Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Fall Internships with the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START)


Below is a short summary of the opportunities available. Please visit our brand new website for more information and to access the application form: http://www.start.umd.edu/careers/internships .

Global Terrorism Database (GTD)

The GTD is an open source, unclassified database including information on terrorist attacks around the world since 1970 (currently updated through 2012). The database is maintained by researchers at START. The GTD includes systematic data on domestic as well as international terrorist incidents that have occurred during this time period and now includes over 113,000 cases. The GTD intern team is organized into the following themes:

 

·         GTD: Incident Location and Geographic Identification

·         GTD: Perpetrator Identification

·         GTD: Target Classification

·         GTD: Understanding the Patterns and Use of Weapons and Tactics

·         GTD: The Consequences of Terrorism – Casualties and Outcome

·         GTD: Motives of Terrorism

·         GTD: Coding Intern At Large (Generalist)

Special Projects

The Special Projects Division consists of a number of intensive, shorter-term research projects concentrated on three research topics within the larger study of terrorism and politically violent non-state actors:

-          Unconventional Weapons and Technology

-          Extremist Origins and Trajectories

-          Threat Management and Influence

Intern positions are available in the following focus areas:

·         Pinch Hitter & Advanced Research

·         Terrorist Ideology

·         Organized Crime

·         Individual Radicalization

·         Risk Assessment and Threat Analysis

·         Use of CBRN Agents by Non-State Actors

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Analytical

Interns will contribute to the construction of a global, multimodal transportation network.  Tasks will include analysis and aggregation of large-scale datasets, database triangulation, manual vector editing, extensive open-source research into traditional and illicit transportation methods, digital cartography/mapmaking, and translation of START’s qualitative research into geospatial format.  Interest/experience in global security and/or terrorism is beneficial.

 

Naval Research Laboratory Adversarial Modeling and Exploitation Office

Two internships are available with AMX onsite at their offices in Washington DC. The AMX has a number of ongoing research projects related to counter-terrorism, behavior detection, law enforcement, crime analysis, and geospatial analysis. The use of information by law enforcement, often called data driven policing, is an ever evolving and expanding field.

 

·         Behavioral Indicators of Gun and Drug Carrying

·         System Engineering Analysis & Support

·         Statistical Analysis & Modeling Support

·         GIS Analytical

 

Communications and Research Transition Support

START communications and transition team is seeking interns to assist with START’s communication activities and products. Interns’, responsibilities will vary but may include: Writing and editing press releases and featured stories, planning and attending events, creating media kits, developing and tracking media lists and monitoring social media.

 

Dataverse

START is continuing to develop the Terrorism Data Archive Dataverse. Interns for this project will learn about terrorism-related data through archiving datasets and reading over documentation. Interns will serve as Assistant Editors and would be responsible for preparing data for archiving onto the START Dataverse. Depending upon the dataset, there will also be opportunities to create Codebooks and add labels and values to the data. Interns will receive training in the archiving process.

 

Government Actions in Terror Environments (GATE)

Recent research suggests that governments have a vast set of policy tools at their disposal vis-à-vis terrorist groups, and that pure reliance on repressive policies can be counterproductive. While policymakers increasingly recognize the importance of non-military counterterrorism tools in addition to military ones, it is not yet known which type of government actions are effective; and when carrots might be more effective than sticks in defeating terrorist groups. This is a unique opportunity to better understand the terrorist conflict in the US and across specific regions of the world and to get a unique view of how governments deal with those conflicts.

 

Risk Communications Project

Government, non-profits, and other organizations rely on public communication to deliver important messages to various audiences. Professional communicators today use social scientific research to improve this process, and START’s research teams have several current and upcoming communication projects that address current research questions. Risk communication is important for delivering messages about impending storms, terrorist attacks, public health crises, and more. Interns working on this team will support several ongoing research projects as well as new projects.

 

START/State Department Terrorist Organizations Project Internship

Students will gather and analyze statistics on terrorist organizations over time. Projects will include collecting the number and type of attacks over time, looking at trends, and possibly even modeling group capacity out into the future. Interns will also provide assistance in researching open source information on the leadership of some groups for possible future designations.

