Internships
FSFE is a charity dedicated to empowering users to control technology. We are working to build freedom in digital society. We operate in a lively environment of numerous volunteers from many countries and several full-time employees.
At FSFE my time was always shared between learning and doing. When dealing with a task, I was encouraged to research background information and to understand the political questions underlying each issue. Curiosity is what an intern needs most. Lucile Falgueyrac, Intern 2013-2014
Working at the Free Software Foundation Europe lets you get close to an amazing variety of topics and tasks. This diversity brings a lot of technical, organisational, social and political experience and skills, which are great to have for any Free Software enthusiast. Nicolas Jean, Intern 2010-2011, Webmaster
FSFE is looking for smart, motivated interns to join our team. We offer
- A truly challenging and exciting time with a dynamic NGO working internationally
- A close-up view of organisational and community processes
- A chance to take the initiative and put your ideas into practice
- The opportunity to meet and work with Free Software advocates across Europe
What you'll do:
- Contribute to FSFE's ongoing projects, working with one or more of our staff and volunteers.
- Communicate with contacts from the FSFE community, NGO, industry, and public administrations.
- Coordinate volunteers and others in the work on various projects.
- General office tasks.
- Find your own strengths, and do something you care about.
- Other tasks outlined in the job description when an opening is announced (see below).
FSFE is a stimulating environment to work in. There are few organisations where you can learn from so many perspectives in this international and interdisciplinary context. If you read my blog, you can have a good overview of some things I've been working on. Hugo Roy, Intern 2009-2010, Fellowship representative 2011
Basic internship facts:
When an internship opening is announced (primarily in our newsletter), you will find more details about each specific internship there. Sometimes we offer longer internships, and other times we seek applicants with a specific focus (for instance students for summer internships).
- Duration: 3 months, full-time.
- Location: Berlin, Germany.
- Compensation: Interns receive a basic compensation, the amount of which is announced when an opening is announced.
- Requirement: The internship is open to EU citizens, and anyone else holding a residence permit and a work permit for Germany.
Who we're looking for:
FSFE interns are a pretty diverse bunch. If you are interested in working on the frontline of technology policy and activism, then you've come to the right place. You're fired up about a free information society, and you've already done something to tell others why freedom matters? Then this internship is for you. Your academic background and qualifications matter less than your experience, your will to learn, and your ability to get things done. We expect:
- Solid basic knowledge of, and considerable interest in, Free Software (required)
- Fluent English (written and spoken) is a requirement; a working knowledge of other languages is an asset.
- Basic acquaintance with working on GNU/Linux systems (desirable)
- Ability to be creative, responsible, and to multitask.
- Ability to integrate into a young, motivated and professional team
- No programming skills required. Programming is one of the few things you probably won't be doing during your internship, unless you're applying for a technical internship.
- We want more women to be involved in Free Software. That's why we will give preference to applications from suitably qualified female candidates.
Having no hacking experience but a strong political background, working for the FSFE was an amazing experience for me and the same will be true for everybody interested in software and users freedom. International collaboration, writing policy papers, contact stakeholders and taking care of community activities are just examples of interesting tasks to learn from and that are quite fun in FSFE`s friendly team. Erik Albers, Intern 2012
How to apply:
When there's an open position for an internship, this will be announced in our newsletter including information about the application deadline.
Currently open positions:
Each application must include, in English:
- The reference number of the opening for which you're applying
- A letter of motivation
- A CV
- References
We do not generally accept unsolicited applications, but you can contact us at office@fsfe.org. Please do not send any documents in Microsoft Word document format. We won't read them. Best use PDF instead.
We look forward to your application!