Internship

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Opportunities, Employment, Internships

• Sep 29, 2004 The WITA Internship Experience: The Interns speak!   
  "The WITA internship is a perfect springboard for anyone interested in pursuing a career in international trade policy. My time with WITA has provided me with assets that will undoubtedly prove invaluable going forward. From the professional contacts made with some of the biggest names in trade policy, down to the fine-tuning of skills needed to operate successfully in any professional environment, I am very thankful for the experience I have had at WITA."
  Stephen Rindone, University of Georgia, International Business, Economics, and Spanish, Summer 2010 Intern.

    "The WITA Internship is a great experience for young professionals passionate about trade. The knowledge and skills to gain from it are plentiful, professionally and personally. I acquired an understanding on how trade policy is fashioned and who the key players in the field are- at the front and behind the scenes. It is everything you expect of an internship and more."
  Pamela Calderon, Universidad del Valle de Mexico, International Studies and Trade, Spring 2010 Intern.

    "There are very few internships that give you a full immersion in the trade policy sector. WITA exposes you to the hot topics in trade, you get engaged in trade policy forums, and you get to meet the people who shape trade policy in DC and beyond. I enjoyed my time here, I learned so much, and I have made some very great connections. This is a truly great experience for any student."
  Stephanie Ayeh, American University, International Studies and Economics, Spring 2010 Intern.

    "WITA is a fantastic opportunity; it is more than just an internship. It is a tour de force experience to be had. It is everything you would want out of an internship and more. If you are thinking about a career in international trade policy then WITA is an ideal starting point to gain a view of the international trade policy world."
  James Lim, Michigan State University, Political Science and Economics.

   "My experience at WITA was an incredible one which allowed me to learn about current trade issues and the trade policy career field in general, and also provided opportunities to make valuable connections within the DC trade community. By assisting in the organization of several WITA events and the Annual Dinner, I honed valuable communication and planning skills that can be applied to any job. The environment of the office enabled me to become truly invested in the organization and to make legitimate connections to it."
  Libby Koerbel, University of Notre Dame, Economics and Chinese, Summer 2009 Intern

  "My internship with WITA has been fun, fulfilling and informative. With WITA I had the opportunity to interact with those involved in shaping international trade policy, from backgrounds as diverse as the private sector, government, and law. I would highly recommend this internship to anyone looking to make lasting career connections in trade policy."
  Andre Nakazawa, University of Oregon, Economics and Political Science, Summer 2009 Intern

  "From my experience at WITA, I have gained a unique insight into the U.S. trade policy with numerous opportunities to network with the D.C. professionals from the government officials, business professionals to foreign diplomats and students. The Executive Director's support for interns within the organisation has been comprehensive and well-structured to maximise the potentials of different individuals whom become important parts of WITA. Unlike other internships in D.C., WITA internship has provided me various assignments from which I can polish employ-abilities such as communication, teamwork, self-initiative, organisational management, leadership and IT skills that would make me a felicitous candidate for future careers."
  Jong Bum Kim, University of Edinburgh, MA (Hons) Economics and Politics, Spring 2009 Intern

  
  "The WITA internship experience has provided me with the opportunity to learn a great deal about how a small non-profit works and contribute a great deal to its success.  I have had the chance to observe first-hand the variety of careers that one can pursue in international trade and feel that I have taken a significant step towards a career in the field.  The WITA experience has been a very valuable, especially on the level of leadership and professional development."
  Eric Lamb, University of Colorado, Economics & French, Spring 2009 Intern
  
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• Nov 30, -1 Internships at WITA   

  WITA is currently accepting applications for internships for FALL 2010.
  
  Selection Months:
  
  Fall selections are made in late July;
  Spring selections are made in November;
  Summer selections are made in March.
  
  Actual start dates may vary depending on the schedule of the student(s) selected. Interested applicants should apply prior to the start of the appropriate selection month for highest consideration.

  WITA is a non-profit, non-partisan voluntary organization dedicated to providing a neutral forum in the nation's capital for the open and robust discussion of international trade issues. We rely heavily upon the support and assistance of our volunteer interns. In return, interns are given tremendous opportunity to learn about the global trade community, the Washington political environment, and specifics of international trade--as well as practical office skills, event management, networking, and professional interaction.

  Students with a demonstrated interest in international trade policy are strongly preferred. Experience, interest or knowledge in website creation, social media marketing, and digital video creation is a plus. Please highlight any Information Technology or Multi-Media experience in cover letter.Due to the nature of the office work, WITA has found that graduate level students, law students, and others seeking higher degrees will likely NOT gain as much from the WITA internship experience as undergrads or fresh graduates with a strong demonstrated interest in international relations, trade, and/or economics. Those fitting this description will do well to apply. Master's candidates as WITA interns are rare but do occur; law students will not be considered.

  Please see 'Read More' below to review Intern Duties before applying.

  We accept internship applications throughout the year, but suggest applying several months in advance of the desired start date (see explanation of slots and selection months above). WITA internships are unpaid; however, transportation costs are reimbursed within reason. Schedules are flexible but should be a minimum of 32 hours or 4 days a week--as close to full time as possible. However, PREFERENCE IS GIVEN TO CANDIDATES ABLE TO WORK FULL TIME (40 hours/wk).
  

  To apply for an internship at WITA:
  

  Serious applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to internships@wita.org. Cover letters should be the body of an email, and should state the three main things that you hope to accomplish or learn during your internship; your time requirements and expectations; and your dates of availability. Any information technology experience should be highlighted in the cover letter. Resumes should either be cut and pasted into the body of an email, or sent as a Microsoft Word document, PDF attachment, mailed as hard copy, or faxed to 202-312-1601.
  
  Resumes without cover letters will not be considered. A cover letter can be an email attachment or in the body of the email, but must cover the information in the prior paragraph.
  
  Preferred: Send cover letter and resume via email to:

  internships@wita.org

  With the subject line: Internship Application (or similar)
  
  Or mail hardcopy to:

  Executive Director
  ATTN: Internship Program
  Washington International Trade Association
  1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  Suite 350
  Washington, DC 20004

  Phone: (202) 312-1600
  FAX: (202) 312-1601

  For details on internship duties, click Read More.

  For quotes from past interns, see the article entitled: The WITA Internship Experience: WITA Interns speak!

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• Nov 30, -1 Information for International Students seeking internships at WITA   

  If you are an international student studying overseas, you may be eligible to apply for an internship at WITA through a certified J-1 visa sponsoring program such as:
  
  AIPT (www.aipt.org)
  CIEE (www.ciee.org)
  IIP (www.internpro.com)
  Interexchange (www.interexchange.org)
  ICLS (www.icls.com)

  These organizations will provide you with the correct J-1 visa paperwork (only the consulate can issue a visa), information on US popular and business culture, housing assistance to varying degrees, and support for you while in the USA.

  Each J-1 sponsoring organization has a different setup, eligibility requirements, application process and fees, and differing levels of support available to you once you are here. Research each organization carefully before deciding which sponsor bests suits your needs and situation. You can also email wita@wita.org for other ideas or preliminary information.

  For more about the J-1 visa, click Read More below.

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