Think Tanks & Public Policy Opportunities
Think tank, policy, research and advocacy organizations have opportunities for almost any policy interest or professional skill set. This list is designed to help you identify employers that best suit your political and policy interests. Get started with some basic overview resources:
The Think Tanks & Civil Society Program – Researches role of policy institutes on governments and civil societies around the world. They produce the annual Think Tank Index and maintain a database and directory of think tanks.
National Institute for Research Advancement – NIRA compiles information on think tanks searchable by country.
U.S. State Department Think Tanks List – The state department maintains a list of reputable think tanks working in the arena of international affairs.
Most of the organizations listed below advertise jobs and internship positions on their websites. Use the links below to explore further.
American Enterprise Institute
The American Enterprise Institute is a community of scholars and supporters committed to expanding liberty, increasing individual opportunity and strengthening free enterprise. AEI is dedicated to research and education on issues of government, politics, economics and social welfare. Internship application deadlines: accepted on a rolling basis. It is recommended that you submit your application as early as possible for each term.
Atlantic Council of the United States
ACUS promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic Community in meeting global challenges. Applications are accepted as needed.
British American Security Information Council (BASIC)
BASIC works with expert focus on the UK, U.S., Europe and the Middle East and aims to address some of the strategic challenges posed by the changing global nuclear landscape. BASIC accepts internships applications in London and Washington, DC on a rolling basis.
The Brookings Institution
Brookings is a nonprofit public policy organization that conducts research seeking to strengthen American democracy, foster the economic and social welfare, security and opportunity of all Americans and secure a more open, safe, prosperous and cooperative international system. They offer paid internship opportunities, generally with rolling deadlines.
Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs
The Carnegie Council is a nonprofit institution serving as a worldwide nonpartisan, educational resource. Interns are recruited year-round on a semester basis and all internships are filled on a rolling basis.
The Carter Center
The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University, is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering; it seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. Application deadlines are typically 2-3 months prior to session start dates.
Cato Institute
The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace.
Center for American Progress
The Center for American Progress is an independent nonpartisan policy institute that is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans, through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action.
Center for International Policy
CIP is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization that promotes transparency and accountability in U.S. foreign policy and global relations.
Center for Naval Analyses (CNA)
CNA is a nonprofit research organization that operates the Center for Naval Analyses and the Institute for Public Research.
Council on Foreign Relations
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher. Applications are accepted as needed.
Freedom House
Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom and democracy around the world. Applications are accepted as needed.
The Heritage Foundation
The Heritage Foundation is a think tank whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.
RAND
RAND seeks to improve policy and decision making through research and analysis and values quality and objectivity. Most internships are for graduate students.