 

Interns will be co-supervised by researchers at the University of Maryland and by project leads at the State Department. The State Department leads will set and give feedback on tasks. Interns will be based at START’s offices on the University of Maryland campus.

 

Education Research

Interns on this team will assist with analyzing the real world skills gained through START education and education transition programs.  Research will focus on growth assessment and skill development in internships as well as development of gameification and simulation based learning in traditional classrooms.

 

Terrorism Propaganda Analysis

The nature of the project is analysis of several hundred transcripts of terrorist propaganda videos produced by Al Qaeda and Al Qaeda affiliate groups. One aspect of the project will be somewhat descriptive in that we hope to learn: 1) what the message of the video transcript is (e.g. to defend the prophet, to prevent future grievances, to promote jihad, etc.) as well as 2) how the message is conveyed including the type of persuasive attempt used (rational vs. emotional) and 3) who the target audience is. The coding manual taps into each of these contents. The next step of the project, which will occur after all of the transcripts are coded, will examine 4) if the target audience, the message, or the frequency of these tapes have a discernible pattern, and 5) if these patterns change over time. The final aspect of this project includes analyzing the rhetoric and persuasion techniques used in the transcripts and testing the same messages, both in the US and abroad.

 

Why choose an internship at START?

·         Experience working with a large team of dynamic and experienced researchers.

·         Exposure to cutting edge theories and methods.

·         Deepen your understanding of current issues in terrorism and homeland security.

·         Work on projects of immediate interest to the practitioner and policy community.

·         Hone and develop a range of transferable skills attractive to future employers.

·         Opportunity to work with and meet other students and researchers with similar interests.

·         Enrichment activities offering wide opportunities for learning and personal growth, schedule includes simulations, career presentations and research talks.

·         Mentorship from START staff and researchers in a successful professional environment.

·         Internships can be undertaken for academic credit (depending on approval from your institution and department).

 

General requirements

Applicants for all internships must:

·         Have a good academic record.

·         Demonstrate an interest in the subject matter.

·         Be able to complete their internship work hours on site at START.

·         Agree to attend orientation and training.

·         Submit an application by the deadline, all application packets must include:

o   A complete application for the correct semester (available at http://www.start.umd.edu/careers/internships ),

o   One page resume,

o   Cover letter,

o   Writing sample,

o   Unofficial transcripts from most recent institution.

Each project may have additional requirements, including minimum credit hours, preferred majors and compulsory meeting times.  For specific requirements and information visit: www.start.umd.edu.

 

How to apply

Application deadline Fall 2014:

Priority Date: midnight Sunday June 8th (Please note this will be the final deadline for some projects, as noted on our website. All international students must apply by the priority deadline in order to help ensure that appropriate paperwork is completed in time for start of the program.)

Final Deadline: midnight Sunday June 22nd

 

Applicants should visit www.start.umd.edu/careers/ for access to the application system and instructions.

 

For more information about the projects, requirements and for the application form visit: http://www.start.umd.edu/careers/internships

Friday, May 16, 2014

Spaces Still Available in Global Semester Internship Program: Science Diplomacy!


Spaces still available in Global Semester in Washington, D.C. Internship Program: Science Diplomacy!  Apply now! 

Learn how to capitalize on your social sciences and humanities and arts degrees for high-powered careers in the international arena, including as negotiators and advocates for science and technology initiatives. The two instructors of Science Diplomacy are policy leaders in the science negotiation arena at Department of State—with undergraduate degrees in Fine Arts and English and MA degrees in political philosophy and law and diplomacy! 

For applications and details: Go to www.globalsemesterdc.umd.edu!

This prestigious program combines once a week evening seminar in the fall semester with a spring internship for college credit in the Washington, D.C. area.  You may take the spring internship credits through your BSOS major!  The program includes professional development workshops, trips to D.C., conversations with policy makers, and lots of one-on-one assistance with internship applications, resumes, and interviews! 

