The American Enterprise Institute seeks an intern to assist with research and writing on a wide range of national security and defense issues. Interns will support the work of Senior Fellows Elaine McCusker and Todd Harrison, Nonresident Senior Fellow John G. Ferrari, Nonresident Fellow Dustin Walker, and the Defense Futures Simulator.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Conducting quantitative research and modeling of the US Defense Department’s budget;
• Compiling research memos on topics pertaining to the US Defense Department recruiting and retention, US defense industrial base, US National Security Strategy, and US Space Policy
• Collecting, estimating, or reviewing data on specific programs within the US Defense Department
• Contributing language for op-eds and reports published in external media outlets and through the American Enterprise Institute.

Besides possessing a strong interest in defense and national security issues, candidates should be organized, detail oriented, and able to write concisely. Candidates must also have experience researching in academic settings or in previous professional environments. Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.

The start dates for the spring program are January 7 and January 14. While the AEI Internship Program and all related programming will take place in-person in Washington, DC this spring, virtual interns may be accepted on a case by case basis. Please include your prefered start date and note your in-person/virtual preference in your cover letter.  Please note that a cover letter and writing sample are both required, in order for your application to be considered complete.

About AEI Internships

AEI internships offer a unique opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates to gain experience in research, writing, business, and communications at one of the nation’s leading think tanks. Competitive candidates will generally have a 3.4 GPA or higher from a top-ranking college or university. The AEI internship program runs 12 weeks. Please see the internship program home page for updates about the program.