Research Intern

The HCSS internship offers an excellent springboard for future careers in a wide range of fields, interns are involved as full-fledged team members in research-projects. Activities can range from conducting background research, data collection and analysis, co-writing reports and papers, administrative support, to being involved in the organisation of workshops and conferences. This way, interns gain valuable work experience in a professional environment, which helps them in their future development and careers in both the public and private sector. Also, the HCSS internship offers the opportunity to build and expand your professional network.

Starting period: Beginning of August

Deadline application: Sunday July, 20th at 12pm

Want to know more about the experience of HCSS general interns? Look out for the HCSS Internship Blogs entries from our current and previous interns!

Requirements:

Candidates should have a first rate academic background, strong transferable skills, and a keen interest in the topics covered by HCSS research.

Further requirements include:

• A strong basis of analytical, writing and synthesising skills
• Ability to think creatively and out-of-the-box
• Very good communication skills in English, both orally and in writing
• Knowledge of advanced internet search strategies
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility and ability to multi-task
• Positive professional attitude
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• Some quantitative research skills

The following attributes are considered a strong asset:

• Prior work or internship experience
• Proficiency in Dutch, Arabic or other languages
• Being a native English speaker
• Quantitative research skills. If you have a background in data science (specifically R or Python) you may also be interested in our Data Internship.

Eligibility:

• Candidates must be enrolled as a student at a university during the whole internship period.
• An internship period of six months is highly preferred, although shorter periods can be discussed (minimum 5 months). Please indicate your availability in your cover letter. Interns should be able to commit to working 40 hours a week.
• If successful in obtaining a position, candidates are asked to provide a certificate of good conduct (‘Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag’), available from the Dutch Ministry of Justice. Candidates residing outside of the Netherlands should provide a certificate from their country of residence.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I apply if I am no longer a student (recently graduated)? HCSS internships are only for enrolled students. Without a proof of enrollment, valid for the entire duration of the internship, you are not eligible. Your application will not be considered.
• Is it possible to do a part-time internship? At present, HCSS does not offer part-time data internships within the General Internship Program for a work week under 32 hours.

Application Procedure:

To apply, send the following items to internship@hcss.nl using ‘General Internship /2025’ as the subject line.

• A curriculum vitae, including a list of references
• A cover letter
• Proof of university enrollment, valid for the entire duration of the internship
• Copy of official transcript of academic grades
• A one-page writing sample (excluding bibliography if relevant) answering one of the following questions:

1. Consider a trend which could affect the security of the Netherlands in the next decade. What is being done to address the issue? What more could be done?
2. Consider a way in which the Netherlands could exercise more effective foreign policy without increasing military expenditure. What are the advantages and limitations of this approach?
3. Consider a policy which could help the eurozone improve its competitiveness. What are the advantages and limitations of this policy?

Notes regarding the application procedure:

• Please ensure that your application is complete before sending it in. Providing a list of references with contact details as part of your CV (at least two) is a mandatory requirement- we will not request them at a later stage.
• The whole application should be written in English, including the writing sample.
• Please apply only if you are available for the above-mentioned start date. HCSS recruits interns on a bi-annual basis; later start dates will be announced in due time.

Practical Information:

The HCSS internship is paid: € 675,- per month. Our internships take place in person at our office in The Hague.

Starting period: Beginning of August

Deadline application: Sunday July, 20th at 12pm

HCSS only considers candidates that submit a complete application and fulfill all eligibility requirements. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview. HCSS firmly believes in prioritising qualifications and skills when making hiring decisions, without any discrimination based on personal characteristics such as race, religion, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation.