Geospatial Intelligence and National Security Technologies Internship Fall 2026
About The Position
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is offering an internship focused on Geospatial Intelligence and National Security Technologies for Fall 2026. This internship utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to enhance research collection, intelligence analysis, and visualizations. Interns will gain practical experience using GIS in national security and intelligence applications, supporting data collection, analysis, and the creation of visualizations for ISW's maps. They will also have opportunities to interact with technology partners transforming the national security space and receive further training on relevant platforms. ISW's technology partners include Neo4J, Babel Street, Ntrepid, and Planet Labs. This is a full-time internship (five days per week), though part-time work may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The internship is part of The General David H. Petraeus Center for Emerging Leaders, which aims to identify, educate, and develop future national security leaders.
Requirements
- Motivated and organized college students or recent graduates with demonstrated expertise in a related field.
- Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
- Strong capabilities in GIS software such as Esri's ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, or ArcGIS Online.
- Ability to conduct complex tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
- Self-motivated, independent, creative, and capable of working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to—and interest in—the core mission and values of ISW.
- Authorized to work in the United States and be physically present in the United States during their internship tenure.
- If attending a US university on a student visa, must be eligible for and obtain a CPT authorization before beginning at ISW.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with SQL or ArcGIS Python (Arcpy).
- Demonstrated interest or expertise in national security issues, particularly Russia, Ukraine, China, or issues in the Middle East.
Responsibilities
- Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite remote sensing, and data visualization to refine how ISW’s analysts implement these cutting-edge tools.
- Support data collection, analysis, and visualizations that support ISW’s world-renowned maps.
- Potentially have valuable interactions with software partners who are transforming the national security space.
- Receive further training on some of these platforms.
Benefits
- Up to a $1,000 monthly living stipend as part of a scholarship program.
- Opportunity to work directly with analysts.
- Classroom education.
- Regular leadership engagement.
- Chance to work with cutting-edge technologies.
- Opportunity to work with software partners.
- Potential to have research drafted, edited, and published under mentorship.
- Potential for future employment with ISW.
- Opportunity to gain academic credit for internships where applicable.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
