HCSS Data Internship

The Data Lab of The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies offers an exciting internship to aspiring data scientists. Our data internship is an opportunity for hands-on experience in developing production-grade, early warning, causal discovery, and policy recommendation systems. Our data interns can hone their advanced computing and modelling skills by applying them to data-intensive activities ranging from advanced analytics, to software engineering, to database management, to system integration.

Our clients include major corporations, key government ministries, development banks, development aid agencies, and security providers, both domestic and global. The HCSS data internship therefore offers invaluable experience working on some of the most significant global issues of our time.

The deadline for the application is September 27th, 2020, and the start date of the internship is between October 15th and November 4th, 2020.  

Candidates should either have a strong quantitative background or demonstrated affinity for all things quantitative. They should also demonstrate strong transferable programming skills, as well as a keen interest in the topics covered by HCSS policy research.

Requirements 

•  A background in computer science, statistics, mathematics, physics, engineering, econometrics, or a related field.
• Fluency in one or more programming language: R, Python, Java, Scala, C#, and/or C++
• Very good communication skills in English, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• An affinity for policy research
• The ability to interpret data
• First-principles thinking

The following attributes are considered an asset:

• Prior experience with statistical and scientific computing, machine, and/or optimization. 
• Data management and engineering skills. 
• Prior experience with dashboarding, visualization, and/or web design and development (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular) and server-side scripting (e.g., node.js). 
   

Eligibility 

A data internship lasts six months. A shorter duration, not less than four months, is possible only under exceptional circumstances. An applicant must be enrolled as a university student for the entire duration of data internship. Data interns should be able to commit to a forty-hour workweek. Successful applicants are asked to provide a certificate of good conduct (‘Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag’), which is available from The Netherlands Ministry of Justice. Applicants residing outside of The Netherlands should provide a certificate from their country of residence.

Frequently asked questions 

• Can I apply if I am no longer a student (recently graduated)? Data internships are for enrolled students. Without a proof of enrolment, which is valid for the entire duration of data internship, you are not eligible for an internship position.
• Is it possible to do a part-time internship? At present, HCSS does not offer part-time data internships within the Data Internship Program. 

Application Procedure 

To apply, send the following items to info@hcss.nl, using 'Data Internship 10/2020' as the subject line:

• A resume, including a list of references
• A cover letter, thoroughly demonstrating why and how your data skills can be applied to data-intensive policy research and mentioning when you are available to start the internship.
• Proof of university enrolment, valid for the entire duration of the data internship
• An official transcript of academic grades
• If possible: A portfolio of previous data projects, including the code (or a GitHub address).

Notes regarding the application procedure: 

Please ensure that your application is complete before sending it in. Providing a list of references with contact details as part of your CV (at least two) is a mandatory requirement- we will not request them at a later stage. 
The whole application should be written in English including the writing sample.
 

Practical Information 

The HCSS internship is paid. Eligible applicants will be invited for an interview. Our most prized candidates are thirsty for knowledge, excellent with numbers, and can ace our data-science test.

In the interest of the successful candidate’s learning trajectory, the internship will be carried out at the HCSS office in The Hague, insofar as this is feasible given the current travel restrictions related to COVID-19. Potential working arrangements can be discussed during the interview process and we are monitoring developments closely.