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Economic Internships, Seminars, and Conferences

National Internship Opportunities

  • Koch Internship Program (KIP)
         "During the program, each intern works at a non-profit 501(c)(3) partner organization through a collaboration with the Charles Koch Foundation and spends every Tuesday at the Charles Koch Institute engaging in reading discussions, group projects, lectures, and Market-Based Management workshops. Roles vary, and include policy research, communications, operations, donor relations, and more."
         Duration of summer program: June 3rd to August 16th
         Summer and semester opportunities
         Location: mostly Washington, D.C., but partner organizations in a few other places.
         Summer 2013 applications are open
         Early application Deadline for Summer 2013: Dec. 3rd
         Summer 2013 application deadline: March 1
         Paid: Yes

 

  • Koch Associate Program (KAP) (related to the Koch Internship listed above, but year-long.)
         "Associates spend one day a week immersed in Market-Based Management curriculum while working full time in Washington, D.C. The program not only connects students with full-time positions at non-profit partner organizations, but also includes weekly professional education. It’s a unique chance to combine profession with passion while expanding one's knowledge, skills, and network." 
         Duration of program: June 17, 2013, to May 23, 2014
         Year-long
         Location: Most internships are in Washington, D.C., but location depends on the partner  organization. 
         2013-2014 applications are open; 2013-2014 application deadline: Unknown
         Paid: Yes

 

  • Koch Liberty@Work (Year-long)
        "Liberty@Work™ is a web-based professional education and training program for individuals interested in advancing economic freedom. In collaboration with state-based non-profit organizations from all across the country, participants have the chance to undergo management training for four hours every Wednesday and further expand their skills and network while working in full-time positions. Additionally, participants travel to Washington, DC for the first week of the program and meet in-person for two other professional education summits.
         Location: Depends on the partner organization
         Duration: July 29, 2013 to May 9, 2014
         Year-long
         Applications open: January 7, 2013
         Application deadline: May 1, 2013
         Paid: Yes

 

  • Foundation for Economic Education (FEE)
        “The Foundation for Economic Education is looking for passionate, dedicated, and talented college students to join our internship program. Each FEE intern plays an important role in helping FEE pursue the mission of inspiring, educating, and connecting future leaders with the principles of a free society.” Roles in operations (organizing seminars), photography, and videography.
         Duration: May to August
         Location: Atlanta, GA
         Only summer internships
         Summer 2013 applications open: January 1
         Summer 2013 application deadline: March
         Paid: Yes

 

  • Liberty Guide — A website with lists of internship and job openings in Libertarian/Conservative think tanks and nonprofits. You can also sign up for a profile to be notified of jobs that interest you.
      

 

  • Institute for Humane Studies (IHS)- A Washington, DC-based organization committed to nurturing liberty-loving individuals and providing career support.  
  • 1. Harper Internship — General operations; offers many different ways to contribute to this awesome organization. Allows you to choose your departments and projects.
         Duration (Summer): Flexible start and end dates.
         Summer 2013 applications open: January
         Summer 2013 application deadline: March
         Summer and semester opportunities
         Location: Washington, D.C.
         Paid: Yes
  • 2. Journalism Internship — Advance liberty at media companies and nonprofit newsrooms. Newspaper, broadcast, and new media tracks within the program.
         Duration: 10 weeks
         Location: depends on your host, your goals, your experience, and host’s needs.
         Summer 2013 applications are open
         Summer 2013 application deadline: January 31
         Summer and semester opportunities
         Paid: Yes  

 

  • The Heritage Foundation
         Think tank “whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.”
         Duration: June 3rd to August 9th
         Location: Washington, D.C.
         Summer 2013 applications are open
         Summer 2013 application deadline: February 1st
         Summer and semester opportunities 
         Requirements: Rising junior or older
         Paid: Yes

 

  • The Cato Institute
         Cato internships are for undergraduates, regardless of major, recent graduates, graduate students, or law students who have a strong commitment to individual liberty, private property, free markets, limited government, and the philosophy of classical, or market, liberalism.
         Duration:Early June to late August
         Location: Washington, D.C.
         Summer 2013 applications are open
         Summer 2013 application deadline: March 15
         Summer and semester opportunities
         Paid: Yes

