Fall 2026, Research Internship, Brown Center on Education Policy, Governance Studies (Job ID: 2026-3854)

The Brookings Institution • Washington, DC

8h • $18 • 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 and graduate students pursuing a master's degree, with an interest in education policy 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 20 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 and graduate students (pursuing a masters degree) working towards a degree in public policy, education, political science, economics, sociology, and/or other social sciences are encouraged to apply.
• Recent graduates are also welcome.
• Strong writing, analytical, and research skills, preferably demonstrated through prior independent research or research assistant experience.
• A strong sense of curiosity and interest in education policy, together with careful attention to detail, are also valued.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel is required.
• Must be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship.
• Successful completion of a background investigation is required.
• Applicants 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.
• Address cover letter to Hiring Manager.
• Include in cover letter: What topics or policy areas in education are you most interested in?
• Include in cover letter: How would an internship with the Brown Center help advance your career goals?
• Include in cover letter: How many hours per week would you be able to work, and which work mode would you prefer (in-person/hybrid/remote-only)?
• If selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit two letters of recommendation or provide two professional references.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Stata or R is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Apply and develop a variety of research skills when conducting work such as policy landscapes, literature reviews, data collection, coding, and general research support.
• Lead a weekly briefing on education-related news items and recent research.
• Perform substantive research, which includes contributing to Brookings publications, and work with top education policy experts.

Benefits

• Hourly rate of $18.40
• Opportunity to attend meetings, think tank events, professional development workshops, and public Brookings events.
• Opportunity to network with other interns throughout the Institution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level