U.S. Department of Commerce, Commercial Service Chicago Internship

The U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce is a federal government agency dedicated to helping small-to-medium sized companies with their exporting strategies. For over 20 years the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce has successfully brought together exporters and importers of U.S. goods and services around the world. Our team of more than 1,800 trade professionals in 105 U.S. cities and 151 U.S. Embassies, Consulates and Trade Centers around the world is here to help companies navigate the complex international trade process.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Chicago U.S. Export Assistance Center offers internships that allow students to spend time on the inside track of international business, and gain real world experience that can provide an essential edge for entering today's job market. Participants will learn to answer inquiries from exporters regarding trade requirements, regulations, documentation, country issues and commodity classifications; contact exporters to determine interest in overseas trade shows, export leads, seminars and other trade activities; and utilize federal government databases, trade journals and internet based market research to help exporting companies.

Internship Eligibility:
Those interested in the intern position must be a U.S. citizen and be currently enrolled in a college or university. International Trade Interns should be able to communicate in a professional environment and willing to learn. Applicants majoring in a business-related curriculum or international affairs are encouraged to apply. Seeking self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills. Part-time and full-time positions available. Internship is an unpaid position. If you are a Foreign student, you will be required to provide a copy of your Naturalization certificate, prior to starting the internship.

Major Areas of Study:
All Business Majors, Economics, Political Science, Public Policy & Administration, Law, International Relations, Marketing, Foreign Language, Communications, Sociology, Geography and History students are encouraged to apply.

Daily Job Activities:
International Trade Interns become involved in the daily operational aspects of managing a high activity office. Projects range from coordinating market research to counseling U.S. companies seeking new international trade partners. Interns will be required to support our International Trade Specialists with development of trade seminars, presentations and other projects, as well as assist walk-in visitors, handle telephone calls, light clerical and administrative support duties.

To Apply:
Please send your resume, introductory cover letter, and a short writing sample on why you would like to be an intern with our office. What you have to offer and how you hope to benefit from the internship (the document should not exceed five pages). Indicate current year in school, major area of study, time commitment availability and areas of interest. Please forward documents to the attention of Export Assistance Specialist Constance Green at connie.green@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov or Director Julie Carducci at julie.carducci@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov .