Creative Content & Media Production (Technical) (SP2027 - SU2027)

The Institute of World Politics (IWP), a premier graduate school specializing in national security, intelligence, and international affairs, invites applications for the Creative Content & Media Production Internship for Spring 2027.

Interns support the IWP Media House across digital content, graphic design, social media, video production, and post-production. Working in a professional media environment, interns gain hands-on experience supporting IWP Broadcast programming, video podcasts, lecture and event coverage, faculty interviews, educational content, institutional communications, marketing products, and digital campaigns. Interns contribute to both studio and live production workflows. They work directly with IWP’s Senior Vice President of Communications, Director of Media, and Assistant Producer.

Internship Tracks (6 positions)
Interns are placed in one of three tracks based on experience, interests, and portfolio strengths. Please indicate your preferred track when applying.

Social Media and Digital Content (2 positions)

• Schedule and publish content across IWP social media platforms, and help maintain the weekly content calendar.
• Write and format captions, hashtags, and supporting post copy.
• Prepare existing photos, graphics, and video for publishing, and find ways to repurpose Media House content for social platforms.
• Coordinate with the Media House on upcoming videos, events, and campaigns.
• Monitor engagement and platform performance.
• Maintain consistent branding, formatting, and posting standards.
• Support other communications work, such as drafting articles, creating newsletters, and preparing publications.

Graphic Design (2 positions)

• Design graphics for social media, digital campaigns, events, and Media House programming.
• Create YouTube thumbnails, promotional graphics, title cards, and other digital assets.
• Assist with presentation, print, and web graphics as needed.
• Adapt existing designs into multiple sizes and platform formats, following IWP’s visual identity and brand standards.
• Perform basic photo editing and image preparation.
• Organize working files, templates, and finished assets.
• Collaborate with video and social media interns on coordinated content packages.

Video Production & Editing (2 positions)

• Assist with studio and on-location productions, including interviews, lectures, podcasts, broadcasts, and promotional content.
• Set up and operate cameras, lighting, audio, and other production equipment under Media House supervision.
• Edit short-form and long-form video, including social media cuts, clips, and vertical content.
• Perform basic color correction, audio cleanup, graphics placement, and captioning.
• Organize, label, and manage footage and project files.
• Prepare completed projects for review and distribution.
• Support general studio operations and production days.

Shared Internship Experience
All interns may also:

• Take part in Media House productions and creative planning.
• Work alongside faculty, staff, guest speakers, and subject-matter experts.
• Build portfolio-ready professional work.
• Learn professional production workflows, content management, and brand standards.

Qualifications

• Upper-level undergraduate or recent graduate in communications, journalism, digital media, graphic design, film/video production, public relations, international affairs, or a related field.
• Demonstrated skills in your chosen track, shown through a portfolio, reel, or writing samples.
• Familiarity with relevant tools for your track, such as social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer), Canva or Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro), and camera/audio equipment.
• Strong attention to detail, creativity, professionalism, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Interest in national security or international affairs preferred but not required.
• Ability to commute to IWP’s Washington, D.C. campus. This role includes in-person studio and event work.
• Availability: 20–25 hours/week during the spring/fall semester, 30-40 hours/week during summer semester. 

Internship-Specific Benefits

• Preferred Admission: Upon successful completion of the internship, receive preferential consideration for IWP’s master’s degree programs.
• Educational Credits: Eligible for a $3,300 per-semester intern scholarship, which can be applied directly toward tuition for the MA degree program.
• Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are available.

Please note: This internship is designed to enrich your academic and professional development beyond monetary compensation.

Application Process
Applicants must first complete a short screening form to help us assess their qualifications. Please include a link to your portfolio, reel, or work samples. Qualified candidates will then be invited to a recorded interview.

Selection Process: A representative from the Institute will reach out directly if your application progresses to the next stage. If you do not hear from us, please consider this an indication that your application has not been selected for further consideration.