Wilson Center Research Assistance Internship

The Wilson Center offers a wide range of part-time, paid internship opportunities to current, recent, or returning college students. Wilson Center interns have the opportunity to develop both research and professional skills, and to participate in the numerous activities and events held at the Center.

Research Assistant interns are talented undergraduates, recent graduates, or graduate students who combine part-time hours at the Center with their studies and other activities. Students in this role provide 12-15 hours of research assistance each week to their assigned scholar (the number of hours can be adjusted accordingly to fulfill academic requirements). Students work one-on-one with an expert in their field of study to conduct in-depth, academic analysis of today's most pressing issues. This experience is invaluable for students wishing to develop a deeper understanding of their field of study. In addition to assisting with their scholars' research projects, interns have the opportunity to network with experts in their chosen fields, attend events on relevant topics, and explore how research and public policy intertwine in Washington.

Research Assistant internship opportunities are offered year-round and are generally consistent with academic semesters. Research Assistants are paid a monthly stipend of $500 and may also complete an internship for academic credit. Students are also encouraged to apply for independent grants or scholarships through their schools or outside sources to financially support them during their internship appointment. In-person, remote, and hybrid opportunities are available, with the specific arrangement determined by the scholar. 

Eligibility Guidelines

This opportunity is open to highly qualified undergraduates, recent graduates, or graduate students. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (or equivalent). Applicants must be current students, recent graduates (within one calendar year), and/or have been accepted to enter an advanced degree program. Non-degree seeking students are ineligible.

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 (or CPT/OPT) from their Designated School Official or Responsible Officer for visas at their university stating that they are in valid immigration status and eligible to do an internship at the Center.

The Wilson Center does NOT sponsor visas for interns. International students that are not already studying in the US on a F-1/J-1 visa must go through a university exchange program or an outside organization (internship placement agency) that will sponsor their visa.

New scholars are always arriving at the Wilson Center, and it can be difficult to predict what specific projects will be carried out in the future. For that reason, all interested students are encouraged to apply.

Application Details

To apply, applicants will need to submit the Research Assistant Internship Application form and required documents. Application materials include:

• Completed Wilson Center Internship Application Form 
• Cover Letter (indicating academic interests or areas of interest)
• Current Resume (indicating relevant coursework)
• 3-5 page Writing Sample (excerpts of a research paper are acceptable) with bibliography
• 2 letters of recommendation, or a brief list of references
  • Recommenders may send their letters directly to internships@wilsoncenter.org if they would prefer not to share them with applicants. Please indicate the applicant's name in the subject line of the email. 
• Transcript(s) (unofficial copies are acceptable)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.