The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), a Washington D.C.-based public interest group, is currently accepting internship applications for the Fall 2008 Semester. Founded in 1984, CEI has grown into a leading think tank dedicated to limited government and free enterprise.

Interns at CEI will write about public policy issues, assist senior analysts with in-depth research, and promote the Institute’s mission through outreach. All interns will be assigned to a department within CEI, such as Energy Policy, Communications, or Technology Studies. However, CEI interns may work across a variety of issue areas. Interns may be asked to provide assistance with office administrative tasks on a limited basis.

Unlike many other policy organizations, CEI does not prohibit interns from publishing under their own name. In fact, we actively encourage our interns to write op-eds and policy papers. CEI interns have written letters and co-authored opinion pieces that have appeared in numerous major newspapers and magazines including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, Financial Times, USA Today, and The Star-Ledger. In addition, several CEI interns have authored On-Point position papers that have resulted in media citations and briefings on Capitol Hill.

CEI interns go on to pursue careers in public policy, non-profit development, and political advocacy. Spending a semester in the nation’s capital is a great way to cultivate relationships and learn your way around Washington politics, and CEI is the perfect place to get started. Interns are invited to join in “brown bag” lunch sessions with Institute scholars, and present their own research to CEI members. Interns also may participate in local policy events and guest speaker forums.

CEI offers a fast-paced, flexible work environment without a rigid bureaucracy or a long list of rules. We do not have a strict dress code, nor do we have an HR department. Recognizing that students in DC face a variety of time constraints, we are happy to work with interns who might have unconventional schedules.

The Competitive Enterprise Institute welcomes undergraduates, graduate students and recent graduates with a commitment to individual liberty and free markets. CEI Interns receive a modest stipend to cover living expenses.

Positions Still Availble: Environmental Policy, Energy Policy, Technology Policy, Trade Policy, Legal Studies, Fund Raising, Administrative, & Communications

Application Information

If you would like to apply for an internship at CEI, please include the following in your application package:

1) A Cover Letter
This cover letter will explain which semester you are applying for, which position you would like to have, why that department's issues are important to you and why you would like to work at CEI. Please be sure to include a second choice of positions should you have one.

2) A Resume

3) A Brief Writing Sample
This writing sample will be on a public policy issue of your choosing. If you do not have an existing writing sample on a policy issue, a paper written for class will serve as an acceptable substitute.

Sending in Your Application

You may send your application via e-mail, fax or to the street address below.