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Policy Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AEI

Fall Intern: Economic Policy

Washington, DC · On-site

The economic policy intern will have the opportunity to do quantitative analysis, background research, fact-checking, and editing for articles and ongoing academic research projects on issues related ...

AEI

Fall Intern: Economic Policy

Washington, DC

The economic policy intern will have the opportunity to do quantitative analysis, background research, fact-checking, and editing for articles and ongoing academic research projects on issues related ...

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How much do policy intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for policy intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Policy Intern vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy Intern
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate, some internships may require coursework in political science, public policy, or related fields
Work EnvironmentTemporary, entry-level position often in government agencies, think tanks, or NGOs, with mentorship and training
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations seeking to train future policy professionals; common in government and nonprofit sectors

In summary, a Policy Intern is an entry-level, temporary role designed for students or recent graduates gaining exposure to policy work, while a Policy Analyst is a more experienced, full-time position responsible for analyzing and developing policy recommendations.

What does a Policy Intern do?

A Policy Intern supports policy teams by conducting research, analyzing data, and assisting in the development of policy recommendations. They often help with drafting reports, attending meetings, and monitoring legislative developments. Policy interns gain hands-on experience in the policymaking process, work closely with professionals, and contribute to projects that impact public policy. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in government, nonprofit, or advocacy work.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Policy Intern expect during their internship?

As a Policy Intern, you can expect to support research, draft policy briefs, and assist with analyzing legislative or regulatory developments relevant to your organization's focus areas. You'll likely work closely with policy analysts and senior staff, attend meetings or hearings, and help prepare materials for stakeholder engagement. The role provides exposure to multiple stages of policy development, offering insight into both the research and advocacy processes, and is a great way to build professional networks in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Policy Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Policy Intern, you need strong research and analytical skills, a solid understanding of public policy issues, and at least a bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and experience with legislative tracking systems are commonly required. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and adaptability are standout soft skills in this role. These skills enable interns to effectively support policy development, communicate insights clearly, and contribute meaningfully to fast-paced policy environments.
What cities are hiring for Policy Intern jobs? Cities with the most Policy Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Policy jobs? The most popular types of Policy jobs are:
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What states have the most Policy Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Policy Intern jobs include:
Policy Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Intern job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.

Fall Intern: Economic Policy

AEI

Washington, DC • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview
The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks an in-person intern to provide research and administrative support to the Economic Policy Studies department. The economic policy intern will have the opportunity to do quantitative analysis, background research, fact-checking, and editing for articles and ongoing academic research projects on issues related to applied economics and public finance. The intern will also assist with live, in-person AEI events on timely public policy issues.
The ideal candidate will be an undergraduate with a demonstrated interest in economics and public policy. Applicants should have Microsoft Excel experience and knowledge of intermediate econometrics, statistics, and official databases, such as those of the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Familiarity with Stata, R, and Python is preferred but not required. Candidates who are able to participate in the program on an in-person basis for 25-40 hours per week are encouraged to apply.
About AEI Internships
AEI internships offer a unique opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates to gain experience in research, writing, business, and communications at one of the nation's leading think tanks.
Competitive candidates will generally have a GPA of 3.5 or higher from a top-ranking college or university. AEI's internship program runs for 12 weeks and all related programming will take place in-person in Washington, DC. Please see the internship program home page for updates about the program.
The fall program dates are either Tuesday, September 8, to Friday, December 4 or Tuesday, September 15, to Friday, December 11.

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