About the opportunity
The Brookings Internship Program provides paid opportunities to nearly 150 degree-seeking students and select recent graduates each year across spring, summer, and fall cohorts. Interns work either within Brookings research programs—including Governance Studies, Economic Studies, Foreign Policy, Global Economy and Development, and Brookings Metro—or in business units such as communications, finance, and human resources. The Spring 2027 cohort runs from mid-January or early February through April 2027, offering participants practical experience in public policy and think tank administration.
Salary and benefits
- Paid internship placement
- Professional work experience across substantive research programs or operational departments
- Direct exposure to public policy analysis and institutional management
Who can apply?
- Degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students
- Recent graduates (considered on an occasional basis)
- Interest in public policy research or institutional business operations
When to apply
- Internship openings posted: Week of October 5, 2026
- Application deadline: November 7, 2026
- Selection decisions made: December 18, 2026
- Cohort start dates: January 19, 2027, or February 1, 2027
- Cohort end dates: April 9, 2027, or April 23, 2027
How to apply
- Review the Brookings Internship Program Details document for requirements and operational guidelines.
- Navigate to the Brookings internship job portal to review available openings.
- Submit an online application for the desired opening before the November 7, 2026 deadline.
Additional information
- Internship positions are distributed across five research programs: Governance Studies, Economic Studies, Foreign Policy, Global Economy and Development, and Brookings Metro.
- Positions are also offered across operational business units, including communications, finance, and human resources.
- Brookings hosts approximately 150 interns annually across spring, summer, and fall cohorts.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Degree-seeking students in political science, economics, international affairs, or related fields seeking structured, paid think tank experience.
- Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in non-profit operations, media relations, communications, human resources, or financial administration.
What should you think carefully about?
- The internship requires an approximately 12-week commitment between January/February and April 2027, which must align with your academic calendar.
- Specific work arrangements (remote, hybrid, or on-site) and weekly hour requirements depend on the individual position posting and should be verified prior to applying.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This program offers students a paid semester-long opportunity to gain tangible policy research or institutional administration experience. It is well-suited for participants looking to build practical workplace credentials, expand professional networks in public policy, or fulfill academic internship requirements before graduation.
Our take
Enrolled undergraduate and graduate students seeking paid policy research or non-profit operational experience in early 2027 should strongly consider applying. Those seeking permanent employment or unable to commit to the spring schedule may prefer other career openings.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
