About the opportunity
The Blavatnik Internship Program at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a highly regarded paid opportunity for students pursuing careers in foreign policy and international affairs. Interns work alongside dedicated staff in New York, Washington, DC, or fully remotely. The program combines substantive departmental work—such as research, writing, editing, and event coordination—with a robust professional development curriculum. Interns participate in skill-building workshops, career advice sessions, and exclusive CFR meetings, gaining invaluable exposure to world leaders, policymakers, and foreign policy experts.
Funding and benefits
- Competitive hourly wage
- Professional development training, including skill-based workshops, resume sharpening, and career advice sessions
- Access to CFR meetings, events, and networking opportunities with foreign policy experts and world leaders
- Inclusion in staff and intern events, including health and wellness programs and an annual Ping-Pong championship
Who can apply?
- Undergraduate or graduate students majoring in international relations, political science, economics, or a related field
- Must have completed the equivalent of four semesters of college coursework (excluding AP classes) by the start of the internship
- Excellent administrative, writing, research, and computer skills
- Previous office experience
- Willingness to commit to 14 to 18 hours per week
- Must have the legal right to work for any employer in the United States
Required documents
- Resume
- Cover letter supporting the applicant's skills and abilities for all selected internship roles
When to apply
- Spring 2027 applications must be submitted by Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. EST.
- Applications open in June for the fall semester, in September for the spring semester, and in January for the summer semester.
How to apply
- Review the list of available internships on the CFR website.
- Click on 'Apply to CFR’s Spring 2027 Blavatnik Internship Program' to access the application portal.
- Select up to 5 teams or departments you would like to be considered for.
- Submit your resume and a comprehensive cover letter addressing your qualifications for the selected roles before the deadline.
Additional information
- Internships are available in a hybrid capacity in the New York and Washington, DC offices, or on a fully remote basis.
- The program is supported by a generous gift from the Blavatnik Family Foundation.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Students with a strong academic background in international relations, political science, or economics who have completed at least two years of college.
- Individuals looking for a highly structured professional development program alongside practical, hands-on research and administrative experience.
- Applicants who possess excellent writing, research, and computer skills, and have prior office experience.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires a commitment of 14 to 18 hours per week, which must be balanced with ongoing university coursework.
- Strictly requires the legal right to work in the United States, which may limit options for certain international students without appropriate work authorization.
- Highly competitive selection process with a strict application deadline and a limit of selecting up to 5 teams.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This internship is an exceptional fit for students aiming to build a career in foreign policy, international relations, or public policy. It provides direct exposure to world-class experts and policymakers, while the structured professional development workshops help refine essential skills like policy writing, editing, and program planning. Whether your goal is to transition to graduate school, secure a role in a think tank, or enter government service, the networking opportunities and resume-building aspects of this program offer a powerful launchpad.
Our take
Undergraduate and graduate students with US work authorization who are passionate about global affairs should seriously consider applying. It is particularly suitable for those who can balance a part-time commitment of 14-18 hours per week with their studies. It is less suitable for students who have completed fewer than four semesters of college or those who do not have the legal right to work in the US.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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