In-person internship opportunity in External Affairs – Washington, DC

Interested in politics, safeguarding free media in vulnerable nations, and the point where it all intersects? RFE/RL offers a remarkable chance for eligible and qualified students to make a real difference and get involved.

Student Interns will engage with seasoned Washington, DC-based professionals for firsthand insight into RFE/RL’s mission as a prominent, international multimedia organization serving audiences in 27 languages and 23 countries in Europe, Eurasia, the Near East, and Central Asia. Through this experience, you will develop valuable practical skills and real-world knowledge applicable to future opportunities in external affairs. Please note this is not a reporting internship. Internships are highly competitive and unpaid; however, they offer more than just work experience – providing a sense of purpose, engaging connections to other likeminded individuals, and the chance to contribute to an exciting media legacy.

External Affairs interns assist with a variety of initiatives, including but not limited to digital communications work, communications products, event support, advocacy workshops, congressional interactions, and historical/archival recordkeeping. Interns will work alongside specialists in each of these portfolios in order to gain the widest possible perspective on some of the most intriguing work in Washington.

The Washington External Affairs internship is available to students in the Washington D.C. area who are able to come to RFE/RL’s offices at least two times per week, and seek to work in a fast-paced communications and public affairs operation. Due to the learning curve, we expect prospective candidates to be willing to devote at least 3 months (minimum) to the internship, or the equivalent of an academic semester; the period can be extended via mutual agreement. The successful applicant will be prepared to dedicate at least 20 hours per week to the internship, including remote/virtual activity that is coordinated in advance with your mentor.

What we are ideally looking for:

• passion for current affairs and journalism
• strong interest in the history and mission of RFE/RL
• diligent writer, editor, and presenter
• strong time management and organizational skills
• willingness to learn and innovate

You will learn:

• about the work of the External Affairs department and practical public and governmental affairs skills
• about promoting press freedom, defending endangered journalists, and shaping stakeholder opinion
• about engaging with congressional staff
• about best practices in digital mission-driven communications

Minimum requirements are:

• Enrolled university student or recent graduate – must be in good standing
• An educational background and/or experience in communications, journalism, political science, international relations, or related field
• Native-level English fluency
• Interest and awareness in news and current affairs from RFE/RL’s broadcast regions
• Communications and policy skills
• Ability to work under tight deadlines
• Ability to multitask and work independently

If you are interested in this position, please apply by submitting your CV, a cover letter, and a writing sample. Join us in shaping the public perception of what media’s role is in society and fostering a positive impact in the world of journalism. We welcome applications from all over the world from students who are eager to contribute their talents and grow in a dynamic environment.