Fall 2026, Research and Events, AI and Emerging Technology (Job ID: 2026-3875)

Thinking about a career in public policy? Committed to improving the world we live in? Think Brookings - one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

Interns spend approximately 12 weeks working alongside leading experts in government and academia from all over the world. Brookings also offers students the opportunity to intern in departments such as communications, human resources and central operations management. The mission of the Internship Program is to provide students with a pre-professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work experience related to their field of study or career interest. Students engage in career exploration and development as well as learn new skills.   

Interns will have the opportunity to attend meetings, think tank events, professional development workshops, and public Brookings events.  In addition, interns will have the opportunity to network with other interns throughout the Institution.  

This internship is an opportunity for undergraduate students in their junior or senior year and graduate students pursuing a master's degree with an interest in research and policy work on community & neighborhood development, asset framing, well-being, economic or fiscal policy, and wealth creation to apply principles and theory learned in the classroom in a professional environment. PhD students are not eligible for internships; please visit our Careers page for current open positions. This internship pays an hourly rate of $18.40, and applicants must be willing to commit to a minimum number of hours per week (no less than 20 to 30 hours per week, during regular business hours), with some flexibility around an academic course schedule.  

To learn more about Brookings research programs, click here. 

This internship requires you to be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship. This position is open to hybrid and/or remote applicants. Hybrid work combines regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of remote work. Work location cannot be in any of the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.  Please only apply if you can live and work in states other than those listed above for the duration of the internship.  

The Brookings AI and Emerging Technology (AIET) Initiative is seeking a research intern to contribute to work shaping the future of AI policy. AIET delivers actionable insights to decisionmakers through rigorous, interdisciplinary research and convenes diverse stakeholders to solve complex challenges and manage risk across the AI stack. AIET’s current research projects span agentic AI evaluations and policy frameworks, global AI governance, standards for AI measurement and evaluation, and more.

Interns will take on two types of work. First, interns provide project support across the AIET research portfolio. Duties may include: assisting with research, drafting, editing, and/or proofreading of publications, briefing materials, or other written documents; reviewing, compiling, and synthesizing data to inform policy analysis; performing literature reviews; supporting event planning and execution; and performing other administrative tasks. Second, interns will be assigned a self-directed research project in support of one of AIET’s core workstreams. The project will run the full length of the internship and culminate in a defined work product presented to senior AIET leadership. Interns will receive substantive guidance and feedback throughout the process.

Applicants should identify specific topics of interest in their cover letter. More information on the AIET Initiative, its vision and mission, and the substantive themes of its work can be found here.

Education/Knowledge/Skills

This internship is an opportunity for undergraduate students in their junior or senior year, recent college graduates, or master’s students working towards a degree in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, engineering, social science, public policy, etc.). Substantive knowledge of and demonstrated interest in AI governance, AI safety and evaluation, and emerging AI and technology policy, as well as experience with policy research and analysis at federal or state level, is a plus.

Applicants must have excellent communication, writing, and analytical skills; strong organizational skills; high attention to detail; experience working independently with little direction; and an ability work effectively and cooperatively in a diverse, team-based office environment. Coding skills are strongly preferred.