Internships are available with the following Agency teams:

• Indo-Pacific
• Latin America and the Caribbean
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Eurasia
• Sub-Saharan Africa

Summary

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is the U.S. government’s first mover on critical infrastructure development in emerging markets, advancing the shared strategic priorities of the United States and our overseas partners while creating opportunities to deploy trusted U.S. solutions. USTDA funds the upfront technical work that accelerates the development of infrastructure projects, helping them attract the financing they need for implementation and procurement of U.S. goods and services. USTDA also hosts activities that promote infrastructure partnerships with the United States.

Requirements

All internships are either in-person or virtual and available to students who are U.S. citizens and currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program.  Strong writing and analytical skills coupled with excellent work and academic credentials are essential. A demonstrated interest in international development and business is preferred. All internships are unpaid, however USTDA will work with schools to help interns secure course credits.

For summer/fall internships, USTDA seeks a commitment of 32 hours per week during the summer and at least 16 hours per week during the fall over a 26-week period. Summer/fall internships start June 1, 2026, and end December 4, 2026. USTDA is willing to consider earlier start dates and later end dates.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may vary by Agency team but generally include:

• Researching a variety of topics, including global market trends in key economic sectors, partner country procurement practices, U.S. industry competitiveness, regional and country-specific economic and development trends, and broader policy and trade issues.
• Conducting research and compiling background information on USTDA’s prospective domestic and overseas partners.
• Analyzing sets of project data to assess key trends and patterns and providing written analysis of conclusions to inform region and sector planning efforts.
• Researching the outcomes of USTDA’s funding, including the export of U.S. goods and services as well as development benefits realized by overseas grantees.
• Assisting with the drafting of memoranda and correspondence with stakeholders.
• Preparing background information and briefing materials for USTDA personnel.
• Assisting with planning and preparation for meetings and outreach with USTDA partners.
• Providing general administrative support.

Education

Ideal candidates will have an educational background in international relations, finance and economics, regional studies, sector studies and related disciplines.

Additional Information

U.S. citizenship is required, and interns will need to successfully complete a background screening prior to the start of the internship.

Required Documents

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, school transcript(s) and writing sample.  Candidates must specify the Agency team(s) for which they would like to be considered.  Candidates will be evaluated on their relevant skills and experience, demonstrated interest in international business and/or foreign assistance and the quality of their application materials. 

Benefits

• Career development roundtables with USTDA leadership
• Intern lunch with USTDA’s Director
• Frequent social and networking events
• Capitol Hill and think tank events on international trade and development
• Academic course credits
• Commuter Benefits Program

How to Apply

Applications for the upcoming spring/summer are accepted through Friday, March 20, 2026, to the attention of Silvia Umana, Intern Coordinator, via email, at internships@ustda.gov. USTDA may accept internship applications after this date, subject to the availability of unfilled internship slots.

To learn more about USTDA, please visit us at www.ustda.gov.