CS Singapore internships are challenging and rewarding experiences that help interns gain an understanding of the business climate in Singapore and the region. Each of our interns works with CS staff on a variety of jobs and projects in supporting American companies looking to expand their business in this region. Interns typically conduct market research, assist in developing customized solutions for our clients and support trade events. The U.S. Commercial Service seeks hard-working, responsible interns, preferably at the graduate student level.
Interns typically conduct market research and assist in implementing customized solutions for U.S. companies interested in exporting to Singapore and through Singapore to the region. This includes supporting U.S. companies at trade shows/trade missions, individual company Gold Key visits, International Partnership Search, International Company Profiles, Single Company Promotions and other core USCS services.
Interns may be asked to conduct market research and assist in initiating and coordinate federal inward investment attraction into the United States. This includes coordinating regional SelectUSA (SUSA) activities, providing counsel, support, and assistance to designated staff in ASEAN commercial posts.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Business Matchmaking
Assist the Commercial Service Team in making business appointments according to the marketing objectives of the trade show/trade mission or individual business participant. This may include conducting extensive telephone calls and email campaigns and outside visits to interested parties (agents, distributors, buyers and joint venture partners).
SelectUSA Summit Coordination
Assist with SelectUSA activities which include market research, client outreach and promotion of events (e.g. SelectUSA Investment Summit)
Trade Events
- Assists at trade events (trade missions, exhibitions, seminars, videoconferences, etc.), by helping to organize logistics and event/meeting schedules, preparing promotional materials, directory, market research, briefing materials, welcome kits and running the Business Information Office.
- After the trade event, assist in follow-up activities, such as responding to inquiries generated during the event, compiling contacts and entering new contacts into the SalesForce database.
Market Research
- Responsible for small scale in-house research projects requested by U.S. clients that entails contacting trade associations, importers, and manufacturers.
- Works with Commercial Specialists to write one industry market brief. The responsible Commercial Specialist supervises All market research activities, who provides ongoing guidance on entities to contact, framework of research objective, and reviews the draft report before submission.
Commercial and Administrative Support
Maintains contact lists and contributes to the SalesForce database by updating and entering new client records and manipulating them to produce contact lists, mailing lists, and the like to be used for trade promotion events, trade opportunities, etc. In support of promoted trade activities and events, assists with office support tasks such as copying and conducting Email broadcast campaigns.
How long does the application process take?
Applications can take up to two months to process.
Who is eligible?
To participate in our internship program, you must meet the following qualifications:
• U.S. citizenship
• Students currently enrolled in a U.S. college/university or those who are accepted in a school for the quarter/semester following the internship, preferably at the graduate level. Students must return to complete their education following the internship.
• Long-term availability: minimum 90 days, preferably 40 hours per week (flexibility on both dates and hours can be discussed on a case-by-case basis). Openings available throughout different parts of the year.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Good working knowledge of computer skills.
• Must be able to pass credit and background checks by the U.S. Government prior to starting the internship.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in an internship, please submit the following to our intern coordinator, Melody.Yeo@trade.gov
- A cover letter addressed to Aileen Nandi, Regional Senior Commercial Officer, explaining:
- Why you want to be an intern;
- Your future goals;
- What you have to offer the U.S. Commercial Service; and
- How you hope to benefit from the internship
- An up-to-date resume including:
-Past academic and work experience
-Computer skills
-Career goals
-Citizenship and student status
-Exact time period that you will be available. The minimum requirement is 90 days, maximum of 180 days.
-Home, address and a telephone number in U.S.
-Current email address
Selected candidates will be required to complete a full application package for a security assurance check. This includes a Volunteer Service Agreement, Credit Report Release Statement, and Selective Service Registration. Internships are awarded only after a successful clearance has been obtained.