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Internships

Many government agencies, congressional and legislative offices, and non-governmental policy shops offer internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and recent graduates.  Most of these are summer positions, although some organizations hire interns throughout the year.  Academic qualifications and requirements for previous work experience vary.  

Competition for internship positions is intense.  The pay is minuscule, even non-existent!  But the positions provide an up-close look at the policy process and can provide a leg up for a permanent position once you graduate.  In addition, you'll make a lot of friends and professional contacts and get to live in an intern-friendly city.   The best advice is to start applying for these positions as soon as the application process opens. 

 

Permanent Positions

Federal agencies like OMB, CBO, GAO, and policy shops in government agencies advertise and recruit for permanent positions.  Visit agency websites for information about positions and necessary qualifications.  Congressional/legislative staff positions are sometimes advertised, but are generally filled through word of mouth and personal contacts.   

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Getting Started:  Job Links

The job pages below will get you started by giving you an idea of the kinds of jobs are available and what qualifications are required: Also check the websites of government agencies through and the Capitol Hill newspaper, Roll Call, job listings at  RCJobs (free registration required), Congressional Quarterly listings at Hill Jobs, The Hill Classifieds, and the jobs and career page of Government Executive Magazine for employment.

Federal Jobs

Congressional Budget Office permanent positions and internship information

Congressional Research Service

Federal Reserve Board career opportunities and internship information

General Accountability Office employment opportunities

House Republican Policy Committee internships

Office of Management and Budget permanent positions and internship information

Presidential Management Fellows Program 

Senate Republican Policy Committee internship application

New York Jobs
Independent Budget Office of the City of New York
New York State Department of Civil Service Jobs
New York State Public Management Institute Internships
Office of Management and Budget, City of New York

Other State Jobs

National Conference on State Legislatures

Policy Institutes and Non-Governmental Organizations

American Enterprise Institute

The Brookings Institution permanent positions and Brookings internships

CATO career and internship opportunities 

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities permanent positions and  internships

Citizens Against Government Waste internships

Moving Ideas--listings of jobs at member organizations (including but not limited to those describing themselves as liberal or progressive)

Heritage foundation permanent positionsinternships, and job bank for "conservative/classical liberal" candidates

National Governors' Association

The Urban Institute permanent positions and internships

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