American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Mackenzie Eaglen specializes in defense strategy, defense budgets, military readiness, and the defense industrial base. Interns on the military strategy and US defense budget team will assist with compiling and preparing background on issues of congressional oversight, examining defense-budget investments across the services, drafting memos and report text, and collecting data. Assignments may also include attending congressional hearings on the defense budget and responding to current events relating to military-strategy issues.

Candidates should have experience in analytic techniques, Microsoft Excel, and quantitative or statistical fields. Candidates must demonstrate attention to detail and possess the ability to write and summarize information concisely, accurately, and creatively. A desire to learn more about defense budgeting, force planning, acquisition, and defense reform is key. This team covers a broad range of defense issues, so the ability to take initiative and independently attack research questions is crucial.

The start dates for the summer program are May 27 and June 3. While the AEI Internship Program and all related programming will take place in-person in Washington, DC this summer, virtual interns may be accepted on a case by case basis. Please include your preferred 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.