robina franklin williams internship program

Established initially in 1990 with contributions from friends and family of Ambassador Franklin H. Williams, this fund underwent significant expansion in 2017, thanks to an endowment gift from the Robina Foundation. 

The primary objective of robina franklin williams internship program is to foster diversity within the realm of foreign policy.

It also provides support for internships catering to graduate and undergraduate students, as well as recent graduates who harbor a sincere interest in international relations.

Dedicated to fostering greater diversity within the United States’ foreign policy community, the robina franklin williams internship program aims to identify the next generation of diverse leaders. 

Position: Franklin Williams Internship

Organization: Council on Foreign Relations

Location: New York City, New York, and Washington, DC

Hours and Compensation: 16-21 hours/week; paid hourly

Application Deadline: CFR selects two individuals each term (fall, spring, and summer) for positions in the Council on Foreign Relations’ (CFR) offices in New York City and Washington, D.C.

robina franklin williams internship program departments

Interns are recruited year-round for positions in New York and Washington, DC, offices, offering opportunities in various departments such as:

  • Digital Content
  • the Studies Program
  • Global Communications
  • the Corporate Program
  • the Washington Program
  • the Meetings Program.
  •  Foreign Affairs.

Recent graduates will also be considered. Successful candidates demonstrate a record of high academic achievement, proven leadership ability, and previous internship or work experience in related fields.

Description of the robina franklin williams internship program:

The Franklin Williams Internship, named in honor of the late Ambassador Franklin H. Williams, caters to both undergraduate and graduate students with a sincere interest in international relations. 

This internship aims to cultivate the intern’s knowledge and leadership skills as a foundational step towards a future career in the foreign policy arena.

Each term (fall, spring, and summer), CFR selects two individuals for roles in its New York City and Washington, D.C. offices. 

Interns engage in various tasks, including program coordination, substantive and business writing, research, and budget management. 

Additionally, interns are encouraged to participate in CFR’s comprehensive meetings programs and informal training sessions designed to enhance management and leadership skills

Participants in the robina franklin williams internship program undergo a comprehensive Intern Professional Development program, enhancing their substantive work with skill-based workshops, training sessions, and career advice. 

This program is designed to improve interns’ research, writing, editing, and program planning skills, refining their resumes and exposing them to diverse foreign policy career paths.

The robina franklin williams internship program ensures the active participation of interns in a wide range of meetings and events, providing opportunities to gain insights into critical foreign policy issues and exposure to world leaders, U.S. policymakers, and esteemed experts. 

Additionally, various events, from brown bag lunches with policy experts to health fairs and an annual Ping-Pong championship, are organized for interns. 

They also receive invitations to participate in the annual Conference on Diversity in International Affairs and enjoy a fully funded trip to program locations.

Named in honor of the late Ambassador Franklin H. Williams, the Robina Franklin Williams Internship Program is generously supported by the members of the Robina Foundation.

5 objectives of robina franklin williams internship program

1- Promoting Diversity in Foreign Policy: 

The Robina Franklin Williams Internship Program aims to foster diversity within the field of foreign policy by providing opportunities for individuals from varied backgrounds and promoting inclusivity.

2-Identifying Future Leaders: 

The program is designed to identify and nurture the next generation of leaders in foreign policy. 

By offering internships to undergraduate and graduate students with a serious interest in international relations, it aims to cultivate their knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities, preparing them for impactful roles in the future.

3- Professional Development: 

The program prioritizes the professional development of interns by providing a comprehensive Intern Professional Development program. 

Through skill-based workshops, training sessions, and career advice, interns enhance their research, writing, and program planning skills, contributing to their overall growth in the foreign policy arena.

4- Hands-On Experience:

The internship program offers practical, hands-on experience in various departments such as Digital Content, the Studies Program, Global Communications, and more. 

Interns are actively involved in tasks like program coordination, substantive and business writing, research, and budget management, ensuring a well-rounded exposure to the complexities of foreign policy work.

5-Networking and Exposure:

Interns are encouraged to participate in the internship extensive meetings programs, providing them with opportunities to engage with critical foreign policy issues, interact with world leaders, U.S. policymakers, and experts. 

Eligibility for the robina franklin williams internship program

apply for robina franklin williams internship program

Eligibility criteria emphasize a commitment to making the foreign policy community reflective of the nation’s diversity. 

Undergraduate and graduate students majoring in international relations, political science, economics, or related fields are encouraged to apply. 

Applicants should have completed the equivalent of four semesters of college coursework and possess strong skills in administration, writing, research, and computers, along with prior office experience. 

Depending on the internship, regional specialization, language proficiency, and other requirements may apply. 

Interns must commit to fourteen to eighteen hours per week.

Internship opportunities are posted on the program’s website in June for the fall semester, October for the spring semester, and February for the summer semester. 

Interns receive a competitive hourly wage, and as a paid opportunity, candidates must have the legal right to work for any employer in the United States. 

The robina franklin williams internship program, as an equal opportunity initiative, strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

How to Apply for The robina franklin williams internship program:

Check the The robina franklin williams internship program details

To apply to CFR, interested individuals should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected].

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