Internship Opportunities
The World Affairs Council of St. Louis is always seeking interns to assist with the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) & other Council programs. Undergraduate or graduate students may earn academic credit relevant to their field of study.
Internships are unpaid.
Internship Openings for Spring 2025:
Non-Profit Operations Intern
Social Media and Marketing Intern
Global Affairs and International Exchange
All applications for the Spring 2025 semester open September 20th and will close on October 31st at 11:59 PM.
Application requirements and in-depth role descriptions below.
Join our Team
General Requirements
-
- Internships are unpaid.
- Undergraduate or graduate students may be eligible to receive academic credit from their university.
- Interns are expected to work on average 15 hours a week during the school year, and more hours depending on academic credit requirements.
- Interns must have effective communication skills (written and oral) in English as well as excellent interpersonal skills, time management abilities, and cross-cultural competence.
- Interns must be self-directed, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, be detail oriented, and maintain accurate records is required.
- Interns must be willing & able to learn new skills.
- Computer experience in Microsoft Office software and/or Google Documents, specifically word processing and database software is highly preferred.
- Interns will use their personal devices and internet service to perform their duties.
- Interns will assist with the planning and execution of all programs offered by the Council as well as Council administrative needs.
Internship Application
Interested candidates must submit the following:
- A complete resume including a cover letter to [email protected]
The deadline to submit an application for Spring 2025 is October 31st at 11:59PM.
Internship Openings and Descriptions
Non-Profit Operations Intern
Overview:
As a Non-Profit Operations Intern, you will play a vital role in supporting our organization’s mission and daily operations. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of non-profit management, including administrative tasks, event coordination, volunteer engagement, and communication efforts. You will work closely with our dedicated team, contributing to meaningful projects that impact the community. Ideal candidates are passionate about social change, detail-oriented, and eager to learn in a dynamic environment. This internship is a great stepping stone for those looking to pursue a career in the non-profit or government sector.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with general office tasks, including filing, data entry, and organizing documents.
- Help plan and organize fundraising events, community outreach activities, and volunteer engagement initiatives.
- Conduct research on grant opportunities, community needs, and best practices in non-profit management.
- Draft and edit newsletters, social media posts, and promotional materials to engage stakeholders.
- Support basic bookkeeping tasks, track donations, and assist with budget preparation.
- Assist in recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteers for various programs and events.
- Maintain and update donor and volunteer databases, ensuring accurate record-keeping.
- Collaborate with staff on ongoing programs, helping to implement activities and gather feedback.
- Attend team meetings, take notes, and assist in preparing reports and presentations for stakeholders.
- Respond to inquiries from donors, volunteers, and the community, providing information about the organization’s mission and programs.
Global Affairs and International Exchange Intern
Overview: We are seeking a motivated intern with a passion for writing, global affairs, and cultural exchange to join
our dynamic team. This role offers hands-on experience in event support, communication, and project management,
with opportunities to collaborate on international projects and local initiatives. As an intern, you will gain valuable
exposure to cross-cultural interactions and the inner workings of global and community-driven events.
Key Responsibilities:
• Assist with writing tasks, including event descriptions, proposals documents, social media posts, and project
reports.
• Support planning and logistics for in-person events, ensuring smooth operations.
• Attend meetings and take notes, providing timely follow-ups and summaries.
• Research global trends and cultural exchange programs to provide insights and updates for team projects.
• Work closely with the team to identify and solve problems, proactively addressing challenges as they arise.
• Assist in creating and maintaining spreadsheets, reports, and other documents using Microsoft Excel and
Word.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, contributing to a supportive and results-driven work environment.
• Take initiative in learning new skills, seeking out training opportunities related to global affairs, cultural
exchange, and team efficiency.
Social Media and Marketing Intern
Overview:
As a Social Media and Marketing Intern at The World Affairs Council of St Louis, you will have the opportunity to enhance our online presence and engage with our community. This role focuses on creating compelling content, managing social media accounts, and supporting marketing campaigns that align with our mission. You will collaborate with our team to develop strategies that drive awareness and participation in our initiatives. Ideal candidates are creative, tech-savvy, and passionate about making a difference. This internship is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in digital marketing while contributing to meaningful initiatives in St. Louis.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop engaging posts, graphics, and videos for various social media platforms to promote the organization’s mission and events.
- Assist in scheduling and monitoring posts across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
- Respond to comments and messages, fostering a positive online community and encouraging interactions.
- Help design and implement marketing campaigns for fundraising events, awareness initiatives, and volunteer recruitment.
- Stay updated on social media trends and best practices to enhance the organization’s online presence and engagement.
- Monitor and analyze social media metrics to assess the effectiveness of campaigns and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Assist in creating and distributing newsletters and email campaigns to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
- Work with team members to brainstorm and execute marketing strategies that align with organizational goals.
- Ensure that all marketing materials reflect the organization’s brand and messaging accurately.
- Create promotional materials and social media strategies for upcoming events and initiatives to maximize participation.
How Interns Benefit
• Improved office skills such as word processing & database software skills
• Sharpened interpersonal skills — how to communicate more effectively on a professional level
• Social media skills
• Exposure to international visitors & professional resources
• Access to U.S. State Department communications on events, internships & jobs
• Greater knowledge of international diplomatic endeavors by the Department of State
• Event planning skills
• Understanding of the workings of a non- profit organization
What We Do
Career Opportunities in Foreign Service
Working with local universities, our “Career Opportunities in Foreign Service” panels may include representatives from the US State Department, Peace Corps, Fulbright, local businesses, and non-profits with an international or language focus. This event gives college students chances to learn about local and global careers.
