What Does STIP Do?

The Science and Technology Innovation Program (STIP) focuses on bringing foresight to the frontier, exploring emerging technologies through vital conversations that are not just for scientists. Internships with STIP are designed to provide the opportunity for practical experience in public policy, science and technology, and scholarship.

Interning at the Wilson Center

• Internships are part-time; typically 20-35 hours per week with flexibility provided for academic schedules.
• Internships are open to current college students, graduate students, and recent graduates.
• Internships are paid, based on physical locality minimum wage (GS-3 Step 3), and will not be paid less than the federal minimum wage of $15.00 per hour.
• The Wilson Center is an equal opportunity employer and follows equal opportunity employment guidelines in the selection of interns.
• Internships can be served virtually or in-person.

Application Cycle Timelines

•  Fall Internship Deadline: Now Closed
• Tentative Spring Internship Deadline: November 25
• Tentative Summer Internship Deadline: TBD

What Do STIP Interns Do?

STIP interns gain valuable experience in working directly on leading policy concerns. This can be through contributing to or conducting independent research, direct engagement with policy leaders, and collaboration with international governmental bodies. In this internship, you work one-on-one with leading experts in the field both within and outside the Wilson Center. We don't just talk about policy; we also have unique hands-on experiences for interns interested in applying science and technology practices to public policy, such as through our Serious Games Initiative and THING Tank where interns might work on teams developing prototypes or supporting broader ecosystems of practitioners.

Application Process and Materials

Please submit all application materials through our online application portal.  A completed application will have the following materials:

• An application form.
• Cover letter explaining your interest in STIP and the associated areas.
• A CV or resume.
• A brief strong writing sample demonstrating your work in science and technology research.

Note for International Students

International students studying in the US are eligible, but they must hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and appropriate work authorization. All international students must obtain written permission from their designated school official or responsible officer for visas at their university stating they have valid immigration status and are eligible to intern at the Wilson Center. The Wilson Center is not able to sponsor visas for interns. If you are an international student not already studying in the US on a F-1 or J-1 visa, then you must go through a university exchange program or an outside organization that will sponsor your visa. You must have the appropriate visa to apply for this internship.

Who Is a STIP Intern?

Past interns have come from a wide variety of majors, from chemistry to communication, public policy to game design, economics to environmental studies, science and technology studies to history. A qualified candidate will, no matter their discipline, demonstrate a strong interest in an interdisciplinary approach to science, technology, and policy.

Questions? Email Logan Shomo (logan.shomo@wilsoncenter.org).