The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is an educational organization in Washington, D.C. that conducts programs of research, discussion, publications, and education in international relations and U.S. foreign policy. The Junior Fellows Program at the Carnegie Endowment is designed to provide substantive work experience for graduates of participating universities who have a serious career interest in the area of international affairs.
Eight to ten graduating seniors/recent alumni are hired annually to work at the Endowment on a full-time basis for a period of one year. Junior Fellows are assigned to ongoing projects at the Endowment, examining such topics as nuclear non-proliferation, democracy building, Middle East political reform, trade and environment, economics, international security, South Asian politics, China-related issues, and Russian and Eurasian affairs. Junior Fellows have the opportunity to conduct research for books, participate in meetings with high-level officials, contribute to congressional testimony and organize briefings attended by scholars, activists, journalists, and government officials. Junior Fellows receive a monthly salary and benefits and are responsible for their own housing.
MSU is invited to nominate two candidates to the national competition. Eligible for the competition are graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated within the past academic year. Individuals who have begun graduate studies are not eligible. Applicants should have completed significant coursework in international affairs, political science, economics, history or Russian, Chinese, or Middle Eastern studies. There are no citizenship requirements; however, all applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. Finalists are invited for personal interviews by representatives of the Carnegie Endowment in March.
The James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program requires an institutional endorsement. If you intend to apply, make sure you know the MSU internal competition deadline.
How to Apply
- Review the James C. Gaither Jr. Fellows website and Carnegie Endowment research section areas
- Complete the NIFS Intent to Apply Form to get on our list of applicants.
- Work with the NIFS Office on an application draft and resume; email nifs@msu.edu to make an appointment to speak with an advisor.
Application Materials (send all to nifs@msu.edu):
- Resume using the NIFS Resume Template
- Gaither application form filled in (available in October)
- 1-page personal statement (focus on research skills and experience in program area)
- 3-page essay responding to program prompt (available in October)
- Two recommendations (have a conversation with NIFS Office first)
- Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended after high school
For more information, visit the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program website.
