Security Industry Internships

Summer interns will assist PIRUS researchers to expand and improve the quality of the PIRUS dataset by conducting in-depth research on radicalized individuals and extremist events using publicly available sources and then synthesizing and recording the information for eventual inclusion into the dataset. Specifically, students will help expand PIRUS from an individual-level dataset into a multi-level project that incorporates better event-level data.

By working on this project, interns will gain invaluable experience of what it is like to work on a project with significant and real-time impact on counter-terrorism and extremism policies in the United States. Interns will also acquire insight into the processes of radicalization, the contemporary state of extremist ideologies and groups in the United States, as well as transferable skills in conducting open-source research.

START Headquarters is located in the Discovery District in College Park, MD, however our summer 2021 internship program will be conducted remotely.

Orientation Date: Tuesday, June 1st, 2021. All interns are required to attend orientation. You may be required to attend an additional day of orientation on Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021. Your supervisor will inform you if you are required to attend both days.

Internship Duration: Tuesday, June 1st, 2021 to Friday, August 6th, 2021. All interns must be able to commit to the duration of the whole program.
Work Hours: All interns must work at least 20 hours per week during the summer 2021 program. Work hours are scheduled from Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm. Interns may not work longer than 8-hour or shorter than 2 hour shifts.

Marketing Event Planner:

• Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit?


• Great project management skills?


• Great relationship builder?


• Possess sound communication ability?


• Love People?

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans and delivers flawless execution of assigned events/meetings/trade shows.


• Determines cost estimates and budgets; tracks spending and adherence to budget; prepares management reports.


• Assists with site selection, contract review, and negotiation.


• Negotiates contracts and maintains relationships with vendors including but not limited to caterers, rental companies, staffing services, entertainment suppliers, transportation companies, airlines, hotels, and conference sites.


• Coordinates trade show booth reservations, materials, and setup; develops trade show booth theme and exhibit space layout.


• Coordinates registration and payment procedures, promotional advertising and mailings, and corporate sponsorship activities.


• Coordinates catering services and room and communication equipment requirements.


• Interfaces with public relations, marketing, and other appropriate department/staff to coordinate media activities.


• Manages event staffing and scheduling; manages outside vendors and staff.


• Attends all events to direct staff and outside vendors and ensure events are executed in an efficient manner; expedites all problems and emergencies.


• Ensures that all materials/equipment required for event are in place; rectifies any deficiencies.


• Assists in development of internal and external promotional materials as needed.


• Provides project status reports as needed.


• Coordinates calendar of events and special meetings.


• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 2 years related experience or equivalent.


• Willingness and ability to travel 50-60% of the time to attend events/meetings.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Acute attention to detail.


• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; able to manage priorities and workflow.


• Commitment to excellence and high standards.


• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.


• Demonstrated proficiency in staff supervision.


• Excellent customer service skills.


• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees


• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines


• Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions


• Creative, flexible, and innovative team player


• Ability to work on complex projects with general direction and minimal guidance.


• Passion, enthusiasm, focus, creativity, and a positive outlook.


• Professional appearance and demeanor


• Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds.


• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.


• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize projects.

Key Competencies:

• Problem Solving--Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.


• Project Management--Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.


• Customer Service--Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.


• Interpersonal Skills--Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.


• Oral Communication--Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.


• Written Communication--Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.


• Teamwork--Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.


• Quality Management--Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.


• Business Acumen--Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.


• Cost Consciousness
--Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.

• Judgment--Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.


• Motivation--Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.


• Planning/Organizing--Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.


• Professionalism--Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.


• Quality--Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.


• Quantity--Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.


• Dependability--Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.


• Initiative--Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.


• Innovation--Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.