Interning with the U.S. Commercial Service

Join our U.S. Commercial Service Intern Team!

The U.S. Commercial Service is an experienced, leading-edge, worldwide organization helping U.S. companies meet the challenges of the global economy by assisting them to find and expand their export markets. The U.S. Commercial Service is a unique government agency with a network of offices across the U.S. and around the globe. Our mission is to promote the growth of U.S. exports through trade counseling, market research, and trade promotion services to American manufacturers, distributors, and service providers.

One to two-term internships are available, as determined by each office. 

About the Internship  

The U.S. Commercial Service recognizes that exporting is a critical part of ensuring a healthy future for the U.S. economy and American jobs. We are the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration and are located in over 100 offices across the United States and U.S. Embassies and Consulates in nearly 80 countries. Through our global network of trade professionals, we connect U.S. companies with international buyers, providing them with market intelligence, trade counseling, business matchmaking, and advocacy/commercial diplomacy support.  

We help companies meet the challenges of the global economy by assessing their export readiness, providing resources and counseling to help them learn the basics of exporting, providing market research on international markets, helping companies identify and establish contacts with potential international business partners, and conducting various trade seminars/conferences focused on specific industries, geographic areas or on best practices in exporting. Additionally, we provide U.S. companies with promotional opportunities to introduce their products and services worldwide.

Our internship program is designed to provide real-world experience to complement academic lessons in international trade, international business, economics, and international affairs. As part of the Commercial Service internship program, students will work closely with International Trade Specialists to help develop and prepare market research, match local companies with international opportunities, and answer export-related questions from a variety of sources.  

Through hands-on experience, interns will come to have a solid understanding of:  

• Problems confronting small to medium-sized companies in the international marketplace  
• Role of international trade in a regional economy  
• Problems that confront exporters as they attempt to enter international markets  

 Internship Eligibility Requirements

• Candidates must be a U.S. citizen.  
• Candidates must be enrolled students at a college or university.  
• Candidates must work within the Contiguous United States (CONUS), Hawaii, or Puerto Rico.
• Recommended availability to work a schedule of 16 hours a week during the Fall & Spring term and 24 hours during the Summer term.

Intern Responsibilities 

• Evaluate global opportunities for U.S. businesses.
• Create marketing materials and campaigns.
• Conduct global market research.
• Support staff before/after local and international trade events.
• Attend trade seminars, networking events, and client meetings.
• Engage prospective and current clients.
• Support campaigns to generate attendance at trade shows and events.
• Maintain Client Relations Management database by entering, verifying, and backing up data.

Qualifications 

• The ability to effectively manage time, meet deadlines, and balance multiple priorities.  
• The ability to work independently and proactively, be self-sufficient, yet cooperate and work with a team.  
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

 Term Time Periods & Application Deadlines

The U.S. Commercial Service Internship Program is offered during three different terms, with term periods and application deadlines. One to two-term internships are available as determined by the individual office, and terms and applications may vary by office. This is an unpaid position. 

Spring Term  

• Internship Term Period: January - May  
• Open Application Period: July 15 - October 15  

Summer Term  

• Internship Term Period: May - August  
• Open Application Period: December 15 - March 15  

Fall Term  

• Internship Term Period: September - December  
• Open Application Period: April 15 - July 15  

Rolling applications on a case-by-case basis may be accepted based on office needs.

Application Instructions

Email your resume and cover letter stating your interest in International Trade to the Intern Coordinator for the office offering an internship. Indicate in the subject line the term you are applying for consideration.

Once through the interview process and selected, the application process includes a security background check and the intern will be responsible for completing or providing:  

• Student Volunteer Service Agreement
• Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
• OF-306 Declaration of Federal Employment
• Fair Credit Authorization Form
• Fingerprint Cards
• Resume
• Unofficial Transcript

Please be sure to review all eligibility requirements before applying.