Internship Program

The United States Commercial Service is a foreign-service agency within the Department of Commerce that works to increase the international business revenues of small- and medium-sized US businesses. The Commercial Service office in San Francisco offers programs to assist U.S. companies in the Berkeley, Emeryville, and San Francisco. Our network includes over 160 offices in nearly 70 countries.

There are two internships available for Fall 2012:

As a member of our team in San Francisco, your duties will include educating prospective clients about our services, as well as working with our team of international business advisors to provide research and other services to our current clients. Additionally, you will work with our team of international business advisors to develop market research information about firms in key sectors of the San Francisco area. Lastly, you will also have the opportunity to help us enhance our technology services (website and Google map tools) for our clients.

We offer a highly international work environment, as well as on-the-job training. Our past interns have leveraged their experience with us to gain admission to top graduate schools, as well as to land jobs with major international companies and follow-on internships in US Embassies around the world.

Ideal candidates will possess excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal and research skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office is critical. Skills in website design programs are helpful.

We are also seeking one Cleantech Research Analyst Intern. In San Francisco, much of our work centers on clean technology.  This internship provides an unusual opportunity to gain government experience while working directly with some of the world's most innovative cleantech firms.  Duties include tracking industry trends across Northern California, monitoring and reporting on policy and market developments on five continents, and researching specific issues brought to us by individual firms.

Students in any major with excellent research and writing skills are encouraged to apply.  Prior knowledge of business is not necessary, but a demonstrated strong interest in clean technology and international affairs will be important.  A second language and/or international experience would be a plus, but is not required.  We are also looking for someone who can dedicate a minimum of 15 hours per week to the job during the summer.

Note: You must be a US citizen and currently enrolled in an academic institution.

We are looking for individuals who can commit to a minimum of 15 hours a week (Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm) for a 3-4 month placement with us beginning in August 2012.

Please e-mail a resume, writing sample, and a brief explanation of your interest in the internship to Internship Coordinator, Jennifer Gothard at office.sanfrancisco@trade.gov. Applicants who do not submit all three items will not be considered.