World Affairs & Programs Internship

Whether it’s by hearing from high-caliber international speakers and diplomats, experiencing a blend of culture and cuisine at local restaurants, or networking with internationally-minded people, Global Minnesota’s World Affairs events are a local link to the global community. In addition to event planning and support, the World Affairs and Programs Intern assists with research for strategic planning of Global Minnesota events and other program areas including Great Decisions Discussion Groups, K-12 Education, and Professional Exchanges.

See the full internship description here.

Applications for the Fall internship are now closed. Please check back for Spring 2025 internships soon. 

Program features include:

  • Hands-on experience working for a World Affairs Council nonprofit organization
  • Two assigned supervisors who will provide training and guidance
  • Opportunity to join Global Minnesota staff meetings to gain deeper understanding of our operations
  • Free admittance to selected public programs
  • Complimentary Global Minnesota membership
  • Networking opportunities
  • Gain both clerical and program-specific skills
  • Optional stipend of $500

What the internship will look like:

  • Researching emerging speakers, authors, and academics on a variety of topics and contributing to the ongoing preferred speakers list
  • Contacting and liaising with venues that meet a variety of needs for the organization
  • Drafting communications with event attendees and organizing outreach and reminder notifications
  • Supporting with event set-up, including technology, food and beverage, and registration. Helping process walk-in registrations at each event
  • Research projects that support the Program Director’s planning and implementation of programs for 2025-2026
  • Prepare short written executive summaries and 1-page concept papers
  • Create and organize information in spreadsheets
  • Organize information and records; review statistics to assess trends in event attendance and registration
  • Assist with project planning and tracking

What you bring to Global Minnesota:

  • Must be pursuing an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree, or have recently graduated
  • Nonprofit Management, Global Studies, International Relations, Public Policy, Peace Studies, and Political Sciences or Area Studies majors preferred but not required
  • Previous work and/or volunteering experience ideal
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills preferred
  • Availability after hours to support with public events
  • Experience with Google Suite and Microsoft Office software a plus
  • Experience with audio/visual technology a plus

Skills & mindset:

  • Dependable, globally-minded students with an interest in learning and the ability to write well, pay attention to details, be part of a team, and respond to feedback would be a great fit for this opportunity.

Timeline of program:

  • Start date: first or second week of September
  • Expected completion: first or second week of December

Reports to: Program Director and World Affairs Events Manager

Important considerations:

  • Able to work in-person at the Global Minnesota office 6 to 8 hours a week and up to 2 to 4 hours remotely
  • Requires in-person availability on Tuesday and Thursdays within the 10:00 am and 3:00 pm as well occasional after-hours work (5:00 pm – 9:00 pm) during events 1-2 per month
  • Strong English language abilities required to be able to conduct written correspondence in a professional setting
  • Access to equipment and shared-drive will be provided in-office only
  • This is an unpaid internship with an optional $500 stipend available to those who successfully complete 12-14 weeks at about 10/hours week