 

  • Kirby Center
         "Divided into spring, summer, and fall classes, Kirby Center full-time, paid interns will promote Hillsdale College's mission of liberal arts and responsible citizenship in Washington by working alongside Kirby Center staff. Interns will gain valuable experience and a chance to develop their professional skills by assisting with research, programs, and events."
         Duration: Late May or early June to August
         Location: Washington, D.C.
         Summer 2013 applications are open
         Summer 2013 application deadline: April 13
         Summer and semester opportunities
         Paid: Yes

 

  • Office of Congressman Justin Amash
          "Congressman Justin Amash (R-MI) seeks hardworking, enterprising interns for the spring semester in his Washington, D.C. office. Duties may include but are not limited to: answering phones, sorting mail, data entry, giving and coordinating Capitol tours, and assisting staff with research and legislative correspondence. This internship is unpaid, but academic credit may be available. If interested, please send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to mi03.internship@mail.house.gov."
          Location: Washington, D.C.
          Duration: Unknown; full-time and part-time positions
          Summer and semester opportunities
          Summer 2013 applications are open
          Summer 2013 application deadline: Unknown
          Paid: No

 

  • Young Americans for Liberty (YAL)
         “Interns must complete important tasks which require them to manage their time, utilize their organization skills, and exhibit a strong work ethic. YAL is only interested in motivated, hard-working students who meet deadlines and are ready to perform immediately at a high level. ”
         Duration: Unknown
         Location: Arlington, VA (Near Washington, D.C.)
         Summer 2013 applications open: February or March
         Summer 2013 application deadline: TBA
         Must be a member of YAL, but you can easily join.
         Paid: Yes (with provided housing)

 

  • Americans for Prosperity
         “We equip interns with life-long career skills to enable them to more effectively change the cultural dialogue towards free market philosophy. Interns have the opportunity to work closely with headquarters and state staff on substantive projects to advance the
    cause of liberty. Intern responsibilities vary by department, but are flexible depending on what experience the intern wants to gain from his or her internship.”
         Duration: May 23-August 12
         Location: State-based, so many possible locations.
         Summer and semester opportunities available
         Summer applications are open
         Summer application deadline: TBA
         Paid: Yes

 

  • Young America’s Foundation (YAF)
         “Young America’s Foundation’s internship program provides useful and effective training for student leaders preparing for a career in the Conservative Movement.” Emphasizes development of writing and speaking skills.
         Headquarters Internship or Reagan Ranch Center Internship
         Duration: Flexible start/end dates
         Location: Herndon, VA, or Reagan Ranch in Santa Barbara, CA
         Summer and semester opportunities
         Summer 2013 applications are open
         Summer 2013 application deadline: April 1
         Paid: Yes

 

  • Young America’s Foundation and National Journalism Center
         The 12-week program combines weekly seminars, assigned reporting drills, and working journalism through internships with newspapers, magazines, broadcast outlets, and other media outlets.
         Duration: May 13 to August 7
         Location: Washington, D.C.
         Summer and semester opportunities
         Summer 2013 applications are open (processed on rolling basis)
         Summer 2013 early application deadline: December 1
         Summer 2013 application deadline: March 1
         Paid: Could be; many media outlets in DC require the internship to be taken for college credit (thus, unpaid).

 

  • Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics
         “In a world asking tough questions about justice, equality, and the economy, the Institute for Faith, Work and Economics was founded to educate and inspire Christians to think Biblically about these issues and to steward their whole lives in a way that benefits society and glorifies God.”
         Location: McLean, VA
         Duration: Unspecified
         Summer 2013 application deadline: Unknown
         No formal application; you are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter.
        

