Interns are an integral part of our team, and we make a point of providing a fulfilling—and mutually beneficial—experience.

MIT Washington Office Internship Program

Internships with the MIT Washington Office offer students – from MIT and elsewhere – the chance to learn about and work on a wide range of policy issues, as well as to receive guidance from a leading team of policy developers and advocates.

Interns are treated as an integral part of the team, and the office works to give students a fulfilling internship, usually hosting two students per semester and over the summer.

Most of our interns are upper-level undergraduates but we’ve had everything from second-year undergrad students to Ph.D. students. Schedules have varied from two days a week to 40 hours a week. Internships are in-person only with a minimum expectation of two days a week.

Interns’ activities may include policy research, attending briefings and hearings, and writing summaries of bills and events. Interns may also accompany the DC Office staff to their meetings. In addition, interns meet regularly with the staff to discuss current events and their projects. The office tries to build each internship around a student’s interests and strengths. 

Prospective candidates should have a significant interest in policy issues of relevance to MIT – whether issues that affect MIT as an institution, or ones that draw on expertise MIT can offer. (The policy section of this website describes some of those.) They should also possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.

We are only able to consider international students who are already pursuing a degree or exchange program in the United States and who hold a valid visa allowing them to study in the U.S.  The MIT Washington Office cannot provide visa sponsorship to foreign students.

Our internship program is:

  • Open to undergraduate and graduate students.

  • Open to students from all universities (though preference is given to MIT students during the summer).

  • Open only to students who can obtain course credit and/or a stipend for the internship through their home institution. Credit guidelines need to be agreed on before the internship commences.

  • Open to students who can only work part-time, as well as those who can put in a full work week.

  • Educational in nature, and does not lead to employment or enrollment at MIT.

What recent interns have said

  • "I had the opportunity to attend interesting and enlightening events that I otherwise would not have the chance to attend, and it allowed me to practice my writing skills. This was also the first time I’ve done a deep dive into a piece of legislation, which I found to be a valuable experience. Lastly, all of the staff are very knowledgeable, and speaking with them and learning with them was very valuable to me."

    Program Intern

  • "The extensive feedback and support I received really helped me improve my research and writing skills. The small size of the office offered me a lot of mentorship and support, and I also enjoyed the flexibility of the office schedule, especially during a very busy academic semester."

    Program Intern

  • "I loved the ability to learn about a lot of issues first hand from superstar witnesses at Congressional hearings. I got to learn about patent issues from some of the top executives at tech companies. Getting these types of opportunities every week is not something that I ever expected to have and it was extremely eye-opening and educational."

    Program Intern

How to apply

MIT Students

Applicants to the MIT Washington Office Internship program do not need to be political science majors or even to have taken a political science course.

These summer internships are unpaid, but some MIT students in the program have secured Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) funding in the past.

Students from Other Schools

Students not enrolled at MIT are also encouraged to apply for an internship in the MIT Washington Office. In general, our interns during the academic year are not from MIT.  The office accepts applications throughout the year for unpaid internships, structured for two to five days per week for three months in the spring or fall. Applicants must be able to receive college credit at their home institution and/or a stipend (for summer internships).

Please note: the office is not able to assist with housing.

If you have any questions, please contact Helen Haislmaier in the MIT Washington Office at (202) 789-1828 or email helenh@mit.edu.