Chapter News

U.S. ITA Launches New U.S. Industry Internship for its Strategic Partners

In April 2016, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker, launched the Department’s new Commercial Diplomacy Institute (CDI) as a vehicle to advance government to business partnerships by promoting stronger professional development and thought leadership opportunities in the commercial diplomacy field.  

One of CDI’s newest programs is the U.S. Industry Internship Program (USIIP). USIIP allows our strategic partners to host experienced trade professionals for a period of up to 90 days over a calendar year. This mutually beneficial exchange gives your organization an opportunity to enhance your export promotion activities while our trade experts gain valuable first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by your industry. During the “internship”, ITA will continue to pay the salary and benefits of the government employee and your organization will be responsible for all business-related costs (i.e. office space/supplies and travel expenses).

All of ITA’s U.S. and foreign-based staff are eligible to participate in this program with the stipulation that your organization’s offices are located within 50 miles of the ITA employee’s regular duty station. If your organization would like to take advantage of this unique opportunity or if you have any questions about this program please send an email to ITA’s Commercial Diplomacy Institute at CDI_Support@trade.gov.