 

  • Independent Institute
         “The Independent Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan, scholarly research and educational organization that sponsors in-depth studies of critical social and economic issues. The mission of the Independent Institute is to boldly advance peaceful, prosperous, and free societies grounded in a commitment to human worth and dignity.”
         Location: Oakland, CA
         Duration: Flexible
         Types of internships: Acquisitions (publishing), Communications, Donor Relations, Marketing, Publications and Information Technology.
         Summer and semester opportunities
         Summer 2013 applications are open
         Summer 2013 application deadline: Unknown
         Paid: No, but those interning in June and August may participate in the week-long, in-house Summer Seminar on Liberty, Economy and Society.

 

  • Competitive Enterprise Institute
         "The CEI intern program seeks to help interested undergraduates, recent college graduates, and graduate students learn about the ideas of liberty and help to promote them by pairing them with a member of CEI’s policy, development, media, or administrative staff."
         Location: Washington, D.C.
         Duration: June to August
         Summer and semester opportunities
         Summer 2013 applications are open
         Summer 2013 application deadline: April 15
         Paid: $30/day or academic credit

 

  • American Enterprise Institute
         "AEI internships provide students with an opportunity to work with some of America's most renowned scholars, economists, political scientists, and foreign policy specialists conducting research on today’s prominent public policy questions."
          Location: Washington, D.C.
          Duration: Flexible
          Summer and semester opportunities
          Summer 2013 applications are open
              Summer 2013 application deadline: TBA  
          Paid: No

 

  • Reason Magazine
          Reason, the monthly print magazine and popular website of "free minds and free markets," covers politics, culture, and ideas through a provocative mix of news, analysis, commentary, and reviews. The internship includes reporting and writing for Reason and Reason Online, and helping with research, proofreading, and other tasks. Previous interns have gone on to work at such places as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, ABC News, and Reason itself.
           Location: Washington, D.C.
           Duration: 10 weeks, June to August
           Summer and semester opportunities
           Summer 2013 applications are open    
           Summer 2013 application deadline: March 26
           Paid: $5,000 stipend

 

  • Institute for Justice
            Clerks and interns participate in the day-to-day activities that make up the Institute's fast-paced litigation docket. IJ's legal staff draws upon clerk and intern talent for assistance with legal research, brief writing, client interviewing, drafting affidavits, op-ed writing, and a host of other key litigation responsibilities.
            Location: Washington, D.C., as well as state opportunities
            Duration: Beginning of June to mid August
            Summer and semester opportunities
            Summer 2013 applications are open
            Summer 2013 application deadline: Accepted on rolling basis, but recommended December 1.
            Paid: Unknown

 

  • Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE)
            “FIRE offers an eight-week, paid Summer Internship Program as part of our efforts to educate students about individual rights at colleges and universities. This internship gives current undergraduates the opportunity to assist FIRE in defending civil liberties on campuses all across the country.”
            Location: Philadelphia, PA
            Duration: 8 weeks, June 10 to August 2
            Summer and semester opportunities
            Summer 2013 applications are open
            Summer 2013 application deadline: March 15
            Paid: $2,000 stipend

 

  • Federal Reserve
            Location: Washington, D.C.
            Duration: 10 to 12 weeks
            Summer and semester opportunities
            Summer 2013 applications are open
            Summer 2013 application deadline: April 1
            Paid: Some internships are, and some are not.

 

State Internship Opportunities

  • State Policy Network
        A group of state-based think tanks working to advance liberty in their states. Check out the think tanks in your state, as the internship opportunities vary among organizations within the network.
        “State Policy Network is made up of free market think tanks—at least one in every state—fighting to limit government and advance market-friendly public policy at the state and local levels.”

 

  • Buckeye Institute—Ohio
         “The Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions is a non-profit, non-partisan research and education institute, or ‘think tank.’ We firmly believe that the future of Ohio depends on increasing economic freedom and competitiveness in all parts of our economy. We believe government must provide a fair and level playing field where everyone is equal before the law, not doling out special favors to insiders, subsidizing those with the best lobbyists, or protecting certain industries from competition and innovation.”
            Location: Columbus, OH
            Duration: 10 weeks, beginning in June
            Summer and semester opportunities
            Apply through the Institute for Humane/Studies State Policy Network Internship
            Summer 2013 applications are open
            Summer 2013 application deadline: January 31
            Paid: $1,500 and housing stipend

 

  • Acton Institute—Michigan
            A Catholic think tank whose “mission is to promote a free and virtuous society characterized by individual liberty and sustained by religious principles.”
     Types of internships: General Support Internship, Communications Internship, Web Technologies Internship
            Duration: unspecified
            Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
            Summer applications are open
            Summer 2013 application deadline: has not been announced
            Summer opportunities only
            Requirements: two years of undergraduate education
            Paid: Yes

 

  • Mackinac Center for Public Policy—Michigan
            “...a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Michigan citizens by promoting sound solutions to state and local policy questions.”
            Summer 2013 applications are open
            Summer 2013 application deadline: March 15
            Location: Midland, Michigan
            Duration: 10 weeks
            Paid: Yes

 

  • Sagamore Institute—Indiana
            Sagamore offers the unique opportunity for high-achieving college students to participate in the life of a public policy think tank and to learn firsthand about “applied research.” Currently, Sagamore offers two types of internships: research and administrative.
     Location: Indianapolis, IN
            Duration: Flexible
            Summer and semester opportunities
            Summer 2013 applications are open
            Summer 2013 application deadline: Unknown
            Paid: No

 

  • Illinois Policy Institute
            Milton Friedman Internship Program
            "Named after famed Chicago School economist and free market advocate Milton Friedman, this exclusive program provides interns with the opportunity to work with the Illinois Policy Institute's policy staff and scholars to advance liberty in Illinois. Interns will work in one or several departments of the organization, each of which help advance the mission and the objective of the organization in a unique way."
            Location: Chicago or Springfield, Illinois
            Duration: Flexible
            Summer and semester opportunities
            Summer 2013 applications are open
            Summer 2013 application deadline: March 31
            Paid: Yes, daily stipend.
            No formal application; you are encouraged to send a resume, cover letter, and preferred area of specialization to internships@illinoispolicy.org

 

  • Heartland Institute- Illinois      
            Fundraising Internship
            "The mission of The Heartland Institute is to discover, develop, and promote free-market solutions to social and economic problems. Such solutions include parental choice in education, choice and personal responsibility in health care, market-based approaches to environmental protection, privatization of public services, and deregulation in areas where property rights and markets do a better job than government bureaucracies."
            Location: Chicago, Illinois
            Duration: 10 weeks
            Summer opportunities only
            Summer 2013 applications are open
            Summer 2013 application deadline: Unknown
            Paid: No
            No formal application; you are encouraged to send a resume and cover letter to Latreece Reed, lreed@heartland.org

International Internship Opportunities

  • Atlas Economic Research Foundation
            "Our vision is of a free, prosperous and peaceful world where limited governments defend the rule of law, private property and free markets. Our mission is to strengthen the worldwide freedom movement by identifying, training, and supporting individuals with the potential to found and develop effective independent organizations that promote our vision in every country."
    Atlas has more than 400 partner organizations in over 80 countries, and you can explore the global freedom movement with this interactive map.

 

Seminars—(Seminars tend to last 4-7 days, and take place during the summer.)

  • Property and Environment Research Center 
     “The program is designed to introduce students to a property rights and market approach to environmental issues. An understanding of these approaches will be invaluable to anyone who cares about the environment, particularly those who will choose career paths that include environmental law, public policy, economics, and teaching environmental science.”
     

 

  • Foundation for Economic Education
         “At FEE, young people—and educators who work with them—will find an exciting and optimistic introduction to the Austrian and classical liberal traditions in free market economics as well as opportunities to connect with other young people and free-market organizations around the world.”
      

 

  • Institute for Humane Studies
         “Seminar themes range from liberty fundamentals to challenging advanced topics, to career-specific material focused on public policy, academia, or journalism. Seminar topics include peace, natural rights, individual autonomy, the morality of free enterprise, the role of a free press in society, and more.”
        

 

  • The Independent Institute
         “Few students have the opportunity to learn the basic ethical and economic principles of open markets and free societies. Yet these principles are essential for understanding, appreciating, and preparing them for the world they will soon enter. The Challenge of Liberty summer seminars help high-school and college students better understand real-world issues they will encounter throughout life.”
     

