Austria Internships

The U.S. Commercial Service Austria offers internship opportunities throughout the year at the U.S. Embassy in Vienna.

What would I be doing?

The U.S. Commercial Service assists U.S. companies entering the Austrian market and helps Austrian firms in their efforts to profit from their alliances with American companies. We also support Austrian direct investment into the United States. Our office gathers and analyzes information on the Austrian market, facilitates contacts with Austrian businesses, promotes US products in the Austrian marketplace, and advocates for U.S. business interests.

Interns assist Commercial Service staff by:

Conducting market research
Assisting U.S. and Austrian companies seeking business information
Assisting to organize trade missions and other events
Updating and improving this website and supporting our social media efforts
Performing administrative work

Who is eligible?

Commercial interns must meet the following qualifications:

You must be available for at least 20 hours/week and at least three (consecutive) months (summer interns must commit to at least three months and a 40-hour work week).
You must prove current enrollment at a university or institute of higher education. Though we prefer students who are in graduate programs, we sometimes accept applicants who are in the final semesters of their undergraduate studies. Students in degree programs such as economics, political science, business, European area studies or related programs will get the most out of this internship; however, we sometimes take applicants with another focus of study.
You must be fluent in both German and English.
You must demonstrate excellent communication and computer skills.
You must pass a U.S. government background check.
Selection is made without regard to considerations of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, or handicap.

What about payment and insurance?

This internship is a volunteer service. Federal regulations prohibit financial compensation, and we cannot cover your travel costs or provide you with lodgings in Vienna. No federal government liability is assumed.

On successful completion of your internship, you will receive an official letter of recommendation from the head of this office. Check with your counselor or an academic advisor to see if your university offers course credits for internships.

How and when can I apply?

Your application (at least five months in advance) must include these five elements:

Cover Letter: Your cover letter should include why you want to be a commercial intern, what you have to offer, and how you hope to benefit from the internship.
Resume: Your resume should include information on how to contact you, your computer and language skills, work experience, academic accomplishments, and your citizenship.
Proof of student status at a university or institute of higher education.
References: Please send at least two names and contact information of people who are familiar with your work, or letters of reference from the same.
Writing sample: Please submit a 1-3 page excerpt of a report or article, in English and German, that you have written yourself.

For your planning:

If accepted, you will be in Vienna for at least three months. Starting dates are flexible, but generally conform to a summer/fall/winter/spring schedule. Your office hours will be adjusted to your hours of instruction while maintaining a minimum 20 hour/week of service. Students who are interested in a summer internship (July/August/September) must commit to a minimum of three months and 40 hours/week of service.
Remember to plan ahead! Background checks take at least three months, and are not started until all of your application materials have been received and reviewed!
Our office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Our office is closed on official Austrian and American holidays.

Submitting an application

Please submit your application package via email to our office.