The Young Global Professionals Program is the Atlantic Council’s spring-and-fall internship scheme across its programs and centers. Participants support policy research, publications, events, communications, and program operations while completing leadership and career-development activities.
Most positions are based at the Council’s Washington, DC headquarters, with a small number of remote roles within the United States. Fall 2026 applications are closed; the Spring 2027 cycle opens on October 19, 2026.
Benefits & funding
- YGP is a paid internship; the inspected Fall 2026 biodefense vacancy paid $18.50 per hour.
- Spring and fall cohorts run for 19 weeks, normally part- or full-time at about 30 hours per week, with possible adjustments around an academic schedule.
- Participants receive policy-work experience, masterclasses, career-development workshops, software and operational training, and access to the Council’s professional network.
- Housing is not provided, though the Council can share housing resources on request.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be college juniors or seniors, graduate students, or recent graduates; high school students are not eligible.
- International students may apply only with US work authorization through CPT, OPT, or a visa sponsored by an external organization or funder; the Atlantic Council does not sponsor visas.
- All interns must remain in the United States for the internship; most roles are in Washington, DC, and a few are remote within the country.
- Strong writing, research, and digital skills are valued, while each center’s vacancy may impose additional role-specific qualifications.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Residence required
USA
Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Bachelor · Master Enrolled · Master · PhD Enrolled · PhD
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Application process
- 1From October 19, 2026, review the Spring 2027 YGP vacancies linked from the internships page.
- 2Select a center-specific opening and check its duties and qualifications.
- 3Prepare the documents named in the posting; the inspected Fall 2026 vacancy required a résumé and cover letter.
- 4Submit through the Atlantic Council’s applicant tracking system; email and direct-mail applications are not accepted.
Program timeline
The inspected Fall 2026 vacancy closed.
Jun 5, 2026
Spring 2027 applications open.
Oct 19, 2026
Spring 2027 application deadline at 11:59 PM ET.
Nov 8, 2026
Offers and decline emails sent no later than this date.
Dec 18, 2026
Spring 2027 program starts.
Jan 19, 2027
Spring 2027 program ends.
May 28, 2027