Academic Internship Program
Academic Internship Program
The Academic Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for students to apply academic knowledge in the world as they develop their professional profiles. Spending a semester working off-campus provides additional context for classroom learning and helps students develop crucial professional skills in Doha Qatar while building professional networks for life.
About the Academic Internship
The International Affairs Internship Course is open to degree-seeking students studying at GU-Q. The internship requires students to apply to work at one of the partner organizations for the fall or spring semester. Once accepted, students work 10-15 hours per week at a partner organization doing substantive work under the guidance of a mentor at the organization. In addition, students register for the International Affairs Internship course (INAF 335) which is graded on a pass/fail basis. As part of this course, students complete 10.5 total hours of classroom instruction over the semester, which is designed to complement the internship and connect academic skills to applied practice. Students who complete the work and course requirements earn one academic credit that counts toward the Georgetown degree and a notation on the official Georgetown transcript.
Program Goals
The aims behind these internships and the one-credit course components are to:
- Provide professional mentorship and oversight of the internship experience,
- Connect the experiential learning process (internship) to the curriculum while giving students substantive professional experience, and
- Provide a student space for structured reflection and narrative development, which they can use to more critically focus their studies and professional goals.
Academic Internship Partners
The following list includes high-profile institutions that Georgetown has proudly established close academic internship partnerships as extensions of its experiential learning environment:
- Education Above All – The Innovation Development Directorate (IDD)
- Erthna Center for a Sustainable Future is a non-profit policy research and advocacy center established under Qatar Foundation (QF) to inform and influence national and global sustainability policy.
- Qatar Financial Center Regulatory Authority (QFCRA)
- Qatar Foundation Headquarters (QF-HQ)
- Qatar Reads at Community Development – Qatar Foundation (QF)
- Strategy Hub is a Qatar based consultancy
- The Middle East Council on Global Affairs (formerly The Brookings Doha Center) is working towards advancing independent policy analysis and research on the Middle East and North Africa.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) – Qatar
- The United States Embassy in Doha, Qatar is the United States diplomatic mission to the State of Qatar
- The US-Qatar Business Council is a non-profit private organization advancing bilateral business relationships between the United States and the State of Qatar
- WISE, a Qatar Foundation initiative working towards building the future of education.
- WISH is a global healthcare community dedicated to capturing and disseminating the best evidence-based ideas and practices.
The internship work at each organization will vary, so the different opportunities complement rather than compete with each other.
How to Apply
The application requirements vary slightly by each organization (see below), but students must apply to be considered for these positions. Selected students will interview with the organizations, and if offered a position, they will be enrolled in the INAF335 International Affairs Practicum class taught at GU-Qatar. Students must commit to the internship and academic work obligations for the duration of the semester.
Submit complete applications via the Application Form shared every semester according to the below timelines. For further details, please contact the Career Services Office or Dean Christine Schiwietz.
Application Deadlines
Academic Internships Calendar
Academic internships are available during both semesters, not including summer, and follow this timeline:
Term | Internships Info Session | Applicants Opens | Applications Close | Selection & Interviews | Internship Offers | Deadline to Accept Offers | Internship Starts | Internship Ends |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First-Term (Fall) Internships | February | March 15 | March 30 | April | April 30 | May 10 | August Internships start on the first day of classes | November Internships end on the last day of classes |
Second-Term (Spring) Internships | September | Sep 15 | Sep 30 | October | October 30 | Nov 10th | January Internships start on the first day of classes | April Internships end on the last day of classes |
Available Internships and Requirements
Education Above All – The Innovation Development Directorate Department (IDD) has been working on the development of a Digital School Program that could help reach the hardest last mile learners that are unable to access traditional schools with an alternate recognized education model that substantially reduce dependency on teachers. IDD expects the intern to have an active role EAA’s Digital School Project through project development support, data collection, analysis, and overall research. This internship provides a unique opportunity for individuals with an interest in education, and innovative thinking to work with EAA employees and contribute to the mission of providing education to those in need.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to apply for an internship position:
- Must be a Junior or Senior in good academic standing (minimum GPA of 3.0).
- Knowledge of and experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods in social sciences. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel is a requirement
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Arabic. (Arabic is not required but strongly preferred)
- Be well-organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and reliable and should be able to work well both independently and as part of a team
- Possess strong analytical skills to design, aggregate and present research findings.
- Show drive, determination, and keenness to learn continuously.
- Demonstrate both a basic understanding of Qatar’s education system and a passion to enact social change.
- Students must be in good academic standing at GU.
To apply submit the following:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Research paper and/or research presentation.
Erthna Center for a Sustainable Future is a non-profit policy research and advocacy center established under Qatar Foundation (QF) to inform and influence national and global sustainability policy. Bridging technical and research expertise with policy advice and advocacy Earthna will convene a wide community of technical and research experts, government, policy and decision makers, businesses, multilateral institutions, and civil society to generate a more sustainable and regenerative future.
The Earthna center runs multi-disciplinary programming with a focus on the fields of hot and arid climates, regenerative and sustainable cities, and energy transition, as well as realizing the potential of QF’s Education City as a test-bed for sustainable technologies and practices. Earthna is focused on developing tools, solutions, and policies to improve people’s lives within a thriving natural environment. Working together with our community to co-create and design solutions that utilize our resources and understand our local culture and needs to deliver a message of hope and impactful action that will strengthen our legacy.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to apply:
- A minimum GPA of 3.3 is required.
- Preference is given to juniors and seniors, but sophomores may be considered.
- Generally, QF will seek candidates with a demonstrated interest in a variety of public policy issues, economics, and/or current affairs.
- Strong academic background with excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of Arabic would be desirable.
- Knowledge of and experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods in the social sciences.
- Possess creative initiative for the design and presentation of research findings.
- A keenness to learn and a passion for impact in line with QF mission and vision.
- Creative thinking, well organized, detail-oriented, and reliable individual who takes initiative and works well independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Students must be in good academic standing at GU.
To apply, submit the following:
- A resume or CV.
- Statement of interest.
- Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) – Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) is the independent regulator of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), established to authorize and regulate firms and individuals conducting financial services in or from the QFC. Through its work in policy development, supervision and enforcement, the QFC Regulatory Authority operates to the highest international standards of regulation and best practice.
Students must meet the following qualifications to be considered:
- GPA of 3.0 or above
- Preferred majors: International Economics
- Preferred spoken languages: Arabic and English
- Preferred nationality: Qataris
- Preferred students: Juniors and Seniors
To apply, submit the following:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience).
Qatar Foundation Headquarters (QF)-HQ – Work at Qatar Foundation and Qatar Foundation’s Earthna will be focused on research analysis, project assistance and coordination. Working alongside Qatar Foundation employees and project stakeholders, potential outputs to help inform decision making, research support and analysis might include policy and research briefs, presentations for projects, and any other tasks as necessary.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to apply:
- A minimum GPA of 3.3 is required.
- Preference is given to juniors and seniors, but sophomores may be considered.
- Generally, QF will seek candidates with a demonstrated interest in a variety of public policy issues, economics, and/or current affairs.
- Strong academic background with excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of Arabic would be desirable.
- Knowledge of and experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods in the social sciences.
- Possess creative initiative for the design and presentation of research findings.
- A keenness to learn and a passion for impact in line with QF mission and vision.
- Creative thinking, well organized, detail-oriented, and reliable individual who takes initiative and works well independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Students must be in good academic standing at GU.
To apply, submit the following:
- A resume or CV.
- Statement of interest.
- Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
Qatar Reads at Community Development – Qatar Foundation (QF) – Work at Qatar Reads – located at Multaqa (Student Center) – will be focused on project assistance and coordination for Qatar’s reading campaign. Working alongside Qatar Foundation employees and project stakeholders, potential outputs to help inform decision making, research support, social media briefs, presentations for projects, short exercises in creative writing, and participation in activities such as the Doha Book Fair and any other tasks as necessary.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to apply:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
- Preference is given to juniors and seniors, but sophomores may be considered.
- Generally, QF will seek candidates with a demonstrated interest in a variety of public policy issues, economics, and/or current affairs.
- Strong academic background with excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Arabic is a must.
- Possess creative initiative, demonstrate the ability to think outside the box and solve problems and shows the capacity for content creation
- A keenness to learn and a passion for impact in line with QF mission and vision.
- Creative thinking, well organized, detail-oriented, and reliable individual who takes initiative and works well independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Students must be in good academic standing at GU.
To apply, submit the following:
- A resume or CV.
- Statement of interest.
- Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
Strategy Hub is a Qatar based consultancy that aims to create a positive impact on Qatar’s public and private institutions. Strategy Hub provides policy and strategic recommendations that focus on International and Public Policy, Environmental Sustainability, Healthcare and Communications as well as full consulting services from identifying our client’s needs, providing improvement opportunities and delivering evidence-based solutions.
Expected tasks/ Duties:
Under the guidance of Strategy Hub management, interns will be tasked to:
• Support in conducting research and benchmarking studies.
