Internship with the Science and Technology Innovation Program
The Wilson Center's Science and Technology Innovation Program (STIP) focuses on bringing foresight to the frontier, exploring emerging technologies through vital conversations that are not just for scientists. Internships with STIP are designed to provide the opportunity for practical experience in public policy, science and technology, and scholarship.
What Do STIP Interns Do?
STIP internships fall into two categories: research and communication. Both positions gain valuable experience in working directly on leading policy concerns. For communication, it is about translating the complexity of science and technology and relating that to leading policy discourse, keeping abreast with the latest trends in research, and directly engaging public policy and academic audiences. For research internships, this can be through contributing to or conducting independent research, direct engagement with policy leaders, and collaboration with international governmental bodies. This is not a plug and play internship; you are working one-on-one with leading experts in the field both within and outside the Wilson Center.
As part of the research internship, we also have unique hands-on experiences for interns interested in applying science and technology practices to public policy, such as through our Serious Games Initiative and THING Tank. Here, those interested in developing or researching the technologies can establish what it is like to do this in an educational or public communication of science context or working directly with communities of practice.
Interning with STIP
- Internships are part-time; typically 20-35 hours per week with flexibility provided for academic schedules.
- Internships are paid.
- The Wilson Center is an equal opportunity employer and follows equal opportunity employment guidelines in the selection of interns.
- Due to the global pandemic, our internship positions are currently virtual.
Internship Opportunities
When applying, please specify which internship role you are applying for (research or communication).
Research Internship
The primary focus of the research internship is executing and supporting research around leading science and technology concerns, as they correlate to international public policy issues. A strong candidate further identifies topic areas that align with STIP's current portfolio.
Some tasks include:
- Writing or researching leading science and technology policy topics, from AI to cybersecurity to space, in support of program-related activities
- Assisting the preparation of publications and/or outreach materials
- Supporting convenings with leading experts in the field
- For those interested in serious games, there will also be opportunities for game development and prototyping
- Performing administrative assignments in support of STIP activities
Communication & Design Internship
This is an internship opportunity for anyone looking to professionalize their interest