Operations Intern

Jump-start a career in foreign affairs, international relations and global business! Internships at the World Trade Center Institute offer unique hands-on experience and unparalleled networking opportunities. As an intern, you will gain insight into the world of non-profits and international business, learn from industry leaders, and get to know the local professional and business community. All interns are assigned real-life tasks and given professional titles and business cards to be used throughout the semester. WTCI’s interns attend all of our prestigious events and get a chance to practice valuable networking skills. Some of our best interns go on to full-time positions with many of our clients — some of Maryland’s most prestigious institutions.

About the Role

The Operations Intern is a cross-functional position supporting three pillars of the Operations team at WTCI: Events & Series Management, Finance & Administration, and Membership & Business Development. Rather than working within one narrow function, you will see how a small international business nonprofit runs end to end: how signature events come together, how the organization tracks its members and finances, and how new business is researched and won.

This is a hands-on learning opportunity. You will gain experience with CRM and workflow technology, data analysis, financial recordkeeping, and professional networking, all with direct guidance and mentorship. Your manager will coordinate priorities across the three departments so that your workload stays balanced and manageable.

What You’ll Learn & Do

Events, Programs & Series

• Support event preparation, setup, and on-site logistics;
• Prepare event name badges and assist with participant and attendee materials;
• Communicate with potential participants and sponsors;
• Assist with participant retention and composition analysis for Signature Events and Series; and,
• Assist in planning company retreats and internal social activities.

Operations, Finance & Administration

• Assist with preparation of Board of Directors meeting materials and reports, including financials;
• Assist with payment processing and the payment management system, Airbase, and ensure transactions are recorded correctly;
• Accurately enter data related to transactions, invoices, and receipts in QuickBooks Online;
• Assist with processing incoming invoices for payment and tracking client payments;
• Assist with organizing new member welcome materials and member renewal communications;
• Take meeting notes and provide general administrative support; and,
• Other miscellaneous duties as needed.

• Research and learn about Maryland’s top international companies and industries;
• Perform business development research and other research projects as assigned;
• Research strategic alliances and potential new revenue sources for Signature Events and Series;
• Analyze membership information to identify trends and opportunities; and,
• Assist with creating reports using AI tools, explore new AI platforms, and help identify additional ways to integrate AI into WTCI workflows.

Database & Technology

• Gain hands-on experience with Salesforce and learn CRM best practices;
• Maintain and update client and member database records;
• Support membership tracking and prospect identification; and,
• Use work management platforms such as Asana to track tasks and deadlines across departments.

Membership, Networking & Communication

• Create member packets, upon request, for the CEO and Vice President of Membership & Business Development;
• Update Salesforce accounts monthly to reflect new member information submitted via the new member form;
• Learn about WTCI’s mission and practice explaining our benefits to prospective members;
• Assist with outreach to potential new members;
• Attend WTCI networking and member events to build professional connections; and,
• Other miscellaneous duties related to WTCI networking events or the Signature Events and Series.

Event Attendance

When possible, we encourage attendance at WTCI events as part of this internship. Events include:

• State of the Ports (December 10, 2026)
• Maryland International Business Leadership Awards (March 2027, date TBD)
• Women Spanning the Globe Leadership Conference (June 9, 2027)
• AGILE Global Innovation Series (dates TBD)
• Inside Series
• Supply Chain Network Group
• Taste of Business (dates TBD)

Some events will take place at off-site locations. It is expected that the Operations Intern will be able to independently travel to the locations using their own transportation, carpooling, or utilizing ride-share platforms.

What We’re Looking For

You’re a great fit if you:

• Are interested in working with emerging global executives and learning about Maryland’s international business community;
• Communicate professionally, in writing and verbally, with a professional attitude;
• Have strong interpersonal skills and are comfortable interacting with members, sponsors, and executives;
• Are organized, detail-oriented, and able to balance multiple tasks and competing priorities across departments;
• Have strong analytical skills and enjoy working with data to find patterns and trends;
• Are proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office 365);
• Enjoy learning new technology and aren’t intimidated by AI tools or software;
• Have some experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce, or are eager to learn;
• Can work independently once you understand a task, and take initiative to ask questions when you need help;
• Demonstrate integrity, trust, and professionalism with confidential company, member, and employee information;
• Are comfortable working in a small, hybrid-team environment.

Bonus points for:

• Experience with data analysis, research, client service, or customer service;
• Demonstrated interest in international business or global affairs.

What We Offer

• Direct mentorship from experienced professionals across program management, operations, and business development
• Hands-on experience with CRM software (Salesforce), financial systems (Airbase, QuickBooks Online), and AI technologies
• Access to WTCI’s extensive network of global business leaders
• Interaction with business executives and foreign diplomats
• Participation in all WTCI events and unique networking opportunities
• College credit
• Professional references upon good performance
• Access to the Top of the World Observation Level
• Real-world experience in nonprofit operations, membership growth, and business development strategy

Internship Details

Hours: Minimum 15 hours per week; 20 hours maximum when enrolled in classes

Schedule: Some availability during standard business hours required; in-office presence at least two days per week

Events: Attendance at WTCI events is expected

Presentation: All interns design an end-of-semester presentation, delivered to WTCI staff, showcasing their projects and insights

Semester dates:

• Fall: August 24, 2026 – December 11, 2026
• Spring: January 25, 2027 – May 28, 2027
• Summer: June 21, 2027 – August 20, 2027

Stipend:

• Fall Semester — $3,000
• Spring Semester — $4,000
• Summer Semester — $2,000

Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. This internship is designed for students early in their careers who are eager to learn and grow, and is not suitable for candidates with extensive labor market experience. Internships longer than one semester are encouraged; arrangements can be made with the manager depending on organizational needs and performance.

The Application Process

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and answers to the application questions via the application. The cover letter should clearly state the position applied for, the semester of interest, the approximate date the applicant would be available to begin work if selected, and why the applicant would be a good fit for the position. Applicants are also encouraged to briefly address their interest in international business and any experience with technology or data analysis tools.

Internships at WTCI are competitive. WTCI will invite three to five applicants for an interview. Interview scheduling varies, so there is no set interview week. After the interviews, WTCI will notify all applicants regardless of outcome.

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