Skip to main content

McCain Institute Junior Fellowships

Interns

In an effort to encourage undergraduate and graduate students to pursue careers in democracy and human rights, the McCain Institute implements a junior fellowship program trimesterly. 

Junior fellows have the opportunity to collaborate directly with the subject matter experts that design, implement and evaluate the Institute’s programs in addition to the Institute’s leadership and other key stakeholders.  

Throughout the junior fellowship program, participants can expect to:

  • collaborate and contribute to the development of McCain Institute programming;
  • deepen and develop subject matter expertise;
  • network and build connections within the foreign policy and international development industries, and
  • gain experience in program design and management which will inform participants’ longer term professional path and goals.

Students who participate in the McCain Institute’s Junior Fellowship Program will receive a stipend at the onset of the program.

Junior Fellowships in Washington, DC

Dates:

The Fall 2024 Program will run from Tuesday, September 10 through Friday, December 6. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 26, 2024.

The Spring 2025 Program will run from Tuesday, January 21 through Wednesday, April 30. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 15, 2024.

The Summer 2025 Program will run from Tuesday, May 20 through Friday, August 8. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 14, 2025.

Interns
Interns

Applicant Profile:

In order to be eligible for the McCain Institute Junior Fellowship program, candidates must meet the requirements outlined below:

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate academic program in the United States;
  • Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the McCain Institute; and
  • Ability to successfully complete a background check.

To Apply:

In order to apply, candidates should submit a CV, statement of interest not to exceed two pages, and one letter of recommendation in a single PDF to [email protected].

The statement of interest should indicate which program the applicant is interested in supporting if selected to participate in the program. 

NOTE: The Democracy and National Security & Counterterrorism teams are not currently accepting applications for the Fall 2024 Junior Fellowship program.

Junior Fellowship Testimonial:

“My internship experience flew by! Everyone at the Institute was incredibly friendly and helpful. Meeting with the different directors and senior advisors throughout the Institute just to ask questions and learn about their experience was extremely transformative. Even meeting with those who worked in departments that were not necessarily relevant to my interests was great because I was able to learn even more!”

-Shirin Atayeva, 2019 International Rule of Law & Security Intern

Intern