Intern, East Asia Program

The Intern for the East Asia Program at the Quincy Institute will primarily assist in researching U.S. foreign policy issues related to East Asia. This includes producing original policy research, conducting rapid analysis of breaking news, and writing op-eds. Interns will follow the daily news cycle relevant to their research and engage in congressional outreach, as well as track political developments. The position is designed for those passionate about the restraint-oriented approach advocated by the Quincy Institute.

To qualify for the Intern position in the East Asia Program at the Quincy Institute, you should be enrolled in or have recently completed a degree in political science, international relations, or a related field. Strong writing and research skills are essential, as is a solid understanding of East Asian security and foreign policy issues. Familiarity with data analysis tools and advanced proficiency in Chinese or Japanese are strongly preferred for this role.

The Intern position at the Quincy Institute provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in U.S. foreign policy, specifically focusing on the East Asia region. By engaging in research, attending important meetings, and contributing to policy discussions, interns can develop their professional skills and expand their network in the field of international relations. This experience can significantly bolster your resume and prepare you for future roles in diplomacy, advocacy, or academia.

Yes, the Intern position for the East Asia Program at the Quincy Institute is fully remote, allowing you the flexibility to work from anywhere. For local residents, the option to work from our Washington, DC office is also available. The position offers an average of 19 hours per week, making it suitable for students or recent graduates looking to balance work with academic commitments.

The Intern position at the Quincy Institute for the East Asia Program offers payment starting at $17.50 per hour. Interns can expect to work approximately 19 hours a week, giving an excellent opportunity to gain experience while earning a competitive wage in this field.

When answering this question, reflect on your academic background or personal experiences that shaped your interest. Discuss specific events or policies that impacted your understanding of U.S. engagement with East Asia and articulate how these align with the Quincy Institute's mission of prioritizing diplomacy over militarism.

Be prepared to discuss a research project you undertook, detailing your methodology, findings, and how it relates to the role you are applying for. Highlight your ability to synthesize information and draw relevant conclusions that could apply to the research needs of the Quincy Institute.

Show your proactive approach to keeping informed by mentioning specific sources like academic journals, reputable news outlets, or think tank reports. You could also discuss any newsletters or databases you follow that focus on East Asian affairs.

To answer this, explain restraint as a strategic approach that emphasizes diplomacy and avoidance of military interventions. You can reference past policy decisions that illustrate this idea and discuss how this aligns with the Quincy Institute's goals.

Discuss your approach from initial research, outlining key points, drafting, and editing. Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely, demonstrating how this process would be beneficial for producing the materials needed at the Quincy Institute.

Talk about your collaborative skills and how you effectively communicate and share ideas with team members. Mention your experience in teamwork and how you appreciate diverse perspectives when tackling complex issues, particularly in the context of foreign policy.

Be specific about the tools you’ve used, such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau, or any other relevant applications. Explain how you've applied these tools in previous projects or academic work to analyze data and visualize findings, which would be useful for the Quincy Institute's research efforts.

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to describe a particular experience. Emphasize your ability to distill essential points from larger volumes of information and effectively convey them in a brief format, which is crucial in a fast-paced research environment.

Demonstrate your knowledge about the Quincy Institute’s mission to advocate for diplomacy and restraint in U.S. foreign policy. You should mention its focus on addressing global issues through engagement rather than military solutions and how this framework resonates with your values.

This is your chance to sell yourself! Highlight your relevant skills, academic background, and passion for the subject matter. Make clear how your enthusiasm and willingness to learn will add value to the East Asia Program while aligning with the Quincy Institute's objectives.