20 Center for Strategic and International Studies Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviewing for a job at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), there are a few things you can expect. First, you can expect the interview process to be competitive. After all, CSIS is one of the leading think tanks in the world. Second, you can expect the interviewers to be knowledgeable and experienced. They’ll be looking to see if you have the skills and abilities to do the job.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of common CSIS interview questions and answers. These questions will give you a good idea of what to expect during the interview process.

Center for Strategic and International Studies Interview Process

The interview process at Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone or in-person interview. For internships, the interview process may be more streamlined, with only one or two interviews. However, for research positions, the interview process may be more extensive, with multiple rounds of interviews. Overall, the interview process is generally fair and straightforward, although some applicants have reported feeling unprepared for the skills test that may be required as part of the process.

1. What do you know about CSIS?

This question is a great opportunity to show your research skills and knowledge of the organization. You can use this as an opportunity to highlight any specific projects you know CSIS has worked on in the past or present.

Example: “I have done extensive research on CSIS, including its current projects and initiatives. I am particularly interested in the work it does with cyber security and defense. In my last position, I was responsible for developing new strategies for protecting against cyber attacks. I believe that my experience would be beneficial to the team at CSIS.”

2. Why are you interested in this internship?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific aspect of the internship that you are excited about.

Example: “I am interested in this internship because I have always been passionate about foreign policy and international relations. In my previous internships, I’ve had the chance to work with organizations that focus on these areas, but CSIS has such a strong reputation within the field. I would love to learn more about how they conduct their research and analysis.”

3. Have you worked as a team member before? Describe the situation.

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential colleagues. It’s also an opportunity for you to show that you’re willing to work as part of a team and can be a valuable asset to the organization.

Example: “I’ve worked in teams before, but I prefer working independently because it allows me to focus on my own projects without having to share information with other people. However, when I was working at Center for Strategic and International Studies, I had to work as part of a team due to the nature of the project. We were assigned different tasks, so we had to communicate frequently to ensure our work was up to standard.”

4. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult person and how you handled it.

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you handle conflict and challenging situations. Use examples from your past experience to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and ability to work with others.

Example: “In my previous role as an analyst for a government agency, I had a coworker who was constantly late to meetings and often missed important deadlines. At first, I tried being patient and understanding, but after several weeks of this behavior, I decided it was time to have a conversation with them about their performance. They apologized and assured me they would do better in the future. After that, I set up weekly check-ins to make sure they were on track.”

5. How would you improve our research?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your research skills and how you would apply them in the role. Use examples from your experience that show your ability to conduct thorough research, analyze data and develop conclusions based on evidence.

Example: “I believe it’s important for CSIS to continue conducting high-quality research because it helps inform policy initiatives and public discourse. In my last position, I worked with a team of researchers who developed several reports each year. We used qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data and analyzed our findings using statistical software. This helped us identify trends and patterns in our data so we could make informed recommendations.”

6. Give us an example of a project where you were able to meet your goals.

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work with a team and achieve goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you took to complete the project and how it benefited the organization or company.

Example: “In my previous role as a research analyst for a government agency, I was tasked with creating a report on the current state of our country’s infrastructure. This included gathering data from multiple sources and analyzing the information to create a comprehensive report that would inform policy makers about the issues facing our infrastructure. After completing the report, I presented it to senior management who then used the information to make decisions regarding funding.”

7. Why did you choose CSIS for your internship?

This question is an opportunity to show your interest in the organization and its mission. You can highlight any specific aspects of CSIS that you admire, such as its research or policy initiatives.

Example: “I chose CSIS for my internship because I was impressed by the organization’s reputation for conducting unbiased research and developing innovative solutions to complex issues. I am excited to learn more about how CSIS conducts its research and develops policies that promote peace and stability around the world.”

8. If there was a conflict between two members on your team, what approach would you take to resolve the issue?

This question can help the interviewer assess your conflict resolution skills and how you would apply them to a team environment. Use examples from past experiences where you helped resolve conflicts between coworkers or peers.

Example: “In my last position, I had two colleagues who disagreed on an important project we were working on together. One colleague wanted to take a more aggressive approach while the other preferred a more passive method. I met with both of them separately to discuss their concerns and find common ground. We eventually agreed that they could try out different approaches and see which one worked best for the project.”

9. Do you have any experience using statistical software such as STATA or Excel?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your technical skills and how you apply them in the workplace. If you have experience using these types of software, explain what you used it for and if you are comfortable learning new programs quickly.

Example: “I’ve worked with Excel extensively throughout my career, but I also know how to use STATA as well. In my last position, I was responsible for analyzing data from a variety of sources including social media platforms, government agencies and private companies. This information helped me determine trends within the data that could help our organization develop policy initiatives.”

10. Can you describe a work related problem that you solved?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you can use them in the workplace. When answering this question, it’s important to focus on the steps you took to solve the problem and what the outcome was.

Example: “At my previous job, I had a coworker who would often miss deadlines for projects. This caused me to have to work overtime to complete their assignments as well as my own. After talking with them about the issue, they told me that they were having trouble balancing their personal life with their professional one. We created a plan where they could take time off of work to get their life back in order. They returned to work after two weeks and has no issues ever since.”

11. What is one thing you want to accomplish from this internship?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the internship and what you hope to gain from it. Your answer should include a specific goal that you want to achieve during your time at CSIS, such as improving your research skills or learning how to write policy briefs.

Example: “I would like to learn more about foreign policy and national security issues. I have always been interested in these topics but never had the chance to study them in-depth. This internship would be a great way to get my feet wet in this field and see if it’s something I could pursue further.”

12. What kind of leadership style do you think works best?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your management style and how you would interact with others in this role. Your answer should include examples of leadership styles that you have used in the past, as well as what kind of leader you are.

Example: “I think it’s important to be both a delegator and an encourager when leading a team. I like to give my team members plenty of autonomy so they feel comfortable taking on new challenges and responsibilities. However, I also believe in checking in regularly to make sure everyone is doing their job and getting along. In my last position, I was promoted to manager after only two years, which shows that my colleagues valued my leadership.”

13. Are you available to work full-time during the summer?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your availability for the internship. If you are only available during the school year, be honest and explain why. You can also mention that you would be willing to work full-time if they offer it.

Example: “I am currently a senior in college and will graduate next spring. I am not sure what my plans are after graduation yet, but I am open to working full-time at Center for Strategic and International Studies if you have an opening.”

14. We always like to consider the application process as part of the interview. What could we do to make it better?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the organization and how you can contribute. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask about any changes you would like to see.

Example: “I think it would be helpful if there was more information on the application process, such as what materials are required and when they need to be submitted by. I’ve applied to several positions at CSIS and have never been sure of exactly what I needed to submit until after I had already submitted my application.”

15. In your past experiences, who have you looked up to and why?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what motivates you. It’s important to be honest in your answer, but it can also be helpful to mention someone who has a similar background as you do.

Example: “I’ve always looked up to my father because he is an incredibly hard worker. He was laid off from his job when I was younger, so he started his own business. He worked long hours every day for years until he finally got back on his feet. Seeing him work so hard motivated me to work hard in school and pursue a career that would allow me to support myself.”

16. What role do you see yourself playing in our organization?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you’ve done your research on their organization and understand what they do. It’s also a chance for you to express how you can contribute to the CSIS mission.

Example: “I see myself as a valuable asset to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, helping to develop policy initiatives that will help our country remain competitive in today’s global economy. I have extensive experience working with international governments and businesses, so I know I can be a resource for the center when it comes to foreign affairs.”

17. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you are passionate about this role and have a desire to learn more. You can use this time to share any additional information about yourself, such as an interest in international affairs or how you would contribute to the organization’s mission.

Example: “I am very excited to be here today because I feel like CSIS is the perfect place for me to grow my career. I’ve always been interested in foreign policy and think it would be amazing to work with other professionals who are just as passionate about these issues as I am.”

18. What skills can you bring to this position?

This question is an opportunity to highlight your relevant skills and experience. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include a brief description of the skill or two that you have and how they relate to the job.

Example: “I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which I believe will help me succeed in this role. In my previous position as a research assistant for a political science professor, I was responsible for organizing his extensive library and filing system. This helped me develop my organizational skills and learn more about international relations.”

19. Why should we hire you over other candidates?

This question is a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and highlight your relevant skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to refer to the job description or any other information you have about the role.

Example: “I am passionate about foreign policy and national security issues, which is why I chose to pursue a career in international relations. In my previous roles, I’ve developed strong research and writing skills that would benefit CSIS as we develop new policies and initiatives. My ability to communicate complex ideas clearly makes me an excellent choice for this role.”

20. What three words would your friends use to describe you?

This question is a way for the interviewer to get to know you as a person. They want to see if your personality matches their organization’s culture and values. Your answer should show that you are friendly, hardworking and passionate about what you do.

Example: “My friends would probably describe me as driven, empathetic and creative. I am always striving to be better at my job and help others succeed. I also love coming up with new ideas and solutions to problems.”