• Use findings from research to create internal project briefs.
• Partake in internal brainstorming meetings for idea generation with team.
• Attend meetings with internal team and clients as a learning experience and to take
meeting notes.
• Support in the development of pitch presentations for clients.
• Refine and practice public speaking skills by presenting work conducted during the
internship.
• Research relevant industry events in Qatar.
• Support in project management of consulting projects (with particular focus on
keeping track of timelines, cost, and quality of project execution.)
• Peer review and edit various deliverables that are produced for clients.
• Keep up to date with news and updates in Qatar’s business landscape that are
relevant to Strategy Hub and our projects.
• Write insights about certain key topics in political affairs, economics, culture, and
technology to be published on Strategy Hub platforms (i.e., website, social media
channels)
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered:
• Juniors, or Seniors.
• English language proficiency is required; additional Arabic language proficiency is
preferred.
• Communicates effec<vely and has strong wriBen and verbal presenta<on skills.
• Problem-solves well independently and with others.
• Learns quickly and enjoys taking on new projects.
• Strong listening skills and the ability to communicate with people of diverse
disciplines.
Work Hours:
• Strategy Hub standard working hours (in office; location – Msheireb Downtown):
Sunday – Thursday, 9AM – 4PM.
• Preference given to interns who are able to work in office + remote.
• Work hours to be determined according to intern’s class schedule.
To apply, submit the following:
- A resume
- Cover letter
- An unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
The Middle East Council on Global Affairs (formerly known as Brookings Doha Center) is an independent policy research council. Work at the Center focuses on political research and policy analysis — working alongside researchers to produce policy briefs, news story analysis and to collaborate on original research projects.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to apply:
- A minimum GPA of 3.3 is required.
- Preference is given to juniors and seniors, but sophomores may be considered.
- Generally, the Center will seek candidates with a demonstrated interest in Middle East politics and/or U.S. foreign policy in the region.
- A strong academic background, excellent writing and research skills, and knowledge of Arabic will be highly desirable.
- Students must be in good academic standing at GU.
To apply, submit the following:
- a resume
- cover letter
- An unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) – Qatar – To have a distinguished foreign policy for the State of Qatar at both regional and international levels and care for the interests of citizens abroad. Candidates applying for an internship at MOFA must have a strong interest in political, social, economic and developmental topics. At the end of their internship, candidates will receive a written evaluation on their professionalism, punctuality, quality of work, and overall engagement.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered:
-
- Qatari nationals.
- A minimum of 3.4 GPA.
- Juniors and seniors, with preference to International Politics and International Economics majors.
- Qatari dress code.
- Ability to deal with work in utmost confidentiality.
- Speak and write fluently in Arabic language during the internship unless instructed otherwise
- Strong multitasking and writing skills. Candidates must also have a high skill in research.
-
- Cover letter detailing interest in pursuing an internship in MOFA.
- Resume (please note QID on Resume)
- Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience).
- A research paper authored by candidate during their study at Georgetown.
- Candidates may be requested to participate in an interview during the application period. Invitation to an interview is not a guarantee of selection.
The United States Embassy Doha, Qatar – The Embassy accepts students to work in various offices within the Embassy, including, Public Affairs Section, Political/ Economic Section, Foreign Commercial Service, Regional Security Office, Human Resources, Executive Office, and Consular Section. Interns will have projects that may include research, data analysis, economic and political report writing, correspondence with external partners, attending and staffing meetings, analysis of international issues, and support for visiting U.S. delegations.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to apply for an internship position:
- Students must be enrolled at GU-Q and have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Preference is given to juniors and seniors, but sophomores may be considered.
- Preference is given to students who can demonstrate strong communication, writing, and research skills as well as knowledge of U.S.-Qatar diplomatic, political and economic interests.
- Students will be required to pass a security certification before starting the internship.
- Students must be in good academic standing at GU-Q.
To apply, submit the following:
- Application form
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
The US-Qatar Business Council is a non-profit, private sector organization based in Washington, DC, and Qatar that develops, supports, and advances the bilateral business relationship between the United States and the State of Qatar. The Council envisions a seamless relationship between the US and Qatar; a permanent partnership built on a foundation of mutual interests and strong political, business, cultural, and security relations. The Council is the leading organization dedicated exclusively to enhancing the bilateral business relationship between the US and Qatar.
