USTR Summer Internship 2025 is now open for U.S. students, recent graduates, and veterans interested in U.S. trade policy, offering valuable hands-on experience in Washington, D.C.
If you’re a student, recent graduate, or U.S. military veteran looking for a meaningful career opportunity in government, trade, diplomacy, or international economic affairs, the USTR Summer Internship 2025 is an excellent program you shouldn’t miss.
Organized by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), this internship provides a chance to gain hands-on experience in U.S. trade policy, intergovernmental cooperation, and international negotiations. It also offers a window into how trade agreements and economic strategies are crafted at the federal level — a world that’s typically inaccessible to the average student or jobseeker.
Based in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., this program is highly competitive but extremely valuable for those pursuing careers in international relations, public policy, law, and economics. Though unpaid, the internship includes a local transportation subsidy, making it financially accessible for many candidates within the D.C. area.
- About the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
- Summary Table: USTR Summer Internship 2025
- Key Takeaways
- Why Apply for the USTR Summer Internship 2025?
- USTR Internship Responsibilities in Detail
- USTR Internship Eligibility Requirements
- Internship Schedule, Hours, and Work Environment
- How to Apply for USTR Summer Internship 2025
- Conclusion
- FAQs About the USTR Summer Internship 2025
About the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
The USTR is a vital government agency responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade policy and overseeing negotiations with foreign governments. It plays a major role in crafting trade agreements, enforcing trade laws, and representing the U.S. in global economic organizations like the WTO.
Interning at the USTR offers a rare chance to engage directly with the processes that influence billions in trade, affecting industries, workers, consumers, and diplomatic relations across the globe. It’s not just a résumé booster — it’s a chance to be a part of something globally impactful.
Summary Table: USTR Summer Internship 2025
| Field | Summary of USTR Summer Internship 2025 |
|---|---|
| Program Name | USTR Summer Internship 2025 |
| Location | USTR Headquarters, Washington, D.C. |
| Eligibility | U.S. students, recent graduates (within 2 years), military veterans |
| Start Date | June 9, 2025 |
| End Date | August 15, 2025 |
| Work Type | Full-time (35+ hrs/week) or Part-time (15–34 hrs/week) |
| Compensation | Unpaid, with a local transportation subsidy |
| Remote Work | Not available |
| Application Period | April 22 – April 30, 2025 (or until 100 applications received) |
| Application Portal | ustr.applytojob.com/apply |
Key Takeaways
- The USTR Summer Internship 2025 offers unmatched experience in U.S. trade policy and international economic affairs.
- Open to U.S. students, recent graduates, and military veterans.
- Internship runs June 9 to August 15, 2025, with full-time and part-time roles.
- Unpaid but includes a local commuting subsidy.
- Highly competitive — applications open April 22, 2025, and may close early.
- Application portal: ustr.applytojob.com/apply
Why Apply for the USTR Summer Internship 2025?
The internship isn’t just about observing — it’s about active learning, direct engagement, and meaningful contribution to USTR operations. Here are several reasons why this program stands out:
1. A Gateway to Federal Government Work
Gaining an internship with a prestigious federal agency like USTR can be a springboard for future employment opportunities in government, think tanks, NGOs, and private sector roles.
2. Build Professional Networks
Interns have opportunities to interact with trade negotiators, economic analysts, policy advisors, and government leaders. These connections can be invaluable for future job opportunities or graduate school applications.
3. Experience the Heart of U.S. Trade Diplomacy
The work interns participate in affects real global trade negotiations and policy decisions that have far-reaching consequences for U.S. businesses, workers, and consumers.
4. Develop Marketable Skills
You’ll build valuable skills in research, policy analysis, economic reporting, meeting coordination, and legal documentation — skills that are transferable to a wide range of industries.
5. Academic and Career Growth
Many students can earn academic credit through their college or university. Additionally, the internship experience strengthens applications for graduate school, law programs, or public policy fellowships.
