Are you a recent graduate or post-graduate wanting to develop your expertise in defence, foreign and national security policy, including in areas such as strategic competition, deterrence, cyber and critical technology? Do you want to inform the public and government on critical strategic choices facing Australia and learn what it takes to be a professional strategic analyst? If so, you might be interested in applying for the ASPI Research Internship Program.

Interns make an important contribution to the ASPI research effort. If successful, you would be employed from January - December 2024 and work with ASPI analysts in our Defence Strategy and National Security and Cyber, Technology and Security teams to assist on research projects and conduct analysis aligned with thematic and geographic national interest priorities.

Interns will also support ASPI in delivering major international security conferences, coordinating and supporting such events with our Strategic Communications and Events (SC&E) team. SC&E supports ASPI’s full range of public and private initiatives including speeches, roundtables, dialogues with governments and industry, and panel events. The internship will also include exposure to ASPI’s administrative and corporate functions, a vital component of the work of all organisations.

The ASPI internship program nurtures the next generation of strategic thinkers in Australia, is highly respected by government agencies and the private sector and provides a strong pathway to future employment opportunities. We will give you the opportunity to make a practical contribution to strategic policy thinking and development and, in the process, gain some valuable ‘on the job’ training. An ASPI internship provides the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s key contributors to defence and national security debates, and results in professional development through engagement with our experienced staff and local and international visitors.

Information for Applicants

Eligibility

• You will need to demonstrate excellent academic results, strong research skills and be enthusiastic, motivated and able to adapt to the work environment quickly.
• ASPI’s research internships are open to those who have completed their studies within the last two years.
• You must either be an Australian Citizen or be residing in Australia with full working rights.
• Applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree by the end of December 2023. You do not need to have completed postgraduate studies, although many of our previous interns have either completed, or have been in the process of completing, postgraduate degrees.
• ASPI welcomes applications from all disciplines. Past interns have had academic backgrounds in International Relations, Science, Mathematics, Arts and Law, amongst other topics. The ability to speak a language other than English is highly regarded.
• ASPI promotes a workplace that includes, welcomes and values the unique contributions of all people. The Institute strongly encourages women and people from diverse cultural backgrounds, including applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, to apply.

Selection process

• Your application will be assessed, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and interviewed.
• Due to the large number of applications received, ASPI will not contact all applicants, or provide feedback.
• Shortlisted applicants will be required to prepare an original one-page piece of analysis as part of the selection process. Further details will be provided to shortlisted applicants.
• Shortlisted candidates will be on interviewed in November 2023. Zoom interviews are available for those who are unable to come to the ASPI office for a face-to-face interview.
• If you have not heard from ASPI by December 2023, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.
• Referees will be contacted after interviews, only for those applicants who might be offered an internship.

If you are successful

• You will be contacted and offered a position as a Research Intern and will need to sign an employment contract.
• You will be employed on a full-time basis in Canberra, commencing on Jan/Feb 2024. Your internship will conclude on December 2024.
• More than one intern position is available.
• The internship program is viewed as a development opportunity and, while employment at ASPI after the internship program concludes is not guaranteed, there may be opportunities at ASPI for further career development.
• Please note that ASPI does not offer any assistance to interns to travel or relocate to Canberra to commence work.
• You will become a permanent member of ASPI’s Intern Alumni Association, which includes an ongoing relationship with ASPI and networking opportunities with previous ASPI Interns.

Applications

Please submit the following with your application:

• Cover letter, maximum of two pages in length, outlining why you wish to be considered for the position and what qualities and expertise you can offer;
• Copy of your curriculum vitae;
• Contact details of at least two referees, one of whom is an academic referee; and
• Copy of your academic transcript/s.

Application Form

Applications are currently OPEN.

To apply for an internship position, visit the ASPI Website’s Job page and complete the online form.

Applications will close at midnight Friday 20 October 2023.