At the Niskanen Center, we promote policies that advance prosperity, opportunity, and human flourishing. We believe in the mutual dependence of a free market and an effective government. Our mission is to engage in boundary crossing political thought and practice to foster innovative, pragmatic solutions to America’s challenges.

Who We Are Looking For

We seek interns who share our vision and are eager to contribute to meaningful policy work. Ideal candidates will be:

  • Visionary Thinkers: Those who embrace the principles of liberal democracy and an open society, and who are motivated to develop policies that provide social insurance, foster market competition, and enhance state capacity.
  • Ideologically Open: Individuals who value diverse perspectives and are enthusiastic about engaging in cross-ideological collaboration.
  • Collaborative Problem-Solvers: People who excel in a fast-paced, team oriented environment and are dedicated to advancing our mission through cooperation, discussion, and continuous learning.

What You Will Do

As a Niskanen intern, you will gain hands-on experience in public policy research, communications, and federal affairs. You will:

  • Engage with Thought Leaders: Work alongside policymakers and scholars across the political spectrum to transform innovative ideas into actionable solutions.
  • Develop Professionally: Participate in workshops and networking events designed to build your skills and professional network.
  • Make an Impact: Contribute to projects addressing pressing issues such as economic insecurity, climate change, mass incarceration, and immigration reform.

All Niskanen Center interns receive up to a $1,000 monthly stipend.

Join Us

If you are passionate about public policy and ready to be part of a forward thinking team, we encourage you to apply. Together, we can advance a vision of governance that fosters prosperity, opportunity, and human flourishing.

Please submit the following using the link below:

  • Resume
  • Identify no more than two policy department interests
  • One writing sample (do not exceed 3,000 words)
  • Explanation about why you are applying to Niskanen (do not exceed 300 words) 

Spring Semester 2025: January 7, 2025- May 2, 2025 — Applications are due by November 8, 2024; we will be notifying applicants on a rolling basis with a final deadline of December 13, 2024 for all offers.

Summer Semester 2025 May 28, 2025 to August 8, 2025 — Applications are due by March 8, 2025; we will be notifying applicants on a rolling basis with a final deadline of April 4, 2025 for all offers.

Fall Semester 2025: September 9, 2025 to December 5, 2025 — Applications are due by July 13, 2025; we will be notifying applicants on a rolling basis with a final deadline of August 8, 2025 for all offers.

Please note that semester start and end dates are firm, unless you seek prior approval.

Apply here

Equal Opportunity

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities for all individuals, employment decisions at the Niskanen Center are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Niskanen Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. Applicants living abroad/​international applicants are encouraged to apply but will need to be authorized to work in the United States and must be able to work in the United States during the internship to participate.

Niskanen Intern Accomplishments

Among other projects, Niskanen interns have accomplished the following:

  • Spearheaded a research project to inform coalition-building efforts for the climate department
  • Co-wrote and published a policy brief with senior staff in immigration
  • Wrote blog posts cited in the Washington Post and in the Washington Examiner
  • Built and managed the Niskanen Center’s Instagram account
  • Developed and managed content calendars for Niskanen Center communications efforts

Where Are They Now?

Here’s a look at how past interns are using the experience they’ve gained at Niskanen in their studies and careers:

  • One is enrolled in a Master’s of Public Policy program at UC Irvine.
  • One is Fulbright scholar.
  • One is a regulatory and government affairs lead at Analytical Space.
  • One is an editorial associate at SmithBucklin.
  • One is an immigration policy fellow at the Niskanen Center.
  • One is a health policy analyst at the Niskanen Center.

Our interns are now also at MSNBC, Booz Allen Hamilton, McKinsey, Foreign Policy, the Daily Caller, the Cato Institute, the Department of Defense, Americans for Prosperity, the Center for Law and Social Policy, the Charter Cities Institute and others. Other former interns are in law school and some are pursuing graduate degrees in public policy, public administration, and economics.