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Internships
About
Internship applications are open all year round. IACA accepts a limited number of interns every year.
The Internship Programme is designed for students enrolled in Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD (or equivalent) university programmes and recent graduates wishing to develop and broaden their professional skills and gain working experience in an international environment.
Internships are offered in areas such as external relations and strategic partnerships, marketing and communications, law, development and implementation of capacity building and educational activities, IT, finance, and human resources.
Internships are on a full-time basis for a period of three to six months and take place at the IACA campus in Laxenburg, Austria. In exceptional cases, internships of shorter than three months may be considered.
Details
Eligibility Criteria
In order to apply for an internship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Be proficient in the English language (well-developed oral communication and drafting skills). A working knowledge of other languages is desirable
Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD (or equivalent) university programme at a recognized university, or have graduated from university no more than one year prior to applying for the internship.
Easily adapt to a multicultural working environment
Work effectively in a team as well as independently
Have: discretion, reliability, precision, honesty, and integrity.
The candidate’s fields of study may include, but are not limited to, social and political sciences, law, economics, finance, journalism, marketing, information technology, business administration, or international relations. Practical experience is not a prerequisite, but may be considered an asset.
VISA
Interns are personally responsible for obtaining any required visas for Austria and for complying with local laws including residency registration.
Expenses
The Internship Programme is not remunerated. Costs arising from travel, accommodation, mandatory health insurance, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern. However, the Academy does offer a monthly lump sum compensation towards the Intern’s local transportation costs. An internship does not constitute any commitment for future employment with IACA. However, interns may apply for vacancy notices as external candidates at any time during and after their internship.
How to Apply
How to apply
Your internship application is submitted via online application form.
The following information is requested for application submission:
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae
- Cover letter (max. 400 words), outlining your interest in the Internship Programme, relevant experiences (academic and non-academic), and perceived benefit of completing an internship at IACA
- Names and contact details of two people who are familiar with your qualifications
- Your availability
Experiences
Petrina Quainoo (Ghana)Academic Programmes
“My internship at IACA from March to June 2025 was an enriching and inspiring experience. As part of the Academic Programmes Department, I contributed to the implementation and coordination of the MACS and IMACC programmes. Through this, I had the opportunity to engage with leading anti-corruption experts and professionals from around the world. The internship allowed me to deepen my understanding of programme management within an international organization and sharpen my communication, organizational, and analytical skills. I particularly valued the opportunity to contribute to projects that showcased the impact of IACA’s work and supported its wider mission. Most of all, I appreciated the welcoming, multicultural environment and the sense of purpose shared by the IACA team. This experience has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in international public service and anti-corruption efforts.
Beatriz Laura Vaz Dinis (Portugal)Academic Programmes
“I am a student at the University of Stirling and I am currently completing my Master of Science in Human Rights and Diplomacy in partnership with UNITAR. As part of my programme, I was able to select a 3-month internship to gain experience and exposure to the world of work in an international organisation. For this opportunity, I chose to contribute to the Academic Programmes Department at IACA. I am happy to say that this experience has confirmed numerous skills and my ambition to work for an international organisation. Actively assisting and engaging with multiple online Master-level anticorruption classes allowed me to learn from both experts' insights and students' discussions, a learning experience which was enriched by the cultural diversity of perspectives and inputs. Other highlights included participating in the annual Assembly of the Parties at the Vienna International Centre, where I witnessed the process of reaching multilateral agreements. Finally, I was honoured to actively participate in the organisation of the Graduation to celebrate IACA's students, gaining valuable insights in the behind-the-scenes workings of an international organisation and the administration of an international academic institution. I am proud to say that my time at IACA has helped me to learn more about myself as a team member. I was lucky to be welcomed by an international, diverse and very welcoming team at IACA.
Barbara Szemerits (Hungary)General Management Department
“During my internship in the General Management department at the International Anti-Corruption Academy, I gained invaluable insights into the workings of an international organization and had the opportunity to develop a diverse set of skills. I had the chance to work on a variety of projects, including financial administration, financial reports preperation and facility-related tasks. The supportive and dynamic environment of the General Management department encouraged me to take on challenges and improve my problem-solving and communication skills. One of the aspects I truly appreciated was the flexibility of the organization. The opportunity to work in a hybrid setting, allowed me to balance my academic responsibilities alongside my internship. For anyone considering applying to the General Management department, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. IACA is not just a place to grow professionally but also a space where you can be part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact globally.
