CNA Internship Program
CNA offers paid internship programs that give students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience working on meaningful projects. Internships fall into two broad categories:
- Research internships for recent undergraduates and current graduate students working toward careers in quantitative or qualitative research and analysis
- Business operations internships for junior and senior undergraduates and graduate students to work in fields such as IT, cybersecurity, finance, human resources, editing, law, communications, business, and event and facilities management
CNA’s 12-week, paid Summer Research Internship Program is designed to introduce recent undergraduates and current graduate students to work in a professional studies and analysis organization dedicated to the safety and security of the nation.
We are seeking candidates with quantitative or qualitative research and analysis skills to work with our research staff, which spans a diverse range of academic backgrounds. We encourage applicants in any of the following fields: computer science, chemistry, physics, biology/environmental science, engineering, operations research, mathematics, statistics, economics, psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, or international relations. Post-doctoral fellows are not eligible for the internship program. However, we encourage postdocs who are completing their fellowships to apply for a full-time Research Analyst position.
Our goal is for the internship experience to mimic what it’s like to be a member of a CNA research team. Upon hire, each intern is assigned to a mentor and a project that matches his or her area of study. With the mentor’s guidance, the intern assists the team in structuring and solving a complex problem, developing sound analytical methods to derive findings and conclusions. The intern documents those results and presents their work at the conclusion of the internship. In the course of conducting the analysis, the intern may engage with the study sponsor, generally located in government agencies in the National Capital Region. In addition, throughout the course of the internship, interns benefit from ongoing learning events and collaboration activities.
Selected candidates will be required to work from CNA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, a few days a week in accordance with CNA's hybrid work environment.
Qualifications
Eligible candidates must satisfy the following requirements:
- Recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree or currently enrolled in a graduate program in the physical, social, or computer sciences or a related discipline.
- US citizen
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Strong collaboration and communications skills
- All applicants must be able to obtain a US security clearance.
Pay and Benefits
for approximately 12 weeks. Interns are paid every two weeks at a rate competitive for the area and level of work they will be conducting. This is a 40-hours-a-week position.
CNA will provide travel and housing assistance for candidates that are not local to the DC metro area.
Interns are paid for national holidays that are observed during their appointment. Although interns do not accrue paid time off, they may arrange in advance with their Managing Director or Research Program Director to take days off without pay.
Exceptions to any of the above conditions require advance approval by the Vice President and Chief People Officer.
Application Process
Students who qualify should submit an application, cover letter, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and resume (including GPA) to CNA. The cover letter should describe the candidate’s interest in the internship, as well as their leadership, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills.
All applicants must have US citizenship. CNA will be accepting applications for internships from September to November. To search for internships at CNA, click here.
CNA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CNA's 10–12-week paid Business Operations Internships offer undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in a dynamic, professional environment. They work on meaningful projects, collaborate with industry experts, and build essential skills to enhance their career development. Interns receive mentorship and guidance, allowing them to learn from experienced professionals and receive feedback to help them grow. Additionally, they have the chance to network with other interns and employees, participate in training sessions, and engage in social and professional events. Our program is designed to provide a comprehensive experience that prepares interns for success in their future careers.
Some of our divisions that offer Business Operations Internships include the Chief Information Office, Chief Finance Office, People Operations/HR, Research Publications Group, Office of the General Counsel, Communications, Strategic Initiatives, Conference Operations, and Real Estate and Facility Management.
Qualifications
Eligible candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Education: By the start of the internship, candidates must be in their junior or final year of their bachelor’s degree or be enrolled in a graduate program.
- Hybrid work eligibility: The position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement at the discretion of the manager. Interns may be required to work at least a few days a week at CNA headquarters in Arlington, VA, or other work locations.
- Citizenship: All applicants must have US citizenship.
- Other: All applicants must be able to obtain a US security clearance.
Pay and Benefits
Interns are paid every two weeks at a rate competitive for the Washington, DC, region and the level of work they will be conducting. Most roles are 40 hours per week.
Interns are paid for federal holidays observed during the duration of their internship. Although interns do not accrue paid time off, they may arrange in advance with their managers to take days off without pay.
Application Process
Students who qualify should submit an application that includes a resume (including GPA) and other documents that are listed as required in the posting.
CNA’s application period opens in September of every year and closes at the end of November. To search for internships at CNA, click here.
CNA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Having employees with different points of view and frames of reference and with broad ranges of life experiences brings an energy and unique advantage that is essential to delivering on our mission.
Katherine McGrady, President and CEO