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 information on issues of congressional oversight, examining defense 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 related to military strategy.

Candidates should have experience in analytic techniques, Microsoft Excel, and quantitative or statistical fields. They must demonstrate attention to detail and be able to write and summarize information concisely, accurately, and creatively. A desire to learn 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. Candidates who can participate in the program in person for 25–40 hours per week are encouraged to apply.

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 GPA of 3.5 or higher from a top-ranking college or university. AEI’s internship program runs for 12 weeks, and all related programming will take place in person in Washington, DC. Please see the internship program home page for updates.

The summer program dates are either Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, August 21, or Tuesday, June 2, to Friday, August 28.