You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.
Email

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE OFFICE OF CHINA AND MONGOLIA 

UNPAID PART-TIME VIRTUAL FALL 2026 INTERNSHIPS

The Office of China and Mongolia (OCM) in the International Trade Administration (ITA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, DC, is seeking unpaid part-time virtual interns to join our team in Fall 2026. 

Opportunities include:

  • Supporting the ITA on strategic projects to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. industry.
  • Researching and analyzing issues related to U.S.-China trade policy.
  • Drafting briefing documents and meeting summaries for U.S. Department of Commerce officials.
  • Participating in virtual meetings with senior trade specialists.

Ideal applicants should have:  1) a strong interest in U.S.-China trade policy; 2) academic and/or professional experience with China-related issues; 3) research experience; 4) excellent oral and written communication skills; and 5) an ability to work in a team setting.  Chinese language reading skills are preferred but not required.

Requirements:  Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university in Fall 2026, and living in the United States.  Because these internships will be virtual, applicants will need to have a workspace, a personal computer with internet access, and a personal phone.  Fall interns are expected to work a minimum of 14 hours per week between 9 am and 5 pm (Eastern Time), and most Fall interns work 14-20 hours per week.  In the cover letter, applicants are asked to please specify the weekdays and hours they would be available for the internship.

How to apply: Interested applicants are asked to please submit a one-page cover letter and a one-page resume in PDF (preferred) or Word format.  (If possible, please include the cover letter and resume in one document.)  Please use the following naming convention for your document: LASTNAME_Firstname (e.g., DOE_Jane.pdf).  Submit your application via Handshake or via email to Nicole Melcher (Nicole.Melcher@trade.gov) by 11:59 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) on Tuesday, September 8, with the subject line “OCM Fall 2026 VIRTUAL Internship Application”.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so submission before the deadline is highly encouraged.  Thank you for your interest!

If selected for an internship: 

-Applicants may wish to ask their school’s career center about financial aid or other funding options for public service or other unpaid internships and to research possible sources outside school. 

-OCM is open to accommodating students seeking academic credit if the internship meets their school’s requirements.