- Bureau/Office
International Bureau – Office of the Bureau Chief
The International Bureau administers international telecommunications and satellite programs and policies, including licensing and regulatory functions. The bureau also promotes pro-competitive policies abroad, coordinates global spectrum activities and advocates U.S. interests in international communications and competition. - Internship Period(s)
Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters. - General Duties
Intern duties may include, but are not limited to:- conducting research, including legal research;
- empirical analysis including model estimation using various econometric techniques;
- writing reports; and
- drafting U.S. position papers on telecommunications issues for upcoming International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other international meetings and conferences.
- Selection Criteria
No prior communications or technical experience is necessary, but candidates must be current full- or half-time students at an accredited college or university. Law students, international studies students, and students majoring in business and/or economics are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have strong writing and analytical skills. - Send Application to
Donna Christianson - Application Information
Resumé, cover letter, and writing sample. - Additional Information
Openings are for unpaid volunteer internships. Please reference "IB Internship Opportunities" in the subject line of the e-mail. - Application Deadlines
- Summer: January 1 - February 15
- Fall: June 1 - July 31
- Spring: October 1 - November 15
- Bureau/Office - Position 1
International Bureau – Satellite Division
The primary mission of the Satellite Division is to serve U.S. consumers by promoting a competitive and innovative domestic and global telecommunications marketplace. The Division strives to achieve this goal by: (1) authorizing as many satellite systems as possible and as quickly as possible to facilitate deployment of satellite services; (2) minimizing regulation and maximizing flexibility for satellite telecommunications providers to meet customer needs; and (3) fostering efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum and orbital resources. The Division also provides expertise about the commercial satellite industry in the domestic spectrum management process and advocates U.S. satellite radiocommunication interests in international coordinations and negotiations. - Internship Period(s)
Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters. - General Duties
Legal research on topics of communications and administrative law, review of comments filed by public in rulemaking proceedings and drafting of initial Commission decisions. - Selection Criteria
No prior communications or technical experience is necessary, but candidates must be current full- or half-time students at an accredited college or university. Preference will be given to law students, but exceptionally qualified non-law students with an interest in satellite communications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. - Send Application to
Jay Whaley at Jay.Whaley@fcc.gov and Lynne Montgomery at Lynne.Montgomery@fcc.gov. - Application Information
Resumé, cover letter, and informal transcript (no writing samples, please). - Additional Information
Openings are for unpaid volunteer internships. Please reference "SAT Internship Opportunities" in the subject line of the e-mail. Applicants are asked not to submit applications for summer internships before January 1. - Application Deadlines
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: November 1
- Summer: February 1
- Bureau/Office - Positions 2 and 3
International Bureau – Strategic Analysis & Negotiations Division
The International Bureau's Strategic Analysis & Negotiations Division (SAND) internships offer students a unique chance to work on the FCC's global engagement efforts.
SAND is the FCC's voice around the world. We are the single focal point within the Commission for cooperation and consultation on international telecommunications matters with other federal agencies, international or foreign organizations, and appropriate regulatory bodies and officials of foreign government. SAND also leads the Commission's participation in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and various regional organizations in Asia, Latin America and Europe. In addition, SAND performs economic and policy analysis examining trends in international communications markets and services. We also conduct research and studies concerning international regulatory trends, as well as their implications for U.S. policy.
If you are sharp, motivated, and enthusiastic, we want you. If you can handle responsibility, we'll give it to you. We have two internship options:
- Position
Legal/Graduate Internship - Slots
Multiple - Selection Criteria
Graduate and undergraduate students in economics and international studies, as well as law students. Applicants must have strong writing and analytical skills. - Likely Responsibilities
- Drafting papers on communications issues for ITU and other international meetings.
- Preparing briefing materials for the Chairman, Commissioners and senior officials in advance of meetings;
- Attending meetings at various U.S. government agencies;
- Participating in teams preparing for international conferences;
- Researching legal issues, current events in global communications, and foreign regulatory developments;
- Conducting empirical analysis, including model estimation using various econometric techniques; and
- Interacting with foreign visitors through the International Visitors Program.
- Position
Women's Initiative Internship - Slots
One - Selection Criteria
Graduate or law student with a focus on development issues. Applicants must have strong oral and written communications skills. - Likely Responsibilities
- Maintaining and creating content for WISENET, a collaborative platform that promotes ICTs for development and empowering women;
- Collaborating with FCC officials to refine and execute new phases of the Women's Initiative;
- Working with the International Telecommunications Union to leverage the experience, resources and connections of the international community;
- Seeking collaborators to add value to WISENET;
- Prepare project-related briefing materials for Commissioners and FCC senior officials; and
- Track and catalog all aspects of the project.
- Position
- Internship Period(s)
Fall and spring semesters and summer. - Qualifications
No prior communications or technical experience is necessary, but candidates must be current full- or half-time students at an accredited U.S. college or university. - Application Information
- Cover letter (Indicate the internship to which you are applying. Also, include the date you can start, and the days/hours you can work.)
- Resumé
- Writing sample (3-5 pp.)
- Three references
- Send Application to
Janice Shields at Janice.Shields@fcc.gov. Please reference "SAND Internship Opportunities" in the subject line of the e-mail. - Applications Accepted
- Summer: January 21 - February 22
- Fall: June 1 - August 31
- Spring: October 1 - November 15
- Additional Information
These are unpaid volunteer internships.
