Internship Program

Internship Information

Interns are a critical component of the World Affairs Council of Austin’s success. Interns contribute to our mission while gaining valuable, hands-on work experience.  Internship positions are unpaid, university-credit opportunities.

The World Affairs Council of Austin expects interns to:

• Be committed to the mission of the World Affairs Council of Austin.
• Have goals for their internship, and actively seek ways to meet those goals.
• Be informed about projects they are working on and general World Affairs Council activities.
• Be detail-oriented in their work in such a way that the supervisor and other interns may continue the project.
• Attend and provide assistance to at least eight events during an average internship time commitment of six months.

What interns obtain from their time with the World Affairs Council of Austin:

• Training in all World Affairs Council operating systems and receive an orientation that provides details regarding day to day operations and program management.
• Experience working in an active, non-profit organization involved in promoting international understanding and trade.
• Mentoring in the achievement of their goals.
• Access to internationally-engaged business leaders, organizations, and institutions in central Texas.
• Opportunities to complete projects that may be used in a work portfolio or for college credit.

Requirements for Internship Applicant:

• A minimum four-month commitment of 8-15 hours each week (a six or nine-month commitment will be given priority).
• Attend and provide assistance to at least eight events.
• Participate in bi-weekly organizational meetings.
• An interest in global relations and international affairs.
• Fluent written and conversational English.
• Practical experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Publisher, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Professional attire and demeanor.
• Candidates seeking academic credit for the internship will be given priority consideration.
• Submit your completed application along with a copy of your current resume.

Program Dates and Application Deadlines:

• Fall internships begin in September. Applications due on/before August 4th.
• Winter internships begin in January. Applications due on/before November 4th.
• Summer internships begin in May. Applications due on/before April 4th.

Internship positions are unpaid, university-credit opportunities.  If there are openings available, the application form will be available here one month prior to these deadlines.  If there are no positions available, there will not be an application form posted here during the month prior to these deadlines.

Internship Positions

Events and Member Relationship

In an effort to develop important business skills in professional interaction, interns assist in coordinating all aspects of World Affairs Council events. Interns will work with the event coordinator in research and planning stages, as well as day-of logistics for World Affairs Council public events.  Events include conferences, lectures, panel discussions, town-hall meetings, discussion groups, trivia nights, and networking receptions. Duties often include sending and keeping track of invitation letters to potential speakers, as well as transcribing recorded speeches. At events, interns assist at the registration table, answer guest questions and seat attendees. Interns research and compose bios for incoming speakers, craft remarks, research materials and assist with all administrative tasks associated with program planning and execution.

Interns help maintain the Council’s membership records with new memberships and renewals. Interns are encouraged to explore ways to improve and/or expand membership. Daily responsibilities include maintaining and updating membership records in the Council’s database, writing and editing member correspondence, providing information to current and potential members.

Marketing and Communications

Intern duties include performing research assignments in support of upcoming speakers and issues, helping with outreach to media contacts, contributing to press and information packets, maintaining media contact databases, and editing transcripts of recorded speeches for our publications. At events, this intern may assist in working with communications technology and coordinating with media attendees. Intern will help design event announcements, flyers and other promotional materials. Intern will be responsible for facilitating photo opportunities for our members, filming, editing, uploading photos and footage to specified internet/media site, updating the Council’s profiles on Facebook and Twitter (often promoting upcoming events, uploading photos, and sharing relevant news stories and managing photography for events). The intern will help staff in communicating a variety of ongoing activities and nurturing ideas for posts, tweets, blogs, etc.

Youth and Education Programs

Interns assist with outreach and connecting K-12 teachers and students with international resources, ideas and people. Responsibilities include preparing and updating information packages for teacher workshops, preparing background briefs for upcoming programs, helping to update the Youth and Education Programs sections on the website, assisting in the background research for educational programs (Academic WorldQuest Competition or Special Guest Speakers Program), promoting the program at university fairs, and assisting students at general World Affairs Council programs.

International Delegation Programming

Intern coordinates professional programs for international delegates visiting central Texas. Interns provide support by researching, writing and editing proposals and itineraries for upcoming visits. Intern drafts proposals for upcoming projects, and communicating with volunteers for incoming delegations. Other projects may include assisting the International Program office with events at Austin City Hall and with the diplomatic corps. Interns research and compose bios for incoming speakers, craft remarks, research materials and assist with all administrative tasks associated with program planning and execution. Interns will develop strong written and verbal communication, a broad understanding of international and local topics and issues, and a demonstrated ability to think creatively and work cross-culturally.