Dinner Diplomacy
Our Dinner Diplomacy program allows St. Louisans to host small dinners in their homes or attend receptions for international visitors participating in the International Visitor Leadership Program. These informal social gatherings allow for 1:1 conversation with new friends from around the world. Members receive priority to host and attend.
Great Decisions
Great Decisions Speaker Series is co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council of St. Louis and UMSL Global. Topics are chosen annually by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA), focusing on the most critical global challenges to US foreign policy. Utilizing St. Louis connected experts, the programs aim to present all sides of each issue to inform and educate the public. Eight webinars are held each year.
International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)
Work with the U.S. State Department to deliver socially impactful, custom programs through the IVLP initiative. IVLP brings professional visitors from other countries to the United States, including visits to St. Louis, for cultural and professional exchanges.
IVLP Alumni
Engage with St. Louis IVLP Alumni to gauge their experience in St. Louis and understand how their IVLP experience has impacted their career and personal life.
Saint Louis University Academic WorldQuest
A primary focus of our education program is the Academic WorldQuest competition. AWQ tests high school students’ knowledge on pressing global issues. The winning team goes on to the national tournament in Washington, DC, funded by our Council. The top three teams receive cash prizes of $1,000, $750, and $500, respectively. In 2024, 30 teams (130 students) from 24 high schools competed.
Speed Networking with UMSL
We work with University of Missouri-St. Louis to organize Speed Networking events. These events provide real world employment assistance for students. Designed to introduce students to the interview process and assist them in marketing themselves, the events allow them to be more comfortable in interviews. Participating companies also get to meet potential new workforce talent.
Meet our Current Interns
Anagi Pieris
Summer 2024 Intern
My name is Anagi Pieris and I am a rising sophomore at the University of Tulsa studying environmental policy and political science, with coursework in Mandarin. I am a Show Me state native and worked as a student election judge with the St. Louis County Board of Elections over the past four-year election cycle. When I am not being too competitive puzzling out the New York Times crossword, I enjoy curating TEDx Talks through the UTulsa chapter, volunteering with Every Campus A Refuge, and serving as an active senator in student government. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in law and public policy and am most excited to intern with World Affairs STL to gain greater experience in the non-profit sector, particularly by helping implementing the International Visitor Leadership Program.
Anna Lawrence
Summer 2024 Intern
My name is Anna Lawrence. I am from St. Louis, Missouri and am a rising sophomore at the University of California, Santa Barbara, majoring in Global Studies and History with a minor in French. In my free time, I love biking, baking, and performing with my university’s improv team. I look forward to working on the International Visitor Leadership Program throughout my internship, and am excited to help connect St. Louis to the international community.
Grace McGinness
Summer 2024 Intern
My name is Grace McGinness and I am from Edwardsville, Illinois. I am a rising junior at DePauw University studying History and Hispanic Studies. In my free time, I like to cook and play the piano. During this internship I am most excited to help plan events and see how nonprofits work from an inside perspective.
Jaden Stricker
Summer 2024 Intern
I am from Saint Louis, Missouri, and go to Union University in Lincoln, Nebraska, where I study Business Management and Finance. I enjoy playing sports, especially baseball and soccer. In my first year at college, I played soccer for the school team. I also like to travel and try new foods from different places. I am always curious to learn more about the world around me and look forward to what the future holds.
Leo Bochicchio
Summer 2024 Intern
My name is Leo Bochicchio and I am originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and I’m currently a senior Politics and Philosophy major at the University of Pittsburgh. In my free time, I love to perform, to learn languages, and reading classic literature. I am eager to connect with the international community and further his knowledge of diplomacy with the World Affairs STL team.
Sarah Kriesel
Summer 2024 Intern
My name is Sarah Kreisel, and I am from St. Louis, Missouri. I am currently a junior at Ohio State University majoring in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy. A fun fact about me is that I am a first-generation American, with most of my family residing in Germany. I am excited to be part of an organization that educates local communities on world affairs topics. I am also looking forward to expanding my knowledge on the workings of a non-profit organization.
Past Interns
2024 Spring Interns
Dwight Jackson, Lindenwood University
Lila Singley, Saint Louis University
2023 Fall Interns
Alexia Prudencio, Lindenwood University
Leo Klayman, Washington University
2023 Summer Interns
Ally Denton, University of Kansas
Cate VanSchaik, Kalamazoo College
Evelyn Berg, Eureka High School
Patrick Lee, Indiana University
Sofia Gonzalez, Southern Illinois University-Ewardsville
Thrisha Kosaraju, Washington University
2023 Spring Interns
Noah Cella, University of Missouri St. Louis
Ziwang (Michael) Suo, Lindenwood Univesity
2022 Fall Intern
Valerie Holt, Saint Louis University
2022 Summer Interns
Alex Bowles, University of Missouri
Ella Zimmerman, Gettysburg College
Eva Oelsner, University of Missouri
Caroline Kopsky, Washington University
Matthew Matava, American University
2022 Spring Intern
Ashley Brown, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
2021 Fall Interns
Ashley Brown, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Blerta Beluli, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Brooklyn Hollander, Washington University
Elana Tognola, Washington University
Jonathan Gutierrez, University of Missouri-St. Louis
2021 Summer Interns
Brylie Noe, Washington University
Estavan Hutchinson, St. Charles Community College
Jensen Bee, Syracuse University
Leila Payer, Grinnell College
MacKenzie Fraser, University of Wisconsin-Madison
2021 Spring Interns
Anna Pruitt
Estavan Hutchinson, St. Charles Community College
Michael Kruse, University of Missouri-St. Louis
2019 Interns
Grace Marker
Lily Wurm