The student intern will gain experience in the following areas by assisting experienced Commercial Section personnel in:

Sector highlights: Reviewing press articles to identify trade opportunities in selected industrial sectors. Making contacts to obtain further information. Writing weekly highlights to be submitted by sector specialists as brief IMIs (International Market Insights).

Market Research: Gathering of data for market research in assigned industry sector. Drafting basic report based on outline provided by sector specialist.

Follow-up: Contacting local and U.S. clients to do follow-up on trade events, trade missions, Gold Key Services and other commercial services.

Trade Promotion: Providing support to commercial activities; trade events, trade missions, Gold Key Services, International Partner Searches, mailings, etc.

Administrative Assistant: Scheduling appointments, drafting a/o translating letters, filing documents, providing general administrative support.

The internship will take place at the U.S. Embassy building in Montevideo. Interns should be available at least 4 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Embassy work hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Intern's schedule is somewhat flexible and will be arranged according to the student's availability. The duration of the volunteer internship will be from two to four months depending on the hours worked per day.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and skills:

- Currently enrolled in a local university, second year level and above in the areas of Secretarial Studies, , Communications, Business Administration, International Trade, Law, International Business, Marketing and/or related studies. Students who will be graduating shortly are not qualified. Recommendation letters from two professors will be needed.

- Excellent English writing and communications skills. Previous study in English-speaking country is preferred but not essential (i.e. Youth for Understanding).

- Previous experience in dealing with the public, especially by phone, is helpful.

- Outgoing and proactive personality.

- High degree of initiative.

- Be able to work under certain pressure at times.

- Excellent computer skills in Word (and its functions such as mail-merge, etc.), Excel (and basic formulas) and in the use of the INTERNET to gather information.

OTHER FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIP:

1. Age: From 18 to 23 years old.
2. Citizenship: This opportunity is only for non-U.S. citizen students. (U.S. citizens who are interested in applying for a student internship with the Department of State, can find further background information @ http://careers.state.gov/student/)
3. Must be a student in good academic standing, provide a certified transcript to verify and provide written permission from the educational institution.
4. Medical Insurance: interested student must have his/her own medical insurance.
5. Practical professional experience has to be a career requirement.
6. Commitment to follow through with the internship until its completion.

SELECTION PROCESS

All interested candidates who fulfill the requirements explained above should send updated biographical data sheet containing detailed information on studies, past work experience (if any) and references to the webmaster (WebmasterMVD@state.gov) before July 24, 2008.

First screening of applicants will be done on bases of the data provided. The best qualified candidates will be called for an interview.

Once selected, the candidate will be subject to medical and security checks before approval to participate in the program.

ADVANTAGES FOR THE STUDENT

This can be a very interesting opportunity to obtain practical experience in a challenging environment, practice the English language and gain experience with the latest developments in public diplomacy, international commercial relations, and administrative practice.

The Embassy will provide a report on the student's performance according to the requirements of the student’s University.

FINAL NOTE: The intern is not considered an employee. There is no compensation, benefits or leave.