The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is an independent, 501(c)(3), nonprofit science and technology policy think tank that has a robust and enduring internship program. Excellence in research and objective analysis is the motto for the program. The Potomac Institute Internship Program hosts undergraduate, graduate, or recently graduated students with a variety of academic backgrounds that relate to the science, technology, and national security missions of the Institute. The Institute strives to provide versatile experiences for each internship participant. Interns will be assigned to provide direct support to scholars, staff, Senior Fellows, and/or academic programs within PIPS. Some unique qualities of the program are acknowledgements in publications, networking, academic credit, as well as access to in-house seminars, events, and conferences.

Interns will assist fast-paced research on Institute mission areas. Interns will learn and develop valuable professional skills to improve research, writing, and analysis that are applicable across career fields. Interns will coordinate schedules with assigned scholars and are expected to be at the Institute two days per week. Interns are expected The internship typically lasts the duration of an academic semester, but exceptions can be made in certain circumstances.

Intern dutes are approximately 50% research related and 50% administrative support. Common duties include:

• Conducting research as directed;
• Compiling bibliographies;
• Collecting and assembling data;
• Copy editing and proofreading;
• Event planning and support;
• Attending Congressional hearings and relevant events; and
• Providing a full range of administrative support.

This position complies with the US Department of Labor and the Fair Labor Standard Act.

Candidate requirements include:

• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Background or interest in political science, national security, defense, science and technology, economics, international affairs, public policy, and law are preferred, though others accepted.
• Candidates should have relevant research, writing, and editing experience, excellent organization and communication skills, strong MS Office skills, and the ability to prioritize a dynamic workload.
• Must be a US Citizen and able to pass a background check.

Application requirements:

1. Letter of interest. In your letter, be sure to reference relevant Institute research areas and preferred scholar assignment.
2. Current resume
3. One to two-page writing sample
4. Unofficial transcript
5. Two (2) letters of recommendation. This does not mean include a references page.

To apply for the internship position, send a complete application package to the BambooHR portal linked here. This is a highly competitive and sought after position. Failure to submit a full application package will result in disqualification. Failure to submit your application by the deadline will result in disqualification.

Complete application packages should be sent by the following deadlines:

• October 13: Spring cohort (January to May)
• March 16: Summer cohort (May to September) 
• July 13: Fall cohort (September to December) 

We are more than happy to assist students with receiving academic credit through their respected Institution upon successful completion of the internship. Some educational institutions require prior approval before the start of an internship for academic credit. It is the responsibility of the student to check with their institution to be sure they meet any requirements before they accept a position.