Recruit. Employ. Mentor.
As a trusted agent of the federal government, NSRI supports national interests and strategies by providing the Department of Defense and other federal agencies with evolutionary and revolutionary solutions to the dangerous and emerging threats of today and of the future.
One of the most critical solutions is a knowledgeable, capable and committed workforce equipped to carry forward 21st-century national security missions. NSRI invests its time, talent and resources into developing students from the University of Nebraska and beyond to pursue defense-related careers.
NSRI offers several ways for students to engage:
- Internships through NSRI
- Contributing to projects through NU faculty researchers
- Wargaming experiences hosted by NSRI
Current Hiring Opportunities
Directorate: Strategic Communications & Engagement
Start Date: April 7, 2025
End Date: May 9, 2025
Position Summary:
The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska is seeking a team of University of Nebraska undergraduate students to capture and translate conference presentations into clear, engaging articles for the proceedings of its upcoming national conference – the NSRI Fellows Conference, April 16 & 17, in Lincoln, Nebraska. This paid role includes professional writing training, direct interaction with industry experts, and published writing credits. It will also provide an immersive behind-the-scenes experience of hosting and facilitating a major professional event.
- Published writing portfolio
- Expert mentorship
- Full conference access
- Writing skills development
- Unique networking
- Paid position ($19/hour up to 50 hours)
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Research NSRI, speakers and topics to come fully prepared for the event
- Attend all assigned conference sessions
- Document assigned presentations and their insights through detailed notes
- Conduct efficient follow-up interviews at the event to gain clarity, refine quotes, etc.
- Draft approximately six, 750-word articles with clear themes and key takeaways
- Collaborate with subject matter experts to finalize articles
- Meet publication deadlines with polished work
REQUIRED Knowledge, Technical Skills and/or Abilities:
- Demonstrated strong writing skills — able to explain technical concepts clearly
- Demonstrated attention to detail
- Demonstrated knowledge and application of AP Style
- Professional demeanor and strong communication skills
- High energy and positivity to help create a dynamic event atmosphere
- Ability to think quickly and problem-solve
- Comfortable with basic technology
REQUIRED Minimums:
- Undergraduate status only
- Completed at least 12 credit hours with the University of Nebraska
- Majoring, minoring and/or course work in journalism, marketing or related field
- Currently enrolled full-time (12 credit hours) at one of the four University of Nebraska System campuses (UNK, UNL, UNMC, UNO)
- Standing GPA of 3.5+
- Due to the nature of the work at NSRI, this position will require U.S. citizenship
DESIRED Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Experience writing for campus newspaper/magazine or maintaining a blog is a plus
- Experience with national security work
- Seriously considering pursuing a career in national security
NSRI Conference Operations Crew Member
Directorate: Strategic Communications & Engagement
Start Date: April 15, 2025
End Date: April 17, 2025
Position Summary:
The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska is seeking a team of University of Nebraska undergraduate students to bring critical energy, support, and grit to the NSRI Fellows Conference, April 15, 16 & 17, 2025, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Join the NSRI Conference Operations Crew for an immersive behind-the-scenes experience managing a major professional event. As a crew member, you will help ensure smooth operations from set up to tear down and everything in between while gaining exposure to industry leaders and trending topics.
- Full access to conference sessions and networking opportunities
- Hands-on event management experience
- Resume-building professional development
- Paid position ($19/hour up to 25 paid hours over three days)
Duties & Responsibilities
- Event setup/teardown and room preparation
- Staff registration desk and assist attendees
- Support sessions with mic and A/V needs
- Provide real-time operational support throughout conference
- Assist with general administrative tasks
REQUIRED Knowledge, Technical Skills and/or Abilities
- Professional demeanor and strong communication skills
- High energy and positivity to help create a dynamic event atmosphere
- Ability to think quickly and problem-solve
- Comfortable with basic technology
- Can lift 25 lbs and remain standing/walking throughout shift
REQUIRED Minimums:
- Undergraduate status only
- Completed at least 12 credit hours with the University of Nebraska
- Majoring, minoring and/or course work in political science, STEM or related fields
- Currently enrolled full-time (12 credit hours) at one of the four University of Nebraska System campuses (UNK, UNL, UNMC, UNO)
- Standing GPA of 3.5+
- Due to the nature of the work at NSRI, this position will require U.S. citizenship
DESIRED Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Seriously considering pursuing a career in national security
Strategic Deterrence Interns
Each summer undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Nebraska System and ROTC cadets from across the country complete research projects within the mission space of U.S. Strategic Command, which sponsors NSRI as a DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Center. The students brief their contributions to USSTRATCOM senior leaders. Following is a video summarizing the 2021 experience.
Students of NSRI
Each year NSRI connects students to DOD-research experiences. Some of these students choose to pursue careers in national security after their time with NSRI.
Wargaming Exercises
Through roleplaying, wargaming unearths unique insights and variables in complex and competitive situations that wouldn’t necessarily arise in simple discussions or brainstorming. The technique allows participants to gain better insight into decision-making.
Wargames can be applied to any competitive scenario, from global politics to local business to risk management. NSRI uses wargames to bring students together to discover potential solutions to the country’s most perplexing issues.
Connect with us below if you are interested in participating in or creating a wargame for students.
NSRI hosts Army vs Air Force ROTC virtual wargame for WPIConnect With Us
Have a question about an application or do you want to partner to create a new student opportunity? Let us know!
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