International Trade Intern

Position Summary

VEDP is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented International Trade Intern for Summer 2026 (10 weeks) to support the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program. VALET is a two-year international business acceleration program that provides Virginia businesses with international sales plan development services, educational events, funding for international activities, and customized market research. This intern will assist VALET colleagues in documenting and analyzing networks, strengthening alumni engagement, and communicating market intelligence and export-related opportunities. The position offers hands-on experience in strategic communication, data management, program analysis, and event coordination. The ideal candidate is passionate about international trade, eager to develop creative outreach strategies, and enthusiastic about supporting high-impact program events. Learn more about the International Trade division at https://exportvirginia.org. Interns will complete a project and develop a presentation to be shared with staff at the end of the internship. They will be part of an organization-wide cohort, providing networking and professional development opportunities throughout the summer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain a log of company collaborations; develop case studies for presentations and newsletters.
• Propose and implement new alumni engagement formats; develop outreach templates and engagement reports.
• Audit and visualize country intelligence reports, designing infographics and briefs for digital platforms.
• Review and optimize Salesforce data, ensuring accuracy and usability for alumni and participant outreach; create dashboard/report templates and data hygiene protocols.
• Assist with planning and execution of the July VALET orientation and graduation event, including logistics, communications, and post-event content creation.
• Perform other tasks for the International Trade team

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Interest in global business, marketing, and program strategy
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with data organization or visual communication (e.g., infographics, social media posts)
• Effective time management and creative problem-solving capabilities
• Software skills using Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiarity with Salesforce is a plus

Qualifications Preferred:

Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in social science (economics, public policy, or political science), international business, marketing or a related field.

The intern has the option to work: (i) full-time, hybrid – working a minimum of 24 hours per week (3 days) in our Richmond office and up to 16 hours per week (2 days) from home OR (ii) part-time, in person – working a minimum of 24 hours per week (3 days) in our Richmond office.

All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/careers

Internship Period: June 1, 2026 – August 6, 2026 (10 weeks)

Salary: Undergrad Students - $15 per hour, Graduate Students - $17 per hour

Application Deadline: February 6, 2026

VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. It is VEDP’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applicants requiring more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@VEDP.org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.