Internship Program FAQs

1. Are your internships paid?

All of our internships are unpaid, voluntary positions.

2. Do you have to be an undergraduate student to intern at AEI?

We have a very flexible program that accepts advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates.  We prefer upperclassmen and graduate students, and encourage you to apply once you have take college coursework in your area of interest.

3. I am an extremely bright, talented high school student – can I apply for an internship at AEI?

We do not accept applications from high school students or recent high school graduates.  The level of work that our interns do requires a college coursework background.  As mentioned above, we prefer upperclassmen and graduate students, and encourage you to apply once you have take college coursework in your area of interest.

4. Do you have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement?

We require a minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, however, most successful candidates have at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

5. Do you accept foreign students and candidates who do not have Unites States citizenship?

AEI is happy to welcome interns from many countries, and citizenship is not a factor in the internship selection process.

6. Do you sponsor visas for foreign students?

AEI does not sponsor visa application for interns.  There are many international exchange organizations and university programs that are able to assist foreign students interested in acquiring practical training in the United States with obtaining visas.

7. What materials are required to complete the online application?

A complete application must contain a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and transcripts.  Applications that are not received with all materials are unable to be considered.  We do not require official transcripts, as we realize many universities do not allow you to obtain official copies directly.  Scanned photocopies of transcripts, or material copied from a registrar website is acceptable.

8. How long does the writing sample have to be?  Does it have to relate to the internship I am applying for?

Your writing sample should be approximately 500 words.  You may submit a writing sample on any topic that you wish, however, this is an opportunity to show your expertise in a specific policy area.  Submit something you think showcases strong writing and analytical skills, as well as a grasp of public policy.

9. May I get academic credit or work study for my internship?

Yes. We work with many schools and academic programs, and the internship coordinator will assist in completing the necessary paperwork and requirements of your program.

10. May I fax my application?

AEI does not accept fax applications.  All applications must be submitted online at www.aei.org/internships/application.

11. Does AEI offer any assistance in terms of housing?

AEI does not offer housing assistance. Locating and paying for housing is your responsibility.  Please see a listing of housing resources in the housing section of the internships page.

12. Are all of your internships full time?

In the summer, almost all of our internships are full time.  In the fall and the spring, offices are more flexible in that they are working with various academic programs, and intern hours vary greatly.  Typically, we ask for a minimum commitment of three days per week.

13. What types of duties will I be performing?

Internships on the research side of the organization consist in all aspects of research, writing, event planning, and administrative tasks.  Interns can typically expect 80% substantive work with less than 20% purely administrative duties.  On the business side of the organization, interns will participate in the life of the department in which they work, meaning that the level of administrative elements varies depending on the role of the department, time of year, etc.

14. Are interns allowed to attend the conferences and events hosted at AEI?

All interns are able to participate in lectures and discussions with acknowledged experts in many policy areas.  A speaker series of scholars and business directors from inside AEI addresses each intern class.  In addition, all public events at AEI are open to interns.

15. Will I be notified when AEI has received my application?

Our online system will notify you once your completed application has been received.

16. Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

Please contact the Intern Coordinator at internships@aei.org.