Interning with CSEU

The U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Mission to the European Union (CSEU) is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. CSEU’s mission is to promote U.S. business interests in the European Union through advocacy, information dissemination, and cooperation with other U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service posts throughout Europe and the world. CSEU is situated in the heart of Brussels, next door to the U.S. Embassy to Belgium, and convenient to public transportation; the Arts-Loi Metro station is one block away.

Internship Program

The internship program at the CSEU attracts interns from both graduate and undergraduate college/university programs throughout the United States and Belgium. This program is uncompensated. Although many interns find the experience valuable, there is no salary, no stipend, no expense allowances, and no housing available for interns. Volunteer service is not creditable for leave or any other employee benefits. Interns may receive academic credit from their educational institution for their internship at CSEU.

• Office hours are 9:00am to 6:00pm, four days a week, and 9:00am to 4:00pm one day a week, with a one-hour lunch break every day.
• Interns work 38 hours per week for a minimum of eight weeks, although other arrangements may be possible on a case-by-case basis.
• CSEU observes both US and Belgian national holidays.

Intern Responsibilities

Interns perform a variety of tasks at CSEU. We work with interns to identify projects in policy areas and sectors that are both relevant to our stakeholders and of interest to the intern. In all cases, interns will be integrated into the daily work of the U.S. and Foreign Service National staff.

Examples of tasks typically performed by interns:

• Assist in the preparation of short, topical reports covering policy developments in the European Union that are of interest to U.S. exporters.
• Research incoming business inquiries from U.S. firms about EU legislation/regulations.
• Assist with the planning and organization associated with high-level visitors and other events.
• Attend office and Mission staff meetings and external conferences.

Requirements

• Interns must have either U.S. or EU citizenship.
• English-language proficiency is required; European language skills are a bonus.
• U.S. citizens must be enrolled in the U.S. or Belgian University. EU citizens must be enrolled either in a Belgian University or a U.S. University with a joint Belgian program. Students should be a junior (3rd year) in an undergraduate program or above.
• Basic computer skills (e.g. use of Microsoft Office operating systems such as Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint; and internet browsers are a prerequisite).
• Interns should be available for a minimum of eight weeks, full-time, although other arrangements may be possible on a case-by-case basis.
• All applicants will be subject to a detailed background security check, which can take as long as two to four months to complete before the internship can begin. Worldwide U.S. Government policy on interns is that they must be enrolled in full-time study courses throughout the internship.
• You must advise us if you are seeking internships at other FCS offices so that we might coordinate our efforts. Failure to do so will result in the termination of your consideration for an internship.

Deadlines to Apply

Preferred Qualifications

• Self-starters who are willing to work generally unsupervised.
• Commitment to quality work and public service, with a genuine interest in international business and trade.
• Capable of drafting reports and correspondence in professional English; excellent communication skills.
• Familiarity with the European Union, its countries, and institutions.
• Excellent research and analysis skills.
• While we prefer interns with international business, business administration, or public policy majors, we will consider all appropriate applicants.

Application and Procedures

If you are interested in an internship with CSEU, please email a cover letter, resume/CV, and three-page writing sample in English (e.g. from an essay, published article, or professional or academic report) to Suzanne Fry. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Your cover letter should address the following:

• Your school, major(s), current year and year of graduation, location, including study abroad location(s), if applicable.
• Your nationality; if not a U.S. citizen, your visa/immigration status if in the United States.
• For how long an internship you are looking? Our minimum is eight weeks on a full-time basis, although other arrangements may be possible on a case-by-case basis.
• For what specific dates for an internship are you interested?
• Would your internship at CSEU be for academic credit? If so, what requirements do your academic institution impose for obtaining academic credit?
• Dates and times when we could call you or virtually meet you for an interview, and the telephone number/email address that we should use to call you or virtually meet you (via Microsoft Teams or Skype).

Once received, applications will be reviewed by our office and successful candidates will be invited to interview by telephone or Microsoft Teams/Skype. If offered an internship, you will be asked to complete security forms and a fingerprint card, and you will need to provide a photocopy of your passport. There is a 75 to 90 lead time for security processing, which is in addition to our office’s review of your application. As availability for internships is limited, it is essential that we receive your application early.

Security Clearance

American Citizens

An internship at CSEU is contingent on receiving a security clearance from the US Department of Commerce Office of Security. If accepted for an internship, you will be asked to complete email copies and mail the originals of the following documents required for a security clearance:

Please provide the following documents:

1. Current resume/CV
2. Volunteer Service Agreement (signed by the applicant and their university) - will be provided to you
3. Required Information Form - will be provided to you
4. Release Statement for Fair Credit Report - will be provided to you
5. Pre-Appointment Certification Statement (26KB) (Men only) - will be provided to you
6. OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment - will be provided to you
7. Copy of U.S. passport first page
8. Proof of medical insurance (required) and evacuation insurance (recommended)

Note: Once these documents are received, you will be sent a fingerprint card to be completed and used for background check purposes. If studying overseas, the card can be mailed to your foreign address. However, completing the card while abroad will likely require a visit to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and an appointment must be made in advance. Please allow sufficient time if you will be completing this part of the application process abroad. If studying in Belgium, the fingerprints can be taken at the U.S. Embassy in Brussels.

EU Citizens – Studying in Belgium

Once accepted into the program, you will be contacted by one of our colleagues at the Human Resources Department who will provide you with specific instructions regarding the background check process. For more information, please contact Suzanne Fry.