 

  • Mises Institute
     “The Mises University is the world's leading instructional program in the Austrian School of economics. Since 1986, it has been the essential training ground for economists who are looking beyond the mainstream. Classes are interspersed with reading groups, discussion seminars, faculty panels, and plenary lectures. There are special sessions on economic history, economics and ethics, and political philosophy. Nightly social hours allow time to meet and discuss it all with faculty and other students.”

 

  • Acton Institute
     “These conferences offer an introduction to the moral foundations of personal and economic liberty by combining an in-depth treatment of economic principles with principles of social justice and anthropology. They explore the nature of the human person and the created order from the perspectives of Scripture and natural law, examining concepts such as justice, equality, stewardship, and virtue.”
     

 

  • Students For Liberty
     “For the 5th year in row, Students For Liberty will be sponsoring Regional Conferences all across the country! Organized by students and for students, these conferences are an incredibly valuable way for young people to further connect with the rapidly growing liberty movement. The regional conferences are one-day events held on Saturdays and are free to attend.  They feature educational speakers, activism panels, and workshops all geared toward enhancing the ideas of liberty and helping students best spread them on campus.”
     

 

  • Institute for Justice
        Law Student Conference: “The Institute for Justice holds its acclaimed Law Student Conference at the George Washington University each summer. Students from the nation's top law schools take part in this three-day conference on shaping the world through the IJ way of public interest litigation.
     “The annual conference covers the Institute for Justice’s four litigation pillars: First Amendment rights, school choice, economic liberty and private property rights.”
        

 

Essay Contest and Conference Opportunities

 

  • Clarkson Colloquium 
         Mackinac Center for Public Policy
         "You may be wondering what the Clarkson Colloquium is. In short, it's a series of discussions about the ideas of liberty. We pay for the facilities, hotel, and meals. All you need to do is find a way to get here!"
         Location: Midland, MI
         Reading list  
         Date: January 26 and 27, 2013
         Application deadline: December 25, 2012

 

  • Carl Menger Undergraduate Essay Contest
         "The purpose of the contest is to recognize and encourage undergraduate scholarship in the Austrian tradition and the broadly catallactic approach to social science which it represents, an approach common also to the Scottish Enlightenment of Smith and Hume, the French Liberal School of Say and Bastiat, the Virginia School of Buchanan and Tullock, the UCLA price theory of Alchian and Demsetz, and the Bloomington School of Vincent and Elinor Ostrom, among others. Each year we invite essays that explore, advance, challenge, or apply the ideas of these and related schools of thought."
         Deadline: Beginning of September
         Winners present at the Southern Economics Association Conference in November.
         Cash prize: $600

 

  • Mercer Undergraduate Economics Research Conference
          April 12-13, 2013
          Mercer University in Macon, GA
          Guest Speaker: Art Carden
          "Interested in economics research? The Mercer Economics Research Conference is a small-scale workshop designed specifically for undergraduates who are currently working on economics-related projects. Students will share their own work, give feedback to other presenters, and learn about economics opportunities available to undergrads. Art Carden, assistant professor of economics at Samford University, will give a keynote address on Saturday night."
          How to apply: Interested students should send a research abstract to Courtney Collins at collins_ca@mercer.edu
         Deadline: January 31, 2013.
         Costs: All meals, accommodations, and up to $200 in travel reimbursements will be provided for accepted students.
    Students should plan on arriving to Mercer by 6:00 PM on Friday night and departing on Sunday morning.
         For more information: email John Dove (Hillsdale alumnus) at jarthurdove@hotmail.com

 

  • Bowling Green State University Undergraduate Economics Paper Contest
         "Are you writing a paper for your economics class? Submit your paper to the Undergraduate Economics Paper Contest at Bowling Green State University for possible cash prizes.This will be a great opportunity for you to meet students from other schools who have an interest in economics."
         Location: Bowling Green, Ohio
         Deadline: March 1, 2013
         Winners present at a conference on April 6, 2013 in Bowling Green.
         Two categories: Micro and Macro
         Prizes for each category: 1st, $150; 2nd, $100; 3rd, $50.