The Council achieves this vision primarily, but not exclusively, through improving the commercial and economic relationship between the US and Qatar. The Council offers business advisory services, consultancy services, and coordinates trade missions for US and Qatari companies to facilitate bilateral business. For more information on USQBC, please visit their website and business portal
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to apply for an internship position:
- Students must be enrolled at GU-Q and have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Preference is given to juniors and seniors
- Preference is given to students who can demonstrate strong writing skills, communication, multi-tasking, time management, as well as knowledge of U.S.-Qatar historic business relations and economic ties.
- Students must be in good academic standing at GU.
Expected duties and responsibilities
- Research related to trade, investment and other relevant business opportunities
- Other responsibilities will be discussed upon selection in response to current projects/events at the Council
To apply, submit the following:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
WISE, a Qatar Foundation initiative, is an international, multi-sectoral platform for creative thinking, debate and purposeful action. WISE has established itself as a global reference in new approaches to education. Through both the biennial Summit and a range of ongoing programs WISE is promoting innovation and building the future of education through collaboration. Since 2009, WISE has evolved into a thriving global, multi-sectoral community, which continues to generate fruitful dialogue and productive partnerships. The WISE community is a network of education stakeholders – from students to decision-makers – from about 200 countries who share ideas and collaborate to seek creative solutions to solve challenges facing education.
WISE is looking for interns to work with its Programs, Research, and Advocacy team. Depending on their profile and interests, they could work across departments
Expected tasks/ Duties:
• (Programs) Participate in the monitoring and evaluation of the projects developed by the finalists of the WISE Prize for Education
• (Programs) Synthesize impact studies, reports, and documents provided by the WISE Prize Finalists and identify gaps and information that require clarification or additional details.
• (Research) Generate and share insights on the latest trends regarding education and innovation.
• (Research) Participate in research design, data visualization and policy development in existing research projects
• (Advocacy) Identify and contact key stakeholders, and plan engagements to help disseminate the knowledge of WISE initiatives
• (Advocacy) Support the management of WISE’s ambassadors engagement, by suggesting ideas for content development and supporting the planning, implementation and dissemination.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered:
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
• Preference is given to juniors and seniors, but sophomores may be considered.
• Demonstrated interest in and understanding of the education sector
• Strong academic background with excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to draft and edit reports and articulate ideas clearly and concisely
• Knowledge of other languages is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods in the social sciences.
• Exceptional organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• A keenness to learn and a passion for impact in line with Qatar Foundation’s mission and vision.
To apply, submit the following:
• A resume or CV.
• Statement of interest.
• Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
• A writing sample (not mandatory, but highly desirable)
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
• Preference is given to juniors and seniors, but sophomores may be considered.
• Demonstrated interest in and understanding of the health sector
• Strong academic background with excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of other languages is highly desirable. Arabic proficiency is a plus
• Knowledge and experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods in the social sciences.
• Exceptional organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• A keenness to learn and a passion for impact in line with Qatar Foundation’s mission and vision.
• A resume or CV.
• Statement of interest.
• Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
INAF335 International Affairs Practicum Course
Important Program Guidelines
- This course is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (Pass/Fail) basis.
- Internship positions will not be paid, but an organization may offer stipends for transportation.*
- Internship positions are with GU-Q partner organizations noted above.
- The course may be taken once, for a total of one credit. The credit counts toward the 120 credits required for the SFS degree. If a student receives permission to enroll a second time, the course will be marked as a repeated course and excluded from earned hours/credits toward the degree.
- Students may only work during dates for the academic term in which they are registered for the course.
- Students may not exceed 15 hours of work per week at the internship organization.
- Students must be in good academic standing at GU to enrol.
- Students must follow the guidelines set out in the application to apply and be accepted to the academic internship program. Once a student has secured and accepted a place, GU-Q will register the student for the internship course.
- Students must report to the internship supervisor for work assignments in addition to completing Georgetown class assignments and meetings.
- Students may repeat-enrol in the program more than one time provided they apply and get accepted to different internship organziation.
- Students get additional credit each time they enrol in the program.
Internship Fund Applications
*If a student is interning at an organization that does not offer any kind of stipend, and the student resides in HBKU campus housing, the student may apply (via this link) at the beginning of the internship for a monthly stipend to offset the costs of transport between campus and the internship site. Step (2) once you have filled out the above form, make sure to email guqcareers@georgetown.edu. The stipend is paid as a lump sum for the academic internship period. If a student drops or withdraws from the internship class, the stipend payments stop, and the student must repay a pro-rated portion of the stipend.
To qualify for the Internship Fund, students must:
- Reside in the Qatar Foundation Housing
- Not receive any stipend from the organization where they are interning