Navigating Washington, D.C. Think Tank Internships: A Comprehensive Guide

Think tanks, policy organizations, research institutes, and advocacy groups in Washington, D.C., offer a wealth of internship opportunities across diverse policy interests and professional skill sets. Securing a think tank internship can be a crucial step for young policy entrepreneurs looking to enter the field. These internships provide invaluable experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to the inner workings of policy development and implementation.

Understanding the Landscape of Think Tanks

Think tanks play a significant role in shaping public discourse and influencing policy decisions. The Think Tanks & Civil Society Program researches the role of these policy institutes on governments and civil societies around the world. These organizations often focus on specific areas such as economic policy, foreign affairs, social welfare, and national security. Interning at a think tank allows individuals to contribute to research, analysis, and advocacy efforts, gaining first-hand experience in the policy-making process.

Key Think Tanks and Their Internship Programs

Several prominent think tanks in Washington, D.C., offer structured internship programs designed to support and develop young talent. Here's a brief overview of some leading institutions:

American Enterprise Institute (AEI)

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is committed to expanding liberty, increasing individual opportunity, and strengthening free enterprise. AEI offers internships and is dedicated to research and education on issues of government, politics, economics, and social welfare. Internship applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Brookings Institution

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization that conducts research seeking to strengthen American democracy, foster economic and social welfare, and secure a more open international system. Brookings offers three types of internships: paid, academic for credit, and external sponsorship. Internships are available during the Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters.

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Peterson Foundation Fiscal Internship Program

The Peter G. Peterson Foundation partners with think tanks in Washington, D.C., to provide interns with real-world experience working on national fiscal issues. The PGPF Fiscal Internship program offers full-time paid internships at leading policy organizations to a select group of college and graduate students interested in fiscal policy. When applying, candidates may indicate a preference for placement at one or more organizations.

Other Notable Think Tanks

American Action Forum: A forward-looking policy institute dedicated to keeping America strong, free, and prosperous.
The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC): A non-profit organization that combines the best ideas from both parties to promote health, security, and opportunity for all Americans.
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: A bipartisan, nonprofit organization committed to educating the public about issues that have significant fiscal policy impact.
Economic Policy Institute: Dedicated to achieving shared prosperity by raising the economic status of low- and middle-income Americans.
Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies: America’s Black think tank, providing policy solutions to eradicate barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America.
Mercatus Center at George Mason University: A university source for market-oriented ideas, bridging the gap between academic ideas and real-world problems.
Progressive Policy Institute: Works to promote a fiscally responsible public investment agenda that fosters robust and inclusive economic growth.
R Street Institute: Engaged in policy research and outreach in support of free markets and limited, effective government.
Urban Institute/Tax Policy Center: A joint venture of the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, comprising experts in tax, budget, and social policy.

Specific Internship Programs and Opportunities

Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) offers the Blavatnik Internship Program and the Robina Franklin Williams Internship Program. These internships are recruited year-round on a semester basis for positions in CFR’s New York and Washington, D.C., offices. Interns' duties generally consist of research, editing and writing, event coordination, and/or departmental support.

CFR generally considers undergraduate and graduate students with majors in international relations, political science, economics, or a related field. Applicants should have completed the equivalent of four semesters of college coursework (not including AP classes in high school) by the time they begin an internship. Additional requirements may include a regional specialization or language skills.

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy offers various research assistant and internship programs. These programs provide a pathway for college graduates and graduate students to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker.

Soref Fellow: This fellowship is designed primarily for those who have recently earned a PhD, but exceptionally well-qualified individuals with masters’ degrees will be considered, as will those with law or MBA degrees.
Research Assistant Positions: The Institute offers research assistant positions in various programs, including Iran, Fikra Forum, Military and Security Studies, Arab Politics, Gulf and Energy, Arab-Israel Relations, Counterterrorism and Intelligence, Great Power Competition in the Middle East, and Turkish Research. These positions are geared towards recent B.A. graduates with a strong interest in foreign policy.

Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Internship Program

At the Bipartisan Policy Center, the internship program is tailored to meet the goals of each intern in their professional and personal development. The program is conducive to the intern’s goals and provides a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.

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Interns will be working with a specific BPC project or functional area. Interns must be rising juniors or above, or graduate students, or recent graduates. Interns will provide administrative support, assist with events and meetings, conduct research, and assist with the development and writing of reports, white papers, and proposals.

Smithsonian Institution Internships

The Smithsonian Institution offers a wide array of internship opportunities across its museums, research centers, and offices in Washington, D.C., and beyond. These internships cater to diverse interests and academic backgrounds, providing valuable experience in museum studies, research, education, and administration.

National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) offers several internship programs, including the NMNH Summer High School Internship Program and Natural History Research Experiences (NHRE). The NMNH Summer High School Internship Program supports current high school attendees, ages 15 to 18 (grades 9 - 12), who are interested in learning about what it is like to work at a museum. Natural History Research Experiences (NHRE) is a 10-week summer internship program hosted at the National Museum of Natural History.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Internships at the National Museum of African American History and Culture offer undergraduate and graduate students, and recent graduates' opportunities to work closely with professionals and scholars in the museum field. Interns receive a stipend while they gain practical museum skills and program development experience in a variety of positions.

Other Smithsonian Internship Opportunities

Architectural History and Historic Preservation (AHHP) Internship: Provides a practical learning experience in the stewardship of historic cultural facilities.
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) Internship: Engages communities in surprising and innovative ways, transcending boundaries and barriers.
Peter A. Krueger Summer Internship Program at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum: Offers undergraduate students the unique opportunity to develop professional skills and learn about museum practices.
National Air and Space Museum Internship Program: Provides firsthand experience working in a museum.
National Museum of Asian Art Summer Undergraduate Internship Program: An eight-week, paid internship program.
Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology (SIMA): Provides graduate students with an immersive, four-week training program and research experience.
National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Internships: Offers internships during the Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer terms.
National Portrait Gallery Internships: Offers formal internships to qualified applicants.
Smithsonian Office of Educational Technology Internship: Provides a unique opportunity to be part of a department working to make digital education resources more accessible.
Claudine K. Brown Internship in Education: Awarded based on a demonstrated interest in the field of education and museum leadership.
Women’s History Internship Program: Offers paid eight-week internships that amplify women’s stories to tell a more complete American history.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Summer Intern Program: A 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) internship where students take on an astrophysics research project.
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Internship: Provides science-based knowledge to meet the environmental challenges of the 21st century.
Smithsonian Gardens Internship Program: Provides an array of public garden learning experiences.
Smithsonian Science Education Center Internship: Assists in the development of nonfiction stories that will be included in Smithsonian Science for the Classroom units.

General Application Requirements and Tips

Eligibility

Most think tank and museum internships require applicants to be rising juniors, seniors, or recent graduates. Some programs also accept graduate students.
Applicants should have a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in the relevant policy areas or museum fields.
Excellent skills in research, writing, and communication are essential.
Some internships may require specific language skills or regional expertise.

Application Process

A complete application typically consists of a resume, cover letter, and academic transcripts.
Some programs may require writing samples or research proposals.
Pay close attention to application deadlines and submit all materials on time.
Tailor your cover letter to each specific internship, highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
When applying to the Peterson Foundation Fiscal Internship Program, candidates may indicate a preference for placement at one or more organizations.
For The Washington Institute, candidates may apply for up to three Research Assistant positions.

Interview Process

If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your academic background, research interests, and career goals.
Demonstrate your knowledge of the think tank or museum and its work.
Ask thoughtful questions about the internship program and the organization's mission.

Benefits of a Think Tank or Museum Internship

Professional Development: Internships provide opportunities to develop valuable skills in research, analysis, writing, and communication.
Networking: Interns can build relationships with leading experts, policymakers, and other professionals in their field.
Exposure to Policy-Making: Interns gain firsthand experience in the policy-making process and contribute to important research and advocacy efforts.
Career Advancement: Internships can lead to full-time employment opportunities in think tanks, government agencies, and other organizations.
Personal Growth: Internships can broaden your understanding of complex issues and enhance your critical thinking skills.

Testimonials from Past Interns

The experiences of past interns highlight the value and impact of these programs:

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"The program really gave me a better sense of how top-notch think tanks function."
"I was really glad to have the opportunity to work at an organization whose work I’ve been following."
"My favorite thing about the internship was the opportunity to hear from speakers at various different think tanks."
"I really enjoyed the opportunity to hear from a wide variety of other top policy organizations in DC and learn about their research."
"The PGPF program was a phenomenal internship experience overall. I am ending the internship knowing a significant amount more on budget issues than I did on my first day of interning."
"I would absolutely recommend this program, the internship was fantastic, as were the seminars."
"The PGPF Fiscal Internship Program solidified my passion for economics and public policy."
"This summer, I did not feel like an intern, I am part of the team with the same respect and responsibilities as a full team member."
"My host scholar was approachable, trusted me with significant responsibility, and encouraged my independent research exploration on the topics I was interested in."

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