Spring 2027, Reimagining Rural, Research & Project Coordination Internship, Center for Sustainable Development, Global Economy and Development (Job ID 2026-3905)

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 with an interest in global sustainable development, local government, and rural policy 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, with some flexibility around an academic course schedule

To learn more about Brookings research programs, click here.

Undergraduate students completing a degree in a relevant field or with relevant other experience (i.e. political science, public policy, economics, economic development, etc.). Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in public policy, promoting equity, and ideally in creating local, regional, and national policies that eliminate poverty and sources of distress in rural U.S. communities. Applicants must have some knowledge of qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methods research, and experience in conducting literature searches and review. Strong written and verbal communication skills required. Quantitative research experience (economic analysis, experience working with federal spending data, quantitative analysis of policy impact) a plus. Additionally, applicants must have prior meeting or event coordination experience and a strong attention to detail.

This internship requires you to be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for interning at Brookings.

As you are applying, please be sure to click here to learn more about the Brookings Internship Program, deadlines, and directions on how to successfully submit your internship application(s).

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.