The Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CPSC), a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization located in Washington, DC, offers unpaid internships for undergraduate and graduate students during the spring, summer and fall terms. Center internships offer motivated students the opportunity to learn first-hand about the international and domestic issues confronting the American Presidency in a small, fast-moving DC think tank.
Internship applicants must maintain a high standard of work in a fast-paced environment and be detail-oriented, able to multi-task, and eager to learn. The ideal candidate will be a college junior or senior or graduate student with a demonstrated interest in the Presidency and U.S. government policy. Students in all majors are welcome to apply, especially those studying political science, history, international relations, economics, business, medicine or science policy.
While interns are assigned a primary project to work on during their time at the Center based on their experience and qualifications, they also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of Center activities and operations during their internship. Professional responsibilities may include:
- Working with experienced policymakers and former government officials;
- Conducting research and writing to support policy analyses and other Center projects;
- Helping organize meetings with Presidential scholars, former White House staff, and former National Security Council officials; and
- Assisting with conferences, publications and public relations outreach.
Applications are accepted at any time; however, applications received by the deadline are given priority. Due to the volume of applications received, the Center will only contact those whom we have selected for interviews.
Application deadlines:
- Spring - November 1
- Summer - March 19
- Fall - July 25 (extended)
Students interested in becoming a Center intern should submit:
- Internship Application form (submit online)
- Resume
- Short Writing sample (2-3 pages)
- Unofficial Transcript
It is preferable that interns work Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., when the Center's offices are open to gain the maximum experience and be truly integrated into the Center's projects; exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. The Center's office is conveniently located in downtown DC and close to three Metro lines.
Staff Contact
For more information, please contact Sara Spancake via
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or at 202-872-9800.
