Operations Research Internship Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

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 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 research and policy work on community & neighborhood development, asset framing, well-being, economic or fiscal policy, and wealth creation 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 to 30 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 position is open to hybrid and/or remote applicants. Hybrid work combines 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.
Responsibilities
The Center for Community Uplift at Brookings seeks to increase economic security and well-being for people across racial and geographic lines. CCU's research explores how diversity and inclusion can yield better outcomes for all by building upon the assets and strengths in cities and neighborhoods.
Interns will work alongside Metro scholars, assisting with research and writing tasks, gathering information from literature, data sets, and local and state practitioners, and incorporating it into blog posts, reports, or briefs.
Qualifications
Education/Knowledge/Skills
Undergraduate students in their junior or senior year or graduate students pursuing a masters degree with an interest in community & neighborhood development, asset framing, well-being, economic or fiscal policy, and wealth creation are encouraged to apply. Excellent research and writing skills; experience with data management and visualization, preferably with Excel, R, and ArcGIS; some demonstrated interest in urban policy and built environment issues.
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.
Applications will be accepted until June 14, 2026. 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.
As you are applying, please be sure to click here to learn more about the Brookings Internship Program, deadlines, and directions on how to successfully submit your internship application(s).
Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first-generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.