Spring 2027, Research Internship, China Center, Foreign Policy (Job ID 2026-3922)

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 masters degree with an interest in U.S.-China relations to include a focus on technology, economics, and China's domestic politics 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 hours per week, during regular business hours), with some flexibility around an academic course schedule.

To learn more about Brookings research programs, click here. 

Undergraduate students in their junior or senior year, or graduate students (pursuing a masters degree) working towards a degree in a relevant field (i.e. international relations, China studies, etc.) are encouraged to apply. Additionally, qualified applicants will have a demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas: Chinese political, social and economic issues and U.S. foreign policy in the region. 

Previous editing and proofreading experience is required and demonstrated strong research skills are preferred. Additionally, fluency in English is required and Mandarin Chinese language skills are desirable. 

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.