Work directly with IRC Employment Specialists and Financial Coaches to implement and monitor performance on the Career Development Program
Teach Advanced Job Readiness Trainings including: introduction to career development, business writing, networking, interview preparation and financial literacy
Counsel and guide clients through the process of working towards long-term career goals by providing: individual trainings , resume and cover letter preparation, one-on-one job application assistance , etc.
Provide group and individual trainings aimed at successful workforce integration
Accompany clients to job preparation activities and interviews; coach clients on interview preparation
Assist clients in setting up bank accounts, teach financial literacy workshops and assist clients with loan applications
Assist clients in completing new hire paperwork, employment program documentation and other administrative tasks as needed
Audit employment program files to ensure documentation adheres to program requirements and update program databases regularly
Advocate for clients' rights in the labor market by providing references for clients and meeting with employers to educate them about the benefits of hiring IRC clients
Other duties as identified by Employment Specialists
Learning Objectives:
Intern will learn to create effective professional and job specific resumes and cover letters
Intern will learn how to cater curricula to fit federal guidelines while remaining responsive to employer/client needs
Intern will learn to communicate effectively with clients and interpreters
Intern will learn individual coaching techniques to engage and empower clients
Intern will learn effective outreach strategies for building strategic relationships
Intern will learn how to adapt training curriculum to clients' needs and how to teach necessary life skills and professional development in a group setting
Intern will learn about how to successfully and appropriately advocate for clients' rights and needs in the labor market
Intern will learn about networking, financial literacy and how to obtain a professional job
Intern will learn how to implement program safeguards to protect domestic violence survivors, vulnerable population and to empower women
Requirements
Self-motivated; able to work independently
Ability to collaborate with fellow interns to create/teach trainings. This is a team-focused internship.
Excellent communication and writing skills
Works well in a fast-paced environment and adapts quickly to change
Confident in public speaking or interest to develop these skills
Strong interest in refugee and asylee issues as well as in workforce development
Language skills in Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Farsi , French, Kinyarwanda, Spanish, Hindi or Swahili are a plus
Three month minimum. Required 20+ hours/week. Preferred 35+ hours/week.
Preference to current students and recent graduates.*
TO APPLY
Click Apply Now at the top of this page. Please attach a resume, cover letter, and a list of (at least) three references to your application. The deadline to apply is May 22, 2026.
This position is for the Summer semester and requires a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week. Ability to work in-person at the Silver Spring office and at a minimum of 15 hours per week is required.
Summer 2026 interns are expected to begin their internship term by attending an in-person intern orientation on June 1st, 2026 from 9:15AM-3:30PM.
We currently offer internships during the following semesters:
Spring: January - May
Summer: June - August
Fall: September - December
Internships are typically posted 2-3 months prior to the anticipated start date.
Note: Internshi
Benefits
Health insurance
Additional Information
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
Scope of work:
The Economic Empowerment program assists refugees to become economically self-sufficient by providing career development training and financial coaching. Our program assists clients in obtaining education, apprenticeships, jobs, financial coaching and microloans to promote self-sufficiency. The intern will work closely with the Economic Empowerment team to help promote client economic growth and encourage clients to work towards their long-term goals.