The CSS / ISN Internship Program

 

The Center for Security Studies (CSS) and the International Relations and Security Network (ISN) are pleased to announce the 2013 internship program. Over the course of the year, the CSS/ISN will be offering a total of 10 internships to graduate and undergraduate students in their final year.

Program

Applicants can choose from two internship options:

• A full six-week internship at the CSS (in summer only)
• A full six-week internship at the ISN (in spring and summer)

CSS internships are only available during summer holidays. Interns will be invited between mid May and early October, depending on the applicant's semester holidays and the availability of internships at the Center. ISN internships are available between January and April (spring internships) and during summer holidays. The place of work will be the CSS or the ISN offices in Zurich. All interns will be provided with office space and facilities as appropriate for their work.

Work

Applicants choosing to intern with the CSS are expected to play an active role in the work of the Center by:

• Contributing to the CSS's existing research projects; interns will be allocated to a project based on their experience and the needs of the CSS
• Assisting senior researchers with their research, editorial, and networking activities
• Co-authoring articles with CSS researchers

Applicants choosing to intern with the ISN are expected to contribute to the organization's content acquisition, information management and publishing activities. These include:

• Searching for, cataloguing and indexing high-quality digital resources on a broad range of IR and security issues
• Writing for the ISN Blog
• Writing ISN Insights and Special Features (dependent on English writing skills)
• Assisting with other editorial activities as required
• Helping with the ISN's outreach, partnership and marketing activities

Who We Are Looking For

Graduate students or undergraduate students in their final year with the following skills:

• Excellent English
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• The ability to read and analyze content quickly and objectively
• A detailed knowledge of current affairs
• A strong work ethic and the ability to learn quickly
• Initiative and a willingness to participate in, and contribute to, the activities of both the CSS or the ISN

Work Permits

Please note that due to Swiss labor laws only EU 25 / EFTA nationals (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Island, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom) may apply for an internship.

Funding and Accommodation

Both the CSS and ISN recommend that all applicants apply for a scholarship before coming to Zurich. Aside from providing a short list of relevant links, neither the CSS nor the ISN can assist in finding accommodation. Interns should therefore make the necessary arrangements prior to arriving in Zurich. The CSS and the ISN pay a stipend upon completion of the internship.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for a CSS internship, please submit your complete online application including the following:

• Application letter: a one page statement of purpose outlining your research interests and why you would like to work at the CSS
• Resume (max. 2 pages)
• Copies of academic transcripts and/or certificates
• A writing sample in English, e.g. a university paper, an article
• Two letters of recommendation, preferably academic, should be sent directly by the refrees to the CSS Internship Manager by e-mail or regular mail:
  Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich
  Internship Manager
  Haldeneggsteig 4, IFW
  8092 Zurich, Switzerland

If you are interested in an ISN internship, please check the ISN internship website for application details.

When to Apply

Applications for the summer 2013 internship program will only be accepted between 1 January and 31 January 2013. Applications for the spring 2014 internship program will only be accepted between 1 September and 30 September 2013. Applications received outside of these time periods are not possible. Successful candidates will be contacted by 15 March 2013 and 31 October 2013 respectively.

Terms and Conditions

• The CSS/ISN accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents or illness during the internship. All applicants should therefore make the necessary health insurance arrangements prior to arriving in Zurich.
• The CSS/ISN accepts no responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, any personal items during the internship. Again, applicants should make the necessary insurance arrangements prior to beginning their placement.
• All interns will abide by CSS/ISN Rules and Regulations and will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Failure to do so will result in the termination of the internship. Both the CSS and ISN reserve the right to terminate the internship with immediate effect.
• All interns will keep confidential any and all unpublished information made available during the course of the internship.
• Successful candidates must provide written notice in case of illness or other unavoidable circumstances that might prevent them from completing their internship.