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Think Tank Internships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hudson Institute

Research Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$52K - $56K/yr

About Hudson Institute Hudson Institute is a research-focused public policy think tank ... Manages interns that work with the senior fellow, including interviewing interns, managing their ...

Hudson Institute, Inc.

Research Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$52K - $56K/yr

About Hudson Institute Hudson Institute is a research-focused public policy think tank ... Manages interns that work with the senior fellow, including interviewing interns, managing their ...

AEI

Fall Intern: Asian Economics

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

... 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 ...

AEI

Fall Intern: Asian Securities

Washington, DC · On-site

... 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 ...

AEI

Fall Intern: Accounting

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $22.75/hr

... 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 ...

Hudson Institute

Events Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

About Hudson Institute Hudson Institute is a research-focused public policy think tank ... Coordinates with interns and staff to support event execution. * Supports social media promotion of ...

AEI

Fall Intern: Editing Services

Washington, DC · On-site

... 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 ...

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How much do think tank internships jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average weekly pay for think tank internships in the United States is $943.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $615.38 and $1,153.85 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the big 4 internships?

The 'Big 4' internships typically refer to internship programs offered by the four largest professional services firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These internships provide experience in auditing, consulting, tax, and advisory services and are highly competitive for students pursuing careers in accounting and finance.

How do you get hired by a think tank?

To get hired as a think tank intern, candidates should have strong research, analytical, and writing skills, often demonstrated through relevant coursework or previous experience. Applying with a tailored resume and cover letter that highlight policy knowledge and familiarity with research tools increases chances. Internships typically require a commitment during the academic year or summer and may involve networking or referrals within the organization.

What do think tank interns do?

Think tank interns assist with research, data analysis, and policy development related to the organization's focus areas. They often review reports, prepare briefing materials, and support event planning, gaining experience in policy analysis and critical thinking in a professional environment.

What is a Think Tank Internships job?

A Think Tank Internship involves assisting research organizations that analyze policies, economy, and social issues. Interns typically conduct research, draft reports, attend events, and support senior analysts. These roles provide hands-on experience in policy analysis, writing, and networking within academic, government, and nonprofit sectors. Think tank internships are ideal for students or graduates interested in public policy, politics, or international affairs.

Is it hard to get an internship at a think tank?

Securing a think tank internship can be competitive due to high demand and limited openings. Applicants typically need strong research skills, relevant academic background, and sometimes prior experience or a demonstrated interest in policy or related fields.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a Think Tank Internship?

As a Think Tank Intern, you can expect to work on a range of projects that may include conducting background research, analyzing data, drafting policy briefs, and assisting with event planning or outreach. Interns frequently collaborate with full-time researchers and other interns, contributing to both independent tasks and group projects. The work environment is usually intellectually rigorous and fast-paced, offering exposure to current policy debates and real-world problem solving. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building your research portfolio and gaining insights into the policymaking process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Think Tank Internships position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Think Tank Internship, you typically need strong research, analytical, and writing skills, often supported by coursework in political science, economics, public policy, or related fields. Familiarity with data analysis tools like Excel, statistical software (such as SPSS or Stata), and presentation platforms is often advantageous. Initiative, attention to detail, and effective communication are the soft skills that distinguish outstanding interns. These abilities are crucial for conducting high-quality research, developing insightful reports, and effectively contributing to policy discussions and team projects.

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Think Tank Internships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Think Tank Internships job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% Internship, 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,063 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Research Associate

Research Associate

Hudson Institute

Washington, DC • On-site

$52K - $56K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description

Hudson Institute seeks a research associate to support a senior fellow with their policy program focused on US national security, grand strategy, industrial policy, and defense industrial base related issues. Responsibilities include research, writing, editing, program management, and administrative assistance. This is a full-time position based out of Hudson's Washington, DC office, reporting to the senior fellow.

About Hudson Institute

Hudson Institute is a research-focused public policy think tank headquartered in Washington, DC, dedicated to promoting American leadership for a secure, free, and prosperous future. For more than half a century, Hudson Institute has been challenging conventional thinking by developing new ideas and practical solutions to shape critical foreign and domestic policy decisions.

Responsibilities

  • Conducts high-quality research and analysis on a variety of national security and US foreign and domestic policy issues, with an emphasis on grand strategy, industrial policy and defense industrial base related issues.
  • Assists in drafting and editing op-eds, policy memos, reports, and other scholarship.
  • Manages the daily events and activities associated with the senior fellow's policy program, including maintaining target audience lists, organizing meetings and events, taking notes at events attended or hosted by the senior fellow, and coordinating with colleagues on institutional priorities. 
  • Manages the senior fellow's calendar, assisting with travel bookings and logistics, and supports meetings and events at Hudson and elsewhere involving the senior fellow.
  • With an eye toward relevant developments in foreign affairs, among policymakers, and in the news cycle, proactively considers and pitches opportunities to the senior fellow to influence policy debates.
  • Manages interns that work with the senior fellow, including interviewing interns, managing their ongoing workloads, and providing feedback and general supervision. 
  • Collaborates with colleagues on various projects and objectives, as new priorities develop.

Requirements

  • Commitment to Hudson Institute's mission and supporting the work of the Institute's experts and staff.
  • US citizenship.
  • Bachelor's degree in political science, history, economics, philosophy, or other relevant fields.
  • Excellent writing, research, speaking, editing, and project management skills.
  • A professional and tactful demeanor and ability to work closely and effectively with others-including Hudson's senior management, experts, and staff.
  • Creative and entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Acute attention to detail.
  • Commitment to acting with integrity and the utmost professionalism.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Salary: $52,000 - $56,000 per year
  • Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision coverage)
  • Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Paid parental and family leave
  • Commuter benefits

Application Instructions

  • Please submit a personal resume and cover letter. Cover letters should be written by the applicant-not by generative AI.

Apply