Program/Research Internship in the Center for Turkish Studies (CTS) is a 20-24 hours/week, unpaid position. This internship is a combination of administrative and research tasks.  The intern may perform the following duties under the supervision of the Research Associate and the Executive Director:

1. Research  

Short- and long-term research tasks for academic and programmatic activities of the Center. Providing news scans and collecting academic articles and sources from online research databases. Tracking events and conferences on Turkey and/or topics related to the Center`s research agenda in area think tanks, notifying the CTS staff of these events in a timely manner; attending these events and conferences, and summarizing the event transcripts as assigned by the Center`s staff

2. Writing and Editing

Tracking the daily news on Turkish foreign and domestic politics from foreign and U.S. news outlets in English; summarizes news articles, opinion-eds, and analysis published in respectable and reputable news sources; posts Turkish daily news summaries on the CTS website on a daily basis.

3. Maintain the Center’s website

Updating the Center`s website as assigned.

4. Outreach

Updating the Center`s contacts list accurately; assisting the Research Associate with the Center`s outreach activities. Assisting CTS library users when needed and ensures that the CTS library is well-maintained. Answering phone and email inquiries about the Center`s activities, research materials, and events in a professional and diplomatic manner. Assisting the Research Associate and the Communications and Programs Department with room set-up and clean-up at the registration table during CTS events and other MEI events as needed.

5. Grant Application Research

Assisting the Center`s staff with grant-writing; performing research and collecting application materials from internet and/or outside organizations as needed.

6. Complete other tasks as required

Qualifications and skills:

• Completed at least one year of college and studying a related field such as International Relations, Middle East Studies or European Studies or Caucasian Studies, Political Science, Government or Public Policy, etc.; Master`s students are strongly encouraged to apply.
• A strong interest in Turkey, Turkish domestic and/or foreign politics, or experience living or studying in Turkey
• A basic understanding of current political and social developments in Turkey is a must.
• For this internship, it is NOT necessary to have Turkish language skills. However, we strongly encourage applicants with basic/intermediate skills in Turkish to apply; Turkish-American students are welcome to apply.
• Prior work/ internship experience is a plus.
• Good writing, research, and analytical skills; ability to complete writing and research tasks under short deadlines
• Get-it-done attitude; diplomatic and professional manner; good communication skills
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word, and internet research tools; willingness to learn new software/online tools
• Ability to work independently as well as under strict supervision