The Center for Security Studies Internship Program
The Center for Security Studies (CSS) and the International Relations and Security Network (ISN) is pleased to announce the 2008 internship program.
Over the course of the year we will be offering a total of 10 internships to graduate or undergraduate students in their final year. Interns will contribute to the CSS’s research agenda and to making the ISN the world’s leading open-source information platform in the IR and security communities.
The work
Applicants can choose from a number of internship options:
A full six-week internship at the ISN (spring and summer internship program)
A full six-week internship at the CSS (summer internship program only)
A combined eight-week internship at both the CSS and ISN (four weeks at each organization) (summer internship program only)
Applicants choosing to intern with the CSS are expected to play an active role in the work of the Center by:
Contributing to the CSS’s existing research projects. These examine such issues as European security and defense, terrorism and political violence, environmental security, risk analysis, and critical infrastructure protection. Interns will be allocated to a project based on their experience and the needs of the CSS Assisting senior researchers with their research, editorial, and networking activities Co-authoring articles with CSS researchers.
Applicants choosing to intern with the ISN are expected to contribute to the organization’s content acquisition, information management, and publishing activities.
These include:
- Searching for and cataloguing quality digital resources on a range of IR and security issues
- Creating subject/region specific dossiers on current events in the news, depending on level of English and writing skill
- Assisting with other editorial activities (e.g. our weekly and monthly newsletters)
- Helping with the ISN’s outreach, partnership, and marketing activities
Duration of the program
ISN internships (six weeks) are available between January and April and during summer holidays. The CSS (six weeks) and CSS/ISN combined (eight weeks) internships are only available during summer holidays. Interns will be invited between mid May and early October, depending on the applicant’s semester holidays and availability of internships at the CSS and ISN.
Applicants choosing to spend the duration of their internship with either the CSS or ISN will be accommodated for a period of six weeks. Those opting to work at both organizations will be required to spend four weeks at each.
The place of work will be the CSS and ISN’s offices in Zurich. All interns will be provided with office space and facilities as appropriate for their work.
Who we are looking for
Graduate students or undergraduate students in their final year with the following skills:
- Excellent English
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Windows applications
- The ability to read and analyze content quickly and objectively
- A detailed knowledge of current affairs
- A strong work ethic and the ability to learn quickly
- Initiative and a willingness to participate in, and contribute to, the activities of both the CSS and ISN
Please note that for work permit reasons only citizens from EFTA and (old ) EU countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Island, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom) can apply for an internship without being enrolled at a university. All citizens from non EU/EFTA countries or from the new EU countries need to be registered at their university (official confirmation required). If the application is successful, it will be handled through IAESTE. We will then inform you about the next steps.
Funding and accommodation
Both the CSS and ISN recommend that all applicants apply for a scholarship before coming to Zurich.
Aside from providing a short list of relevant links, neither the CSS nor the ISN can assist in finding accommodation. Interns should therefore make the necessary arrangements prior to arriving in Zurich.
How to apply
If you would like to apply for any of the internship positions listed above, please submit your complete application in hard copy with the following items:
- A covering letter indicating when you are able to start and which internship option you are interested in
- Curriculum Vitae
- Copies of academic transcripts and/or certificates
- A one page statement of purpose outlining your research interests and why you would like to work at the CSS or ISN
- Two letters of recommendation (preferably academic)
- If available, a writing sample, e.g. a university paper, an article
Candidates who are not from an EU/EFTA country (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Island, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom) must include following documents in their application:
1. Official University enrolment confirmation
2. Official confirmation that the internship is required for the completion of the degree.
Applications from nationals outside the EU/EFTA countries stated above cannot be considered if these two confirmations are not included in the application file.
Applications for the summer 2009 internship program will only be accepted between 1 February and 28 February 2009.
Applications for the spring 2009 internship program will only be accepted between 1 September 2008 and 30 September 2008.
Please note that in spring only six week internships at the ISN are available.
Applications received outside of these time periods will not be accepted.
Please note that only successful applicants will be contacted. If you haven’t heard from us by 31 March 2008 or 31 October 2008 respectively, please assume that your application has not been successful. Unsuccessful applications will be returned upon request only.
Applications should be sent to Ariane Enggist at the following address:
Center for Security Studies (CSS)
ETH Zurich SEI
Seilergraben 45-49
8092 Zurich, Switzerland
Email enquiries regarding the internship program can also be addressed to the Internship Manager.
Terms and conditions
1. The CSS/ISN accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents or illness during the internship. All applicants should therefore make the necessary health insurance arrangements prior to arriving in Zurich.
2. The CSS/ISN accepts no responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, any personal items during the internship. Again, applicants should make the necessary insurance arrangements prior to beginning their placement.
3. All interns will abide by CSS/ISN Rules and Regulations and will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Failure to do so will result in the termination of the internship. Both the CSS and ISN reserve the right to terminate the internship with immediate effect.
4. All interns will keep confidential any and all unpublished information made available during the course of the internship.
5. Successful candidates must provide written notice in case of illness or other unavoidable circumstances that might prevent them from completing their internship.
