Cato Institute Internship Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide
The Cato Institute, a leading libertarian think tank, offers a prestigious internship program providing individuals with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in public policy, libertarian philosophy, and economic analysis. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Cato Institute's internship program, covering eligibility, application requirements, program benefits, and the overall experience.
Introduction to the Cato Institute
Founded in 1977, the Cato Institute is dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Cato owes its name to Cato’s Letters, a series of essays published in 18th-century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power and inspired the architects of the American Revolution. The institute's scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues, from foreign policy to healthcare and criminal justice. The Cato Institute is one of the most prominent public policy research organizations in the country.
Internship Overview
Cato’s prestigious internship program offers interns the opportunity to develop hands‐on research experience while learning professional skills and building their professional network. Interns are exposed to a diverse range of projects and activities, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of the organization’s work. Throughout the internship, participants work closely with Cato’s scholars and experts, who are renowned thought leaders in their respective fields. This interaction provides interns with the opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in economics, political science, law, and other disciplines.
Interns are also given the chance to contribute to Cato’s publications, events, and online presence. This could involve assisting in the preparation of policy papers, writing blog posts, organizing conferences, and participating in public debates. Overall, the interns’ work contributes to the dissemination of research and the successful operation of one of the nation’s top public policy think tanks.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
All prospective Cato interns must fill out an application to be considered. The Cato Institute values heterogeneity of thought and encourages interns to bring their unique perspectives to the table.
Read also: Broad Stem Cell Research Center
Applicants living abroad and international applicants are encouraged to apply but will need to be authorized to work in the United States and must be able to work in person in Washington, DC to participate. Note: As of the Fall 2022 term, applications are no longer accepted on a rolling basis.
Compensation and Credit
All Cato interns earn $17.00 per hour. Program participants also may complete their Cato internship for course credit.
Internship Experience and Benefits
A Cato Institute internship gives a great experience that furnishes participants with a solid foundation in libertarian philosophy, rigorous research methodologies, and effective communication. The program is not only about learning from the organization but also about enriching it with fresh ideas and insights. Interns are exposed to a diverse range of projects and activities, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of the organization’s work. Interns at the Cato Institute are exposed to a diverse range of projects and activities, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of the organization’s work. Throughout the internship, participants work closely with Cato’s scholars and experts, who are renowned thought leaders in their respective fields. This interaction provides interns with the opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in economics, political science, law, and other disciplines.
Interns are also given the chance to contribute to Cato’s publications, events, and online presence. This could involve assisting in the preparation of policy papers, writing blog posts, organizing conferences, and participating in public debates.
Areas of Internship
Our scholars and analysts conduct independent research on a wide range of policy issues, from foreign policy to healthcare, criminal justice, and many others. Other interns work in communications-oriented roles, including media relations, external affairs, fundraising, and video production.
Read also: Jewish Learning Institute
Specialized Skills
The Cato Institute also seeks interns with specialized skills, including:
- Graphic Design
- Social Media Management & Marketing
- Coding & Programming
- Statistical & Data Analysis
- Foreign Language Skills
Cato University
Cato University is Cato’s premier educational seminar program. Generous support from Sponsors funds scholarships for approximately 25 students per seminar. Scholarship recipients are able to attend at no cost for registration, meals, lodging, and materials.
Online Courses
Explore Cato’s free, self-paced online courses that make the principles of liberty accessible and relevant. Each course combines videos, readings, and interactive tools to clarify complex policy debates and highlight their real-world significance.
Work Environment
The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues. The simple, timeless principles of that revolution - individual liberty, limited government, and free markets - turn out to be even more powerful in today’s world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people, it is the indispensable framework for the future.
Read also: Applying to Georgia Tech: GPA
tags: #cato #institute #internship #requirements