USTR Internship Responsibilities in Detail
The USTR Summer Internship is designed to give interns real responsibilities that contribute to the agency’s daily operations. Here’s a closer look at what interns typically do:
Policy Research and Economic Analysis
- Conduct deep-dive research into foreign trade practices, policy proposals, tariffs, and international trade regulations.
- Analyze economic data to identify market trends, trade barriers, and opportunities for U.S. exports.
- Assist in creating issue briefs, research summaries, and economic outlook reports.
Statistical Compilation and Briefing Materials
- Collect and organize trade statistics and data sets to support policy discussions.
- Prepare background documents and briefing packets for senior officials ahead of meetings with international counterparts.
Support for Meetings and Conferences
- Coordinate logistics for diplomatic visits, interagency discussions, hearings, and trade negotiations.
- Take notes, prepare meeting summaries, and manage scheduling for key USTR events.
Drafting Reports and Official Correspondence
- Write drafts of official memos, letters, public reports, and press statements.
- Assist in editing and finalizing policy documents, international agreements, and negotiation proposals.
Legislative and Interagency Engagement
- Attend Congressional hearings, trade policy briefings, and intergovernmental meetings.
- Observe how trade policy is shaped and presented within the broader federal system.
USTR Internship Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, applicants must confirm that they meet the following criteria:
General Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be 18 years old or older by the program’s start date.
Academic and Professional Background
Candidates must meet one of the following:
- Be a current student enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program at a 2- or 4-year institution.
- Be a recent graduate who completed their degree no more than two years before the internship starts.
- Be a U.S. military veteran with a high school diploma or equivalent who was honorably discharged within the past two years.
Additional Requirement
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service System to qualify.
Internship Schedule, Hours, and Work Environment
The Summer 2025 program operates for ten weeks between June 9 and August 15, 2025. Interns have two workload options:
Full-Time Internship
- A minimum of 35 hours per week.
- Regular workdays, typically between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM.
- All work is in-person at USTR headquarters.
Part-Time Internship
- Between 15 and 34 hours per week.
- Flexible scheduling but still on-site in Washington, D.C..
📌 Important:
There are no remote positions or relocation/housing allowances. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation, although USTR does offer a local transportation subsidy to help cover commuting costs.
How to Apply for USTR Summer Internship 2025
Given the competitive nature of this program — with applications often closing early when 100 candidates apply — early submission is crucial.
Application Timeline
- Opens: April 22, 2025
- Closes: April 30, 2025 (or sooner if 100 applications are received)
Application Process
- Prepare your resume, cover letter, and academic records in advance.
- Visit the official portal: ustr.applytojob.com/apply
- Complete the online form and upload the required documents.
- For more information, visit: USTR Internship Program Info
Pro Tip:
Include specific examples of your research, policy work, leadership roles, and academic accomplishments in your application materials.
Conclusion
For those aiming to build careers in trade policy, international relations, public policy, or law, the USTR Summer Internship 2025 is a remarkable stepping stone. Interns receive direct exposure to the workings of U.S. trade diplomacy, get to assist in shaping key policy positions, and build meaningful relationships with professionals working at the heart of global economic affairs.
This internship isn’t just about experience — it’s about influence, networking, and opening doors to future opportunities within the federal government and beyond. If you meet the eligibility requirements and are eager to contribute to impactful projects, this is your chance.
FAQs About the USTR Summer Internship 2025
1. Is this internship available to international students?
No — the program is only open to U.S. citizens who meet the other eligibility requirements.
2. Is there a salary or stipend for this internship?
The internship is unpaid, though participants receive a local transportation subsidy for commuting in Washington, D.C.
3. Can I work remotely or in a hybrid setup?
No — the USTR Summer Internship requires on-site participation at the agency’s Washington, D.C. office. Remote work options are not available.
4. How many hours per week is the internship?
Interns can choose between full-time (35+ hours/week) or part-time (15–34 hours/week) schedules. All roles are in-person.
5. What documents are needed to apply?
You will typically need a resume, cover letter, and proof of enrollment or graduation. Veterans must also provide documentation confirming their discharge status.