Research Internship, Center for Technology Innovation, Governance Studies

Overview

Thinking about a career in public policy? Committed to improving the world we live in? Think Brookings - one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

Interns spend approximately 12 weeks working alongside leading experts in government and academia from all over the world. Brookings also offers students the opportunity to intern in departments such as communications, human resources and central operations management. The mission of the Internship Program is to provide students with a pre-professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work experience related to their field of study or career interest. Students engage in career exploration and development as well as learn new skills. 

Interns will have the opportunity to attend virtual meetings, think tank events, professional development workshops, and public Brookings events.  In addition, interns will have the opportunity to network with other interns throughout the Institution. 

This internship is an opportunity for undergraduate students in their junior or senior year and graduate students with an interest in technology policy to apply principles and theory learned in the classroom in a professional environment. This internship pays an hourly rate of $17.00, and applicants must be willing to commit to a minimum number of hours per week (no less than 32 hours per week, during regular business hours), with some flexibility around an academic course schedule.

To learn more about Brookings research programs, click here.  

Position Location: This is a hybrid opportunity. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of remote work. Remote work applicants may not work from the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.  

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.   

Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation. Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.

Responsibilities

Interns will have an opportunity to learn a variety of research skills such as summarizing scholarly literature, collecting and manipulating data, attending events, and editing written products. Research topics include but are not limited to artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, privacy, mass communications, and digital inclusion.

Qualifications

Education/Knowledge/Skills:

Undergraduate student (who has completed their sophomore year) from any major; inter-disciplinary backgrounds are a plus. We welcome applications from majors in the social sciences and humanities as well as the natural sciences and engineering fields, including computer and data science. Recent college graduates and graduate students are also eligible to apply. Students with strong research skills (quantitative or qualitative) preferred.

A successful intern is someone who learns quickly, is highly motivated, and wants to learn how to conduct policy research. We will closely review applications from candidates who signal a keen interest in any topic at the intersection of public policy and science, technology, and innovation. This position requires strong social media skills, excellent verbal and written communication, time-management and organizational skills, and ability to synthesize technical details from multiple sources.

Additional Information: 

This internship requires you to be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for interning at Brookings. 

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please submit your resume as instructed and add your cover letter as an attachment when you apply. You are required to submit/attach a separate cover letter for each internship application. Your cover letter should highlight your educational experience and skills, along with an explanation of how this internship will contribute to your professional goals. Please address your cover letter to Hiring Manager.  

If selected as a finalist for the internship, you will be required to submit two letters of recommendation or provide two professional references.   

Please note: Applications will be accepted until February 25, 2024. Applications not completed and submitted by the application deadline date will not be considered. Your application is considered complete when you receive an email confirming that your application was successfully submitted.