Fall 2026, Center for Effective Public Management Intern (Job ID: 2026-3857)

The Brookings Institution•Washington, DC

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

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 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 with an interest in U.S. government and politics to apply principles and theory learned in the classroom in a professional environment. PhD students are not eligible for internships; please visit our Careers page for current open positions. This internship pays an hourly rate of $18.40, and applicants must be willing to commit to a minimum number of hours per week (no less than 24 hours per week, during regular business hours), with some flexibility around an academic course schedule. To learn more about Brookings research programs, click here. This internship requires you to be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship. This is a hybrid opportunity. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of remote work. Work location cannot be in any of the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. Please only apply if you can live and work in states other than those listed above for the duration of the internship.

Requirements

Undergraduate students in their junior or senior year with an interest in U.S. government and politics
Strong writing ability
Analytical skills
Research experience using qualitative and/or quantitative methods
Located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship
Successful completion of a background investigation
Submit a cover letter and resume
Submit/attach a separate cover letter for each internship application
Cover letter should highlight educational experience and skills, along with an explanation of how this internship will contribute to professional goals
Address cover letter to Hiring Manager
Submit two letters of recommendation or provide two professional references if selected as a finalist

Responsibilities

Review and summarize literature
Collect data
Fact-check
Track current events
Monitor the congressional schedule
Provide general research and administrative support for CEPM scholars
Research and tracking of the Trump administration's legislative agenda and other key public policy areas
Research work to focus on the upcoming 2026 midterms as CEPM looks to track the candidates running and their potential impact on the 120th Congress
Assist scholars who have expertise in federal government management, political parties, electoral and institutional reform, and federalism
Careful collection of data and facts to support the analysis in our research products and blog posts