Anna Dibrova (Ukraine)Strategic Partnerships Development
“My internship at IACA's Strategic Partnerships department was an immensely enriching experience. It provided me with great exposure to the field of international relations, diplomatic processes, and a deeper awareness of global anti-corruption efforts and initiatives. The environment at IACA is incredibly welcoming and supportive. The team is composed of outstanding specialists and professionals who are not only experts in their fields but also wonderful colleagues. The collaborative atmosphere made me feel like a valued part of the team from day one. My internship not only enhanced my professional skills but also expanded my network, and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone seeking to develop their career in an international organization.
Peiran Nie (China)Training and Capacity Development
“My internship at IACA in Training and Capacity Development department during the summer of 2024 was a transformative experience. During my internship, I had the opportunity to contribute to the comprehensive details and logistics of event management, engaging in diverse projects that broadened my skill set. Meeting participants and lecturers from across the globe was a highlight, exposing me to a broad range of experiences and perspectives. I was consistently impressed by the diversity of backgrounds and moved by the genuine kindness and open-mindedness shown by everyone I interacted with. This internship not only deepened my understanding of global issues but also reinforced my belief in the power of international collaboration. I highly recommend the internship program at IACA to anyone seeking meaningful engagement in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Zijing Wu (China)Academic Programmes
“My internship with the Academic Programmes department at IACA gave me good exposure to the role of a qualified project assistant at our department and to the working environment at the international organization. I got the chance to manage online training live sessions, assist with admissions process, and conduct desktop research for the virtual alumni conference. These tasks allowed me to observe the daily operations of managing academic programmes and honed my time and project management skills. I really appreciate gaining such fruitful experience and making friends from all backgrounds at IACA.
Diego Gomez Pimienta (Mexico)Academic Programmes
“My three month internship at IACA was a great time, not only was I able to work in a multicultural environment, with people from every continent and strengthen my hard and soft skills, but also, I was able to work in an organization where I felt I could make a difference. IACA opened my horizon to a whole new sector, and it taught me that education and being part of a good team can help create a better world for everyone.
Anita Micheli (Italy) Academic Programmes
“I had the opportunity to intern at IACA between February and June 2023, where I worked in the Academic Programmes Department. During my internship, I was involved in numerous different tasks, such as the organisation of both hybrid and online events organized by the department, having also the privilege to attend some lectures with some world-renewed experts in anti-corruption. In general, interns at IACA are considered part of the team: their work is valued and recognized but they can enjoy more flexibility and follow their interests. I was particularly thankful to my superiors for providing me with precious pieces of advice to orient my future career. Overall, I really enjoyed my internship at the IACA because it made me feel like part of a bigger project. It permitted me to network with many professionals and interns from all over the world by providing me with some precious insights in the world of international organizations.
Stephanie Beard (United Kingdom) Academic Programmes
“My internship in the Academic Programmes Department of IACA was a great opportunity which helped me develop my working experience in an international organisation during my master's degree. As an intern, I supported the team in implementing IACA's master’s programmes, especially during the defence and graduation process. This led me to eventually become an individual contractor, then at present a project assistant in the department, continuing to support our professionals who take the chance to become anti-corruption experts through undertaking a master's at IACA as well as learning on the topic myself. It is the perfect opportunity to learn about anti-corruption and programme management, in a small, diverse team.
Adithyan Puthen Veettil (India) Academic Programmes
“Joining the academic programme department at IACA was a decision that I am confident was a wise one. Having recently completed my master's degree in two different continents, I believed that my diverse educational experience would be an asset to the organization. As a recent graduate, I am keenly aware of the challenges and difficulties faced by students in their academic pursuits. It is my objective to ensure that students have a smooth and successful study experience, and this is one of the primary reasons why I joined IACA. Through my work, I have gained valuable experience in administration and course management, and I have also become aware of the challenges faced by the University and staff in delivering programmes to students.
Ana Luiza Aranha (Brazil)Collective Action, Compliance and (private sector) Anti-Corruption
“The research internship at IACA was a life-changing opportunity. It broadened my professional skills and, most importantly, it was the first step in my international career. It gave me valuable experience in international anti-corruption alongside experts in this field. I have always appreciated a diverse and multicultural environment, and IACA encourages opportunities for cultural and scientific exchanges among different nationalities.
Zijun Cheng (China)Programmes and Activities
“My internship at IACA during summer 2018 was a wonderful experience for me, and I really learned a lot. For example, I supported the team in implementing various open and tailor-made trainings, such as the IACA Summer Academy. I had an opportunity not only to learn about anti-corruption issues, but also to get to know participants from many different countries. In addition, the multicultural working environment at IACA was very nice, and all my colleagues were very professional and supportive during my internship. I felt like I was not just an intern, but also a part of the team. I can absolutely recommend the internship programme at IACA, especially for those who would like to gain practical experience in an international organization / global institution.
