Volunteer Student Internships - Autonomy

About the job

Defense Innovation Unit

Autonomy Portfolio

Volunteer, Part-Time Student Internships – Academic Year 2025-2026

Applications Due July 13, 2025

Description

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has up to six (6) unpaid, part-time Volunteer Student Intern positions in the Autonomy Portfolio for the 2025-2026 Academic Year.

The internship provides invaluable experience as fully integrated members of the DIU team, assisting with operational support, engagement, and research and writing in support of the Department of Defense-wide policy and strategy on accelerating commercial innovation. The internship will be virtual with the potential to work on-site at one of our offices. The intern training will include a full-day DIU Orientation by key members of the DIU organization and monthly lunch and learn sessions with key dual-use technology stakeholders and experts. Additional on-the-job training on research and analysis; writing; and personalized feedback on assignments and bi-weekly check-ins will be provided. During their internship, the student will actively contribute to DIU internal and external engagements by assisting with the preparation of relevant materials and other support. Additionally, students will undertake an independent project focused on a critical topic. The findings of this project will be presented to DIU staff at the conclusion of their internship in both written and oral format, showcasing their comprehensive involvement in both their area of interest and key DIU mission priorities. At the end of the internship, DIU will review intern performance.

Dates of the Internship

Part-time (10-15 hours per week), September 2025 - May 2026 (minimum 10 weeks commitment required)

Location

Internships are primarily REMOTE with the opportunity to occasionally work in-person at our Mountain View, CA / Pentagon, VA / Boston, MA / Austin, TX offices. Interns will coordinate with their supervisor to determine remote/in-person schedules and availability of resources for in-person work.

Desired Skills

Pursuing a BA or MA in engineering, science, business, communications, finance, political science, public policy, international affairs, science, or a related field

Familiarity or interest in science and technology policy, innovation, defense policy, defense acquisition, entrepreneurship, venture capital, and/or commercial technology

Preferably a college junior or senior or graduate student (must be currently enrolled)

Preferably maintaining a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent from a non-U.S. institution

Excellent writing and research skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Working knowledge of computer applications such as G Suite and Microsoft Office Suite

Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter and manage in a fast-paced environment

Demonstrated organizational skills

Eligibility Requirements

Participants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment

Participants must be enrolled, at least half-time, and attending in the current semester an accredited junior or community college, a four-year college or university, or any other accredited educational institution (scheduled school breaks included)

Participants admitted to the program are required to obtain and maintain at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Participants must be U.S. Citizens and able to successfully complete a security investigation (picture ID, proof of citizenship and ID with SSN will be required)

Participants must be available to serve a minimum term of ten (10) weeks.

Participants must provide current & updated proof of enrollment each semester he/she remains in the program. Failure to provide requested eligibility documentation may result in your removal from the program.

Required Materials

Personal cover letter indicating the specific area(s) of interest, location, and the specific dates and hours you are available to complete the internship

Current resume

Personal Statement (200 words) on “What is the greatest challenge to the United States maintaining technological superiority in dual-use technologies in the 21st century, and what, if anything, should the United States do?”

Writing Sample (5-10 pages)

Official transcript that shows current enrollment and GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Industries:Defense & Space

Function: Others