Career and internships
Acquire practical and scholarly experience as a member of the Institute of International Relations Prague. Interns at the IIR have the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience in the fields of international relations and public relations. Find out how a leading Czech public research institution works. Join the team as a PR and Event Assistant and help organise conferences, or explore academic work as a Research Assistant. The internships are intended primarily for university students and graduates from the Czech Republic and abroad. Both internships have a flexible time load of an average of 15 hours per week, with the PREA internship lasting 6 months, RA internship usually lasts 4 months. The internships are unpaid, but we provide free access to the library and basic technical facilities throughout the internship.
Internship forms
Public Relations and Event Assistant (PREA)
The PREA internship offers the development of a wide range of marketing, communication and organisational skills. Within this kind of internship, you will prepare social media posts, help with the organisation of events and conferences at the IIR, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or other venues, help with the PR agenda (communication with journalists, establishing partnerships), market research and grants, help out with research and editing of our magazine Mezinárodní Politika (International Politics), prepare documents for the website and generally support the activities of the conference and communication units. The PREA internship will put you at the heart of current world events and give you experience in event organisation, copywriting and the basics of working with graphic tools.
The PREA internship lasts 6 months. The scope of work is 15 hours per week, and for most of the time, you can work from home. Your schedule can be adapted to suit your availability so that you can balance university commitments with the internship. However, we require your presence in the office and at venues before and during international conferences.
The internship is open to all students or graduates of international relations, political science, as well as marketing, media studies, etc.
The selection procedure for PREA interns takes place twice a year, with the application deadlines in:
- December (for the March-August internship)
- and June (for the September-February internship).
Research Assistant
The main task of Research Assistants is to support the activities of an IIR researcher, such as searching activities or proofreading. Interns also participate in the preparation of reports from public events.
A personal mentor will be assigned to the intern and will accompany them throughout their internship.
The internship at the position of Research Assistant usually lasts for four months, with the scope of work 15 hours per week, with the possibility of extension for another two months.
The selection process for the Research Assistant position is held three times a year, with the application deadlines in:
- January (for the June-September internship),
- May (for the October-January internship)
- and September (for the February-May internship).
How to apply for an IIR internship
1. Choose the form
You can find a description of the forms of our internships above. Select the one which better meets your expectations and when you want to start the internship.
2. Fill out the application
Fill out the online application at this link. Do not forget to check your email address and phone number so we can contact you. For the Research Assistant position, please only attach documents in English. If you want to apply for both forms, you need to submit two applications.
3. Who to contact?
If you are unsure about anything and need clarification, please email us at staz@iir.cz.
To your assistance
FAQ
How long is the internship in the IIR?
The PREA interns work in the IIR for 6 months. The RA internship takes 4 months with the possibility of an extension for another 2 months.
What are the working hours of an intern?
Interns are expected to work for 15 hours a week.
Can I work from home?
PREA can work mostly from home, but we expect a presence at most of our conferences. Research Assistants can work from home or from abroad after an agreement with their assigned mentor.
When can I apply for the internship?
The selection procedure for the Research Assistant is held three times a year, in January, May and September. The selection procedure for PREA interns takes place twice a year in December and June.
Applications can be submitted in advance, and the deadline is at the end of the month unless specified otherwise.
How does the selection process work?
After submitting your application, you should receive an automatic confirmation email. The selection process usually takes around one month after the application deadline. Depending on the position and specific circumstances, shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview. Once the selection process is completed, all applicants are informed of the outcome by email..
What are the formal requirements that an applicant must meet?
Applicants must have completed high school education and have a good command of English, which is required for all internship positions. Knowledge of additional languages, including Czech or Slovak, can be considered a plus. For PREA internships, prior experience with event organisation or with social media and public relations is considered an advantage. For RA internships, a deeper knowledge of international relations and experience with research methods are an asset. In the case of internships within the Centre for International Law, a legal education or equivalent knowledge in the field is expected.
Do I get a reference letter after the end of my internship?
If the intern is assessed positively by their mentor, they will be issued a reference letter at the end of the internship according to a standard template.
Does the IIR provide a salary, scholarship or possibilities of accommodation?
The Institute does not provide any forms of financial reimbursement or accommodation. Interns from EU universities may be nominated and sent to the IIR by their university within the Erasmus+ programme.
Can the internship be completed as part of (compulsory) university practice for academic credit?
Yes. The internship may be completed as part of compulsory or voluntary university practice and for academic credit, subject to agreement with the intern’s home institution. The Institute is able to issue and complete all necessary documentation required by universities, including documents related to the Erasmus+ programme.