Internships with the Science and Technology Innovation Program

Interning at the Wilson Center

• Internships are part-time; typically 20-35 hours per week with flexibility provided for academic schedules.
• Internships are paid, starting at $16.90 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 Deadlines

• Fall Internship: August 1
• Spring Internship: October 31
• Summer Internship: Extended to April 15

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. This is not a plug and play internship; you are working one-on-one with leading experts in the field both within and outside the Wilson Center.

As part of the internship, 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. Here, those interested in developing or researching the technologies can establish what it is like to do this in an educational or public communication of science context or working directly with communities of practice.

Internship Opportunities

The primary focus of the internship is executing and supporting research around leading science and technology concerns, as they correlate to international public policy issues.  A strong candidate further identifies topic areas that align with STIP's current portfolio.

Some tasks include:

• Writing or researching leading science and technology policy topics, from AI to cybersecurity to space, in support of program-related activities.
• Assisting the preparation of publications and/or outreach materials.
• Supporting convenings with leading experts in the field.
• For those interested in serious games, there will also be opportunities for game development and prototyping.
• Performing administrative assignments in support of STIP activities.

When applying, it is helpful to note your areas of interest. See above for projects and topics STIP is currently addressing.

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.

Apply today

Note for International Students

International students studying in the U.S. 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 U.S. 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.