Internship Program
The U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Mission to the European Union (CSEU)
The U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Mission to the European Union (CSEU) is an overseas office of the U.S. Department of Commerce. CSEU’s mission is to promote U.S. business interests in the European Union through advocacy, information dissemination, and cooperation with other Commercial Service posts throughout Europe and the world. The U.S. Mission to the European Union is situated in the heart of Brussels, next door to the bilateral U.S. Embassy to Belgium, convenient to public transportation; the Arts-Loi Metro station is one block away.
I. Internship Program |
The internship program at the CSEU in Brussels attracts interns from both graduate and undergraduate college/university programs from throughout the United States and the European Union. This program is voluntary and uncompensated. Although many interns find the experience valuable, there is no salary, no stipend, no expense allowances, and no housing available for interns. Volunteer service is not creditable for leave or any other employee benefits. Many interns receive academic credit from their educational institution for their internship at CSEU. § Office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. § Interns work 40 hours per week for a minimum of three months, although other arrangements may be possible on a case-by-case basis. § The US Mission observes both US and Belgian national holidays. |
II. Intern Responsibilities |
Interns perform a variety of tasks at CSEU. We work with interns to identify projects in policy areas and sectors that are both relevant to our stakeholders and of interest to the intern. In all cases, interns will be integrated into the daily work of the American and Foreign Service National staff. Examples of tasks typically performed by interns: § Assist in the preparation of short, topical reports covering policy developments in the European Union that are of interest to U.S. exporters. § Research and respond to incoming business inquiries from American firms about EU legislation/regulations. § Assist with planning / organization associated with high-level visitors and other events taking place during the internship. § Attend office and Mission staff meetings and external conferences. |
III. Requirements |
Interns must have either U.S. or EU citizenship. § English-language proficiency is required, European language skills are a bonus. § Computer skills are a prerequisite (Word, Excel, Internet) and advanced skills (html, database) are desirable. § Interns should be available for a minimum twelve weeks full time, although other arrangements may be possible on a case-by-case basis. § All applicants will be subject to a detailed background security check, which can take as long as four months to complete before the internship can begin. § Worldwide U.S. Government policy on interns is that they must be enrolled in full-time study courses. § You must advise us if you are seeking internships at other FCS offices so that we might coordinate our efforts. Failure to do so will result in a termination of your consideration for an internship. |
IV. Qualities we look for in an intern: |
Self-starters who are willing to work generally unsupervised. § Commitment to quality work and public service § Genuine interest in international business and trade § Capable of drafting reports and correspondence in professional English § Familiar with the European Union, its countries and institutions |
V. Procedures |
Our internship program is competitive with many applicants, especially for the summer period (May to September). Thus, it is important to apply as early as possible for internships at the US Mission to the EU. Availability during the most popular internship periods is limited, and the security clearance process can take up to 3 or 4 months. Please plan accordingly. Please note: Our office has filled all of our internship positions through Fall 2011. Currently, we are accepting applications for Spring 2012. If you are still interested in Summer European internships you may consider contacting our other offices in Europe. For a list of them click here, and follow the link for the list of international offices. |
VI. Application |
Send a resume and cover letter expressing your interest and qualifications for an internship to ilona.shtrom@trade.gov Make sure to address these aspects in your initial communication: |
VII. Security Clearance |
An internship at CSEU is contingent of receiving a security clearance from the US Department of Commerce’s Office of Security. If accepted for an internship, you will be asked to complete and mail original copies of the following documents required for a security clearance: American citizens - please provide originals of the following documents: Note: Once these documents are received, the intern will be sent a fingerprint chart to be completed and used for background check purposes. If studying overseas, the chart can be mailed to the student's foreign address. However, completing the chart while abroad will likely require a visit to the nearest US Embassy or Consulate, and an appointment must be made in advance. Please allow sufficient time if you will be completing this portion of the process abroad. EU citizens - please provide originals of the following documents: |
For more information, contact Mrs. Ilona Shtrom at ilona.shtrom@trade.gov.
Currently recruiting for fall and winter 2012 internships.
