’s academic schedule.)
Application timeline
| Fall 2025 | |
| Internship dates | August 11 – December 19 |
| Application Opens | May 14 |
| Deadline to Apply | June 8 at 11:59 PM EST |
| Offers and Decline Emails Sent | July 7 – 18 |
Summer Internships
The Atlantic Council offers summer internship opportunities as a 10-week paid initiative offering in-depth exposure to our mission-driven work. Interns receive in-depth exposure to international affairs and global policy work through one of our 16 Programs or Centers and become valuable members of the Atlantic Council team, while contributing through research, event support, communications, and data visualization.
program structure
- Summer cohort -10 weeks, part or full-time, 30+ hours/week
(Hours can be adjusted based on the participant’s academic schedule, if relevant.)
Summer 2025 Timeline
| Summer 2025 | |
| Internship dates | June 2 – Aug 1 |
| Application Opens | Feb 24 |
| Deadline to Apply | March 12, 11:59 p.m. EST |
| Offers and Decline Emails Sent | April 4 – 11 |
Note: Program and Center summer internship participation will vary each year, as will the number of internships offered.
Institutional Partnerships
The Atlantic Council is a global organization that values diverse perspectives, languages, and backgrounds to help shape a more just and secure future. Recognizing that this work cannot be done alone, we partner with a select group of Institutional Partners dedicated to fully funded summer internships for a select number of exceptional students.
Similar to our summer interns, interns through Institutional Partnerships gain in-depth experience within one of our Programs or Centers and contribute meaningfully to our work conducting research, supporting high-profile events, creating content, and more.
Our Institutional Partners are typically fellowship, honors, or academic programs that offer stipends covering wages, housing, meals, transport, and related expenses. Each partner is required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Atlantic Council. The MoU outlines the mutual responsibilities of the Council and the partner, and stipends must meet or exceed the DC minimum wage.
Due to high interest and participation requirements, we can only support a limited number of partners. Interested institutions should contact recruitment@atlanticcouncil.org early in the academic year for consideration.
Who should apply?
Internships are open to juniors, seniors, graduate students, and recent graduates passionate about global affairs. Strong writing, research, and digital skills are highly valued. The Council does not accept high school students or volunteer interns.
Most internships are based in Washington, DC, with some remote options within the U.S.
International applicants
International students may apply if they are authorized to work in the U.S. through CPT, OPT, or a visa sponsored by an external organization or funder. The Atlantic Council does not sponsor visas and cannot host interns based outside the U.S. Most internships are based at our Washington, DC headquarters, with some remote opportunities available within the United States.
Available internships
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Application & Eligibility
When will applications open?
Openings and deadlines are posted on the internships page. Please bookmark this page and check it frequently for updates.
Are YGP internships available in the summer?
No, the YGP program is only available in spring and fall. Summer internships are separate.
What are the application requirements?
Each internship has specific qualifications. Check the job posting for details.
Can I apply after the deadline?
No, late applications are not accepted. Please apply for future opportunities.
I applied but haven’t heard back. What’s my application status?
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual status updates. Only selected candidates will be contacted.
Who is eligible?
Atlantic Council internships are open to juniors, seniors, graduate students, and recent graduates. High school students and volunteers are not eligible.
Internship Structure
Are internships remote or in-person?
Most internships are in Washington, DC, with few remote U.S. positions.
How many hours per week will I work?
Internships are part- or full-time (19 weeks for YGP, 10 weeks for summer interns) with 30–40 hours per week. In coordination with the program supervisor, hours may be adjusted based on academic schedule.
Are the internship dates flexible?
The YGP program follows a structured curriculum, but minor scheduling adjustments may be possible.
Do you offer housing?
No, but we can provide housing resources upon request.
International Applicants
Can international students apply?
Yes, if authorized to work in the U.S. (CPT/OPT) or through external sponsorship. The Council does not sponsor visas.
Can I intern while based abroad?
No, interns must be in the U.S. for the entire internship.
Institutional Partnerships
Can my university partner with the Council?
Yes! Institutions interested in funding students should contact recruitment@atlanticcouncil.org early in the academic year.
how to apply
The Atlantic Council only accepts applications through our applicant tracking system. Email and direct mail submissions will not be considered. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual status updates for applications.
Learn More: To learn more about the Atlantic Council’s internship opportunities, please contact our Recruitment team at recruitment@atlanticcouncil.org.
Testimonials
“My time as a YGP at the Cyber Statecraft Initiative has been nothing short of remarkable. From day one, I was embraced by a supportive and nurturing team who challenged me to think creatively and strategically which has fostered profound professional growth. Through collaborative research projects and event planning opportunities, I’ve gained invaluable insights and honed essential skills crucial for success in the cyber policy and capacity-building space. Throughout the professional development trainings, I gained valuable insights into resume-building, elevator pitches, interview tips, and how to fully utilize the vast networks within the think tank world.
My experience as a YGP has not only expanded my cyber policy knowledge base, but also instilled in me a profound sense of confidence and purpose. I am immensely grateful for the mentorship and camaraderie that have made this internship an unforgettable and transformative chapter in my professional journey.”
Grace, Spring 2024 Intern, Cyber Statecraft Initiative
“Prospective applicants should consider a position at the Council because you will receive the support, the knowledge, and the skills that are going to help you in your career moving forward.”
Maite Gonzales Latorre, Spring 2024 Intern, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center
“One of the best parts about YGPs and their daily tasks is that in addition to doing research, we also do convenings. That is helping staff with events, getting to meet a lot of people, and talking to people from other places that the Council works with.”
Natalie Sinha, Spring 2024 Intern, Global Energy Center
