Cyber & Technology Innovation Research Fall 2026 Internship
Internship Opportunities
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.
About FDD's Internship Program
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide meaningful professional development. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series featuring senior staff members in a small-group setting and are encouraged to strengthen their academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Cyber & Technology Innovation Research
FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI) is seeking part-time or full-time interns. CCTI promotes a greater understanding within the U.S. government, private sector, and allied countries of the threats and opportunities to national security and economic prosperity posed by the rapidly expanding technological environment. Interns will work closely with CCTI director Annie Fixler, senior policy analyst Jiwon Ma, and CCTI Senior Director RADM (ret) Mark Montgomery to conduct research on cyber capabilities and intentions of U.S. adversaries and on policy and technological solutions to these challenges.
Eligibility
Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science. Computer science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Application Materials Required
Resume/CV
Cover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)
Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
Unofficial transcript copy
Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.
About FDD's Internship Program
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide meaningful professional development. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series featuring senior staff members in a small-group setting and are encouraged to strengthen their academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Cyber & Technology Innovation Research
FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI) is seeking part-time or full-time interns. CCTI promotes a greater understanding within the U.S. government, private sector, and allied countries of the threats and opportunities to national security and economic prosperity posed by the rapidly expanding technological environment. Interns will work closely with CCTI director Annie Fixler, senior policy analyst Jiwon Ma, and CCTI Senior Director RADM (ret) Mark Montgomery to conduct research on cyber capabilities and intentions of U.S. adversaries and on policy and technological solutions to these challenges.
Eligibility
Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science. Computer science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Application Materials Required
Resume/CV
Cover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)
Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
Unofficial transcript copy
Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.