Students this year interned at White House, foreign embassies, Department of State, congressional offices, House committees, non-governmental organizations, etc.  For best consideration apply ASAP! We are considering applications on a rolling basis.

Global Semester in Washington, D.C. is the sister program to Federal Semester.  Home for both: 2407 Marie Mount Hall.

Director for both programs: Dr. Joan Burton. 

Summer Positions with The Fund for the Public Interest


Impact issues that matter this summer with the Fund!

The Fund for the Public Interest is a national non-profit organization that
works to build support for progressive organizations across the country. We
run campaigns for the Human Rights Campaign, USPIRG, and Environment America. 
This summer we will be in over 50 cities, including our local Maryland office in College Park, working and lobbying to help win environmental and social justice campaigns.

Last summer our staff helped stop toxic gas drilling, worked to end subsidies
for junk food, and built support for equal rights for all Americans- all
while building valuable leadership skills. Currently, we have paid positions
open on our campaign staff in each of our locations. We require that
interested candidates are hard workers and have excellent communication
skills. As a member of our staff, you will fundraise, build membership for our
partner groups, and educate and activate citizens on pressing issues. You
will also have the opportunity to organize press conferences and build
coalitions with other non-profit organizations. While on staff, you gain
knowledge of pressing concerns our country is facing, learn how to
effectively generate public support, and obtain a firm understanding of the
political process.

Click here to Apply, or call (301) 403-0024

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Office of Science and Technology Policy Internship Program

The Office of Science and Technology Policy is currently accepting applications for its Fall 2014 Policy Internship Program. The application deadline is 11:59pm, Friday, Jun 20. Students who are U.S. citizens and who will be actively enrolled during the Fall 2014 semester are welcome to apply. 

More information and application instructions are available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/about/student/ 

About OSTP.  The Office of Science and Technology Policy advises the President on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs. The office serves as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans and programs of the Federal Government. 

About the Internship Program.  Interns are accepted for one of three annual terms (Spring, Summer, or Fall), which each last no more than 90 days. While these positions are without compensation, the assignments provide educational enrichment, practical work experience, and network opportunities with other individuals in the science and technology policy arena.

U.S. Department of State 2015 Spring Student Internship Program (unpaid).

Click here (https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/369816600) to go directly to USAJobs to start the Gateway to State online application. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is July 1, 2014.
This program offers U.S. citizen undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to participate in 10-week, unpaid internships that provide intensive educational and professional experience within the environment of America’s principle foreign affairs agency.
Unpaid internships are available at many of the over 270 U.S. embassies, consulates and missions to international organizations around the world, as well as at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. and other locations throughout the U.S. Participants gain first-hand, hands-on experience, and learn the realities of working in – and with – Foreign and Civil Service professionals who are at the forefront of America’s diplomatic efforts.As an unpaid intern, you may have the opportunity to:
  • Participate in meetings with senior level U.S. government or foreign government officials;
  • Draft, edit, or contribute to cables, reports, communications, talking points, or other materials used by policy makers in furthering U.S. foreign policy objectives;
  • Help organize and support events, including international and/or multi-lateral meetings and conferences on critical global issues;
  • Contribute to the management and administration of the Department of State and America’s foreign policy; and
  • Engage directly with U.S. or foreign audiences to promote U.S. foreign policy and improve understanding of U.S. culture and society.

So consider spending your Spring 2015 with the U.S. Department of State, witnessing and participating in the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy, working closely with the U.S. diplomats and civil servants who carry out America’s foreign policy initiatives. 
You’ll not only have an experience of a lifetime, you may even earn educational credit.** Applicants who are selected for a U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program (unpaid) can contact the selecting bureau, or the central Student Programs office, if they require further details about the program to support their request for academic credit.

Please visit http://careers.state.gov/intern/which-program-is-right-for-you for more information about the Spring 2015 Student Internship Program (unpaid), and to start the online application process via USAJobs. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is July 1, 2014.

We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State.Visit our forums if you have any questions, or to search for topics of interest. The forums can be found under Connect on the careers.state.gov website. You can also search our FAQs for more information.