Pallas Foundation Fellowship Fall 2026: Paid National Security Fellowship for Future Defense, AI, Cyber, and Technology Leaders

Are you interested in national security, defense innovation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, public policy, or government affairs? The Fall 2026 Pallas Foundation Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals to gain direct exposure to some of the most influential leaders, organizations, and technologies shaping the future of national security.

Applications are now open for the highly competitive 23rd Cohort of the Pallas Foundation Fellowship, a prestigious program designed to provide participants with hands-on experience working at the intersection of national security, technology, consulting, and policymaking.

The fellowship provides a unique gateway into the national security ecosystem, allowing fellows to engage with senior government officials, leading technology companies, venture capital firms, and policy experts while developing valuable professional skills and industry knowledge.

What Is the Pallas Foundation Fellowship?

The Pallas Foundation Fellowship is a professional development and work-based learning program that allows fellows to work alongside the team at Pallas Advisors, a strategic advisory firm operating at the intersection of national security, defense, technology, and government.

Fellows become active contributors to the organization’s operations and client-facing work while gaining firsthand exposure to the defense and national security sectors.

The program is designed for ambitious individuals who want to understand how government, technology companies, investors, and policymakers collaborate to address evolving security challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The national security landscape is rapidly evolving due to advancements in:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Cybersecurity
• Space technologies
• Defense innovation
• Advanced computing
• Emerging technologies
• Critical infrastructure protection
• Intelligence and information operations

Organizations across government and industry need talented professionals who understand both policy and technology. The Pallas Foundation Fellowship offers participants the opportunity to build that expertise while learning directly from leaders operating at the forefront of these fields.

Fellowship Responsibilities

As a Pallas Fellow, participants will play an active role in supporting the firm’s daily operations and strategic initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Conducting Research

Fellows will:

• Perform tailored research on national security issues
• Analyze emerging technology trends
• Support policy-related projects
• Gather intelligence and background information for clients and stakeholders

2. Developing Client Products

Participants will assist in:

• Preparing briefing materials
• Drafting information papers
• Creating presentations
• Producing analytical reports
• Supporting strategic communications initiatives

3. Supporting Business Development

Fellows will contribute to:

• Client engagement activities
• Market research efforts
• Strategic growth initiatives
• Opportunity identification and analysis

4. Administrative and Operational Support

Like all members of the team, fellows will help with:

• Internal coordination
• Project management support
• Administrative tasks
• Organizational initiatives

Exclusive Exposure to National Security Leaders

One of the most valuable aspects of the fellowship is the opportunity to interact with senior leaders from across the national security ecosystem.

Fellows may engage with professionals and decision-makers from:

• Department of Defense (DoD)
• National Security Council (NSC)
• Intelligence Community
• Federal agencies
• Defense organizations
• Technology companies
• Venture capital firms
• Nonprofit institutions
• Policy organizations

This level of exposure provides participants with insights that are difficult to obtain through traditional academic programs or entry-level positions.

Work With Cutting-Edge Technology Companies

The fellowship places participants at the intersection of technology and national security.

Fellows gain valuable exposure to organizations working in areas such as:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Defense technology
• Space technology
• Advanced software systems
• Emerging technologies
• Innovation ecosystems
• Venture-backed startups

This experience helps participants understand how technological innovation is transforming defense, intelligence, and security operations.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive a range of professional and financial benefits.

Competitive Compensation

Participants receive:

• Competitive hourly pay
• Paid professional experience
• Valuable industry exposure

Professional Development

The fellowship includes:

• Weekly professional development programming
• Career mentoring opportunities
• Skills development workshops
• Industry insights and networking events

Career Advancement Opportunities

Participants can strengthen their:

• Research capabilities
• Analytical skills
• Writing and communication abilities
• Strategic thinking skills
• Understanding of national security policy
• Professional networks

Flexible Work Structure

The program offers:

• Part-time schedule
• Approximately 20–30 hours per week
• In-person opportunities
• Virtual participation options

Fellowship Location

The fellowship is available in:

Washington, D.C.

Pallas Advisors operates from its Washington, D.C. office and employs more than 30 professionals working across national security, technology, consulting, and policy sectors.

Virtual Participation

For qualified candidates who may not be located in Washington, D.C., virtual participation opportunities are also available.

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate is:

• Energetic and motivated
• Highly detail-oriented
• Interested in national security and defense issues
• Comfortable conducting research and analysis
• Skilled in written communication
• Capable of preparing presentations and briefing materials

While not required, experience or knowledge in the following areas may strengthen an application:

• Defense industry
• Technology startups
• Venture capital
• Early-stage investing
• Security policy
• Technology policy
• Artificial intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• International affairs

Why Students and Early-Career Professionals Should Apply

The Pallas Foundation Fellowship is more than a work experience—it is a launchpad into one of the most influential professional ecosystems in the United States.

Participants gain:

1. Direct exposure to senior government leaders.
2. Experience working on real-world national security challenges.
3. Access to technology and defense innovation networks.
4. Professional development opportunities.
5. Valuable consulting and analytical experience.
6. Connections with leaders in government, industry, and investment communities.
7. A competitive advantage for future careers in defense, intelligence, policy, consulting, and technology.

Potential Career Paths After the Fellowship

The experience gained through the fellowship can support careers in:

• National Security
• Intelligence Analysis
• Defense Policy
• Government Affairs
• Public Policy
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence Strategy
• Technology Consulting
• Venture Capital
• Defense Technology Startups
• International Affairs
• Strategic Advisory Services

Application Deadline

Applicants should submit their applications before the official closing date.

Important Date

• Application Deadline: Friday, July 10, 2026
• Closing Time: 12:00 PM EST

Late applications may not be considered.

How to Apply

Click here for more and to apply

Final Thoughts

The Fall 2026 Pallas Foundation Fellowship represents a rare opportunity for students, recent graduates, and emerging professionals to gain meaningful experience at the intersection of national security, defense innovation, public policy, and emerging technologies.

With paid work experience, access to senior government and industry leaders, professional development programming, and exposure to some of the most important challenges facing national security today, the fellowship provides an outstanding pathway into one of the most dynamic and impactful career fields in the United States.

For aspiring leaders eager to make their mark in defense, policy, AI, cybersecurity, or emerging technology, this fellowship could be the ideal first step.

Click here for more global fellowship opportunities