For Public Dissemination
Internship Opportunity
U.S. MISSION GERMANY
Date: September 2021
| Position Title | Volunteer Foreign National Student Internship – Public Affairs Office (PA) |
| Location | U.S. Consulate General Hamburg |
| Open To | German & EU Nationals, and Nationals of EFTA Member States, who are currently enrolled in a German university |
| Salary | Unpaid – Gratuitous Service |
| Work Hours | Schedule to be determined on individual basis, preferably 40 hours per week |
| Minimum duration | 70 calendar days |
| Maximum duration | 90 calendar days |
| Security Requirement | Candidate must be able to obtain and hold a non-sensitive security certification |
The U.S. Consulate General in Hamburg is seeking a Volunteer Foreign National Student Intern for the Public Affairs Office.
This internship is offered year round; the starting date will be discussed during the interview, while it is also dependent on passing the Medical Check and the Background Check, which can take up to 3 months or more.
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
Incumbent will support outreach activities in the Public Affairs Section. Duties may include providing support to the Cultural and/or Press Units, including helping to prepare and deliver outreach materials (presentations, pamphlets, etc.), support meetings with interlocutors, or conducting research. The incumbent assists in the organization of Embassy and/or public events and accompanies Embassy employees to events/meetings where appropriate and possible. The incumbent researches and assists with preparing reports and overall administration (documentation, filing, and communications).
For a first-hand reflection on the internship experience by a PA intern, see this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnmBFnRL7p0&list=UUQgypqVvc9q70vsp5Fi-pEA
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in determination that the applicant is not qualified.
EDUCATION: Present enrollment in a German university is required.
EXPERIENCE: No experience required, however, public sector and customer service experience a plus.
LANGUAGE: Level IV (fluent) German language skills and Level III English (good working knowledge) are required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
- Research skills (mainly internet search engines) to prepare interviews and background materials.
- Substantial computer skills – proficiency in Microsoft Office (EXCEL, WORD, and POWER POINT).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent social media skills (photos, videos, multiple social media platforms).
- Ability to self-start and take initiative.
- Ability to represent the U.S. Consulate at public events in an enthusiastic and professional manner.
- Previous knowledge of and interest in German-U.S. relations and contemporary political events.
- Experience with writing speeches, greetings, short articles, talking points, and messaging in English and German.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
- Application language is English. Certificates, awards or degrees in English or German do not need to be translated.
- Applicants must submit a complete application (cover letter, resume (in English), proof of enrollment in a German University or College, and proof of citizenship).
- Applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted via email.
- The U.S. Mission in Germany does not refund travel expenses incurred by the interviewee.
- The internship is a voluntary service. There are no benefits attached to this internship and no compensation, nor any future employment rights.
- Students selected must pass a background check and receive a security certification from the Embassy before commencement of the internship. The security check can take up to three months or more and will require a personal interview with the security department of the Embassy.
- The student must be enrolled with a German health carrier.
- Students with dual citizenship (US-German, US-EU/EFTA) are eligible for the Foreign National Internship Program.
- Eligibility Requirements: The U.S. Mission in Germany will only accept applications from non-U.S. citizen students for this internship program. The purpose of the Volunteer National Student Intern Program is to offer students enrolled in a German university/higher institute of learning the challenge of working in a foreign affairs field.
U.S. citizen students apply directly to the U.S. Department of State: www.careers.state.gov
- How To Apply: Interested applicants for this position must submit their application, including a cover letter, resume, proof of citizenship, and proof of enrollment (the DS-0174 is not needed) and send the documents to: Employment-Germany@State.gov
The U.S. Mission in Germany provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.
The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliations. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.