Internships
Internships provide students the chance to gain valuable professional skills, learn more about a particular organization, and develop professional connections in the field of human rights.
Students are highly encouraged to take advantage of the resources offered by the Columbia University Center for Career Education. In addition to the information available online, the center also offers professional skills workshops and individual advising sessions.
The Institute for the Study of Human Rights accepts internship applications throughout the year. If you are interested in interning with ISHR, please read our position description.
Searching for an Internship
The Columbia University Center for Career Education offers tips on finding internships, as well as a list of searchable job and internship databases. START maintains an extensive directory of human rights and social justice organizations in the United States.
Some organizations have formal internship programs; many welcome interns even if they do not offer a defined program. Carefully review the websites of the organizations that interest you. If you don’t see an internship program listed, e-mail or call the organization to find out if they would be willing to set up an internship opportunity.
Make sure to do your research. Researching organizations of interest will not only help you determine which internships would be the best fit for you, but it will also assist you during the interview process.
The list of organizations below is a selection of human rights focused organizations based in New York City. This is just a starting point for your search.
- American Civil Liberties Union
- Amnesty International
- Applied Research Center
- Center for Constitutional Rights
- Center for Economic and Social Rights
- Center for Reproductive Rights
- Clinton Foundation
- Domestic Workers United
- Drug Policy Alliance
- Engender Health
- ESCR-Net
- Global Fund for Women
- Global Justice Center
- GMHC (Gay Men Health Crisis)
- Harm Reduction Coalition
- Human Rights First
- Human Rights Watch
- Immigration Equality
- Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility
- International Center for Transitional Justice
- International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC)
- International League for Human Rights
- International Planned Parenthood Foundation/Western Hemisphere
- International Rescue Committee
- Legal Momentum
- Make the Road NY
- MSF (Doctors Without Borders)
- National Economic and Social Rights Initiative
- National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health
- Open Society Institute
- Public Interest Law Institute
- Revenue Watch Institute
- Safe Horizon
- Sakhi
- Sauti Yetu
- Sexuality Information & Education Council of the US
- Social Accountability International
- Sustainable South Bronx
- Urban Justice Center
- United Nations Headquarters New York Internship Program
- We Act for Environmental Justice
- WITNESS
- Women’s Environment and Development Organization
- World Vision
Human rights organizations that are interested in reaching out to undergraduate students regarding internship opportunities are kindly asked to email
Application process
Make sure to review the application guidelines carefully for the organizations that interest you. Most organizations will require a cover letter and resume. Some may also request a writing sample and/or a transcript. Students should also include a resume and cover letter when contacting organizations that do not offer formal internship programs.
The Columbia University Career Center offers helpful guides on preparing cover letters, developing your resume and interviewing skills.
Deadlines
Internships are typically available at the start of each semester and over the summer. Interested students should initiate the search process as early as possible. While some internship programs operate on a strict recruiting schedule, other organizations will accept applications and hire interns as needed. However, as a general rule, students should begin their internship search at least 2-3 months before the anticipated start date.
Time and location
Semester-long internships in New York City are part-time and generally require a commitment of 8-12 hours per week. Summer internships are generally full-time positions.
Qualifications
While the range of desired skills will vary, professionalism and strong interpersonal skills are essential to most internships. Students who are uncertain of whether they wish to undertake the time commitment should not apply until they are ready to do so.
Funding your internship
Most internships are unpaid, but information on internship funding opportunities is provided by the Career Center.
Advising
If you are interested in a specific area of human rights and would like to discuss organizations that may be a good fit, you can contact the program faculty director or ISHR’s director of education to set up an appointment. Please keep in mind that while we can offer guidance, we cannot do the research for you or secure an internship on your behalf.
