PRIMARY PURPOSE
Are you passionate about making an impact on national security through deep, meaningful research? We're looking for interns to join CNA in summer of 2027! As a CNA Research Intern, you’ll be embedded in real study teams, contributing directly to projects that support our nation’s defense and security. Interns will take on a self-contained research project or support multiple ongoing studies, gaining hands-on experience in applying rigorous analysis to critical real-world challenges.
What You’ll Do:
● Collaborate with expert researchers and analysts tackling complex national security issues
● Contribute to high-impact projects that inform defense policy and operations
● Present findings and insights to internal teams and potentially external stakeholders
Who We’re Looking For:
● Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees (master’s or PhD)
● Strong interest in policy research, national defense, or security studies
● Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
Why Choose CNA?
● Work alongside mission-driven experts in a collaborative, intellectually rich environment
● Gain mentorship and networking opportunities that last far beyond the internship
Ready to make a difference? Apply by November 30, 2026, and take the first step toward an internship experience that matters.
To learn more about our internship program, click here - CNA Internship Program.
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JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES
1. Assist in the process of defining and structuring analytical problems.
2. Develop sound analytical techniques.
3. Carry out analyses to logical conclusions.
4. Communicate results both in writing and orally.
5. Perform other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
1. Education: Must have a Bachelor’s degree in the physical sciences, engineering, operations research, mathematics, statistics, economics, international relations or related discipline. Must be enrollment in a graduate program.
2. Experience: Undergraduate research experience, including conducting literature searches, analyses, and writing reports is required. Graduate-level coursework and experience preferred.
3. Skills: Must have experience with database manipulation and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); good interpersonal and oral and written communication skills; critical thinking and organizational skills.
4. Other: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. US citizenship is required.
5. Remote/Hybrid Work Eligibility: This position is eligible for telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements at the discretion of the Supervisor. Employees may be required to work at CNA headquarters or other work locations resulting in changes to the scheduled telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements.
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Required Documents (Preference will be given to candidates who include these)
- Resume - Please upload your resume
- Cover letter - Please include a cover letter detailing your experience and why you'd like to intern with CNA
- Transcripts - Please upload your transcripts - unofficial copies are ok
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in physical sciences, engineering, operations research, mathematics, statistics, economics, international relations, or a related discipline
- Enrollment in a graduate program
- Undergraduate research experience, including literature searches, analysis, and report writing
- Experience with database manipulation
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Critical thinking and organizational skills
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Graduate-level coursework and experience
CNA Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about CNA and has not been reviewed or approved by CNA.
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Retirement Support — Retirement contributions are described as notably strong, with a 401(k) featuring company contributions. Examples include an automatic employer contribution plus a dollar‑for‑dollar match on employee deferrals, supporting long‑term savings.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is described as generous, with PTO purchase options and paid family leave highlighted. Examples cite 3–4 weeks of PTO for full‑time employees alongside standard paid holidays.
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Parental & Family Support — Family‑building and caregiving benefits include paid family leave, adoption/surrogacy reimbursement, and LGBTQ+‑inclusive advocacy resources. These provisions complement an Employee Assistance Program for broader support.
CNA Insights
What We Do
CNA is one of the largest U.S. commercial property and casualty insurance companies. Backed by more than 125 years of experience, CNA provides a broad range of standard and specialized insurance products and services for businesses and professionals in the U.S., Canada and Europe. As a company of allies, we understand the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive culture for all employees. Our eight Employee Resource Groups elevate the voices of underrepresented groups and champion critical DEI initiatives in the workplace and beyond. We strive to promote an environment of inclusion and continuously work to ensure all employees feel valued and respected.
Why Work With Us
CNA knows the importance of having the tools you need to expand your expertise and develop your career. With a variety of cross-discipline and cross-functional opportunities, CNA provides you with the tools and resources needed to customize your career path and understand what is needed to be effective in your role.
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