Fall 2026, Democracy Resilience Research Internship, Governance Studies (Job ID: 2026-3859)

The Brookings Institution • Washington, DC

14h • Hybrid

About The Position

This internship is an opportunity for undergraduate students in their junior or senior year, and recent graduates (individuals applying no more than one calendar year from their graduation year) with an interest in global anti-corruption, democracy, and security efforts to apply principles and theory learned in the classroom in a professional environment. PhD students are not eligible for internships. 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 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 32 hours per week, during regular business hours), with some flexibility around an academic course schedule. 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 as well as recent graduates (i.e., individuals applying no more than one calendar year from their graduation year) working toward a degree in public policy, political science, history, philosophy, pre-law, economics, and/or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in democratic resilience; rule of law; anti-corruption; politics; transparency, accountability, and participation; financial integrity; and/or related governance issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong writing, analytical, critical thinking, and internet-based research skills.
• Experience with fact-checking, data entry, citations, and editing.
• Familiarity with data collection and/or database management.
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Capacity to work well independently and with other team members.
• Eagerness to contribute to a fast-paced work environment and willingness to adapt.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and evolving assignments.
• Must be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship.
• Successful completion of a background investigation is required.
• Must submit a cover letter and resume.
• Must 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.
• Must submit a writing sample with the application, including interest in democracy resilience issues and citations.

Responsibilities

• Conducting background research for and fact-checking articles, papers, and other publications.
• Drafting policy memos and fact sheets.
• Assisting with data collection/entry.
• Formatting citations, editing, and providing other general research support.
• Building annotated bibliographies.
• Compiling bios and developing topic syntheses/backgrounders in advance of stakeholder meetings.
• Providing assistance with social media and event planning.
• Developing questions for key informant interviews.
• Preparing meeting transcripts and readouts.
• Assisting with other event logistics.

Benefits

• Hourly rate of $18.40
• Networking opportunities with other interns
• Opportunity to attend meetings, think tank events, professional development workshops, and public Brookings events

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level