The Commercial Service Internship Experience
As part of the Commercial Service internship program for the U.S. Department of Commerce, an intern will work closely with International Trade Specialists who are based in Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. An intern’s role is to help International Trade Specialists to develop and prepare market research, match local companies with international opportunities, and answer export-related questions from a wide variety of sources. Additionally, an intern gains a familiarity with export finance, marketing, cultural issues, and rigorous analyses in a fast-paced, real-world setting. Here at the Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo U.S. Export Assistance Centers, an intern will come to have a solid understanding of the:
- Issues confronting small- to medium-sized companies in the international marketplace
- Role of international trade in a regional economy
- Problems that confront policy makers as they attempt to open international markets for U.S. products
Daily Activities and Responsibilities
- Provide support to International Trade Specialists in outreach, market research, trade promotion, and international trade and policy development
- Research and analyze commercial markets worldwide
- Research policy and regulatory issues involving global markets
- Develop and present reports based on research
- Participate in client meetings and follow up on client deliverables
- Database management
- Promotion of industry and trade education events
- Fulfill duties of assisting visitors, handling telephone inquiries, and performing clerical and administrative support
Note: All internship positions with the federal government require US citizenship. While the position is unpaid, a $500 stipend is provided upon completion of the internship.
For more information, please contact the following individual:
Darren Srebnick
Director
US Commercial Service – Columbus
darren.srebnick@trade.gov
614-273-5157