Siobhan Williams (Australia)External Relations and Protocol
“Accepting the offer to be an intern at IACA was one of the best decisions I have made - it was an enriching professional experience that gave me a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the issue of corruption in countries around the globe, as well as the diplomatic and functional aspects of an international organization. I emerged from my internship with enhanced professional confidence and passion for contributing to the principles of transparency and integrity within my home country.
Michael BitzanAustria Programmes and Activities |
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Spending three months in IACA's internship programme was a very rewarding experience. It taught me valuable skills and acted as a springboard for my career, and the relationships and connections I made are still intact today. Working on the Summer Academy, I felt less like an intern and more like a necessary part of the IACA team, and it is an experience I would recommend to anyone seeking real work experience in an international organization. | ||
Daniel DickeGermany External Relations and Protocol |
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The best part of my internship at IACA was being able to contribute to raising awareness of an important issue that affects us all. During this programme I could witness how diplomacy works and how important it is to bring different international stakeholders together. I wouldn't have wanted to miss this opportunity as I learned a lot in a great environment. | ||
Wiebke JungeGermany Programmes and Activities |
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An internship with IACA gave me the unique opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the working methods of an international organization. At IACA, interns really count and their work is highly valued. They are treated as part of the team from the first day and this is what makes an internship there such a special and valuable experience. | ||
Ashura KayupayupaTanzania Programmes and Activities |
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During my internship I learned a lot about corruption and anti-corruption efforts globally. I learned that corruption is very complicated and that knowledge support is important in raising awareness about the problem, especially in African countries. I also had an opportunity to attend some of the trainings organized by the Academy. This helped me gain an understanding of the multiple layers of corruption and their complexity in the realization of human rights. | ||
Kodir KulievUzbekistan Programmes and Activities |
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My internship at IACA gave me so much personally, academically, and career-wise. Not only was I involved in designing and implementing projects with inspiring and supportive team members and having a first-hand impression of the day-to-day working environment of an international organization, but I also had a unique opportunity to network with employees, students, and even lecturers coming from all corners of the world. What I greatly appreciated about IACA were the resources it allocated for use by interns. IACA’s library, for instance, was an ideal source of information to contribute to my Master’s thesis on ‘corruption and development’. I loved how I had an opportunity to meet with and talk to big-name UN experts, lecturers, and professors, which helped me to learn more about my specialty. | ||
Fabiana MassaroItaly External Relations and Protocol |
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I interned at IACA from September to December 2014, working for the External Relations and Protocol Department. During my internship I had the chance to take part in different internal and external meetings where I could meet ambassadors and other important figures from the political and diplomatic world. Furthermore, I could deepen my knowledge about foreign cultures and study global responses to tackling corruption. One of the aspects I enjoyed the most during my internship at IACA was the intercultural working environment, as well as the chance I had to be involved in the organization of IACA’s informal consultations, where vital documents of the third session of IACA’s Assembly of Parties (held in Baku, Azerbaijan) were discussed. I can definitely say that I loved working for this young international organization with so many talented, young and socially skilled interns and team leaders. I would suggest to any student to intern at IACA. | ||
Zoryana SkalychUkraine Programmes and Activities |
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The main goals of IACA are directly correlated with my academic interests. During the internship I had the chance to learn about international cooperation in the anti-corruption sector and to participate in the preparation of various enriching trainings and activities organized by the Academy. The possibility of working in a multicultural environment with an outstanding professional team, and of learning new anti-corruption initiatives, contributed greatly to my personal and professional development. It is a great opportunity for every young professional to experience at first hand what IACA has been doing. | ||
Massimiliano TabellaItaly General Management, Alumni team |
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I had the opportunity to do an internship at IACA from August to November 2014. I worked mostly for the General Management Department, where I contributed to the daily routine of administrative and logistical tasks. This gave me the opportunity to get a deep understanding of the organization and its functions. The work itself was very interesting, and I got the chance to perform a different task almost every day. Besides that, I also had the possibility to contribute to the publication of the alumni magazine "IACAlumnus", and to attend a meeting with a delegation from Bhutan. The environment was really friendly. Throughout my stay at IACA I had great support from the staff as well as from other interns, who provided me with all the help I needed. My supervisor, in particular, was very helpful and made my internship a very pleasant and rewarding experience. Overall, I believe an internship at IACA is a great opportunity for everyone interested in working in an international organization. I would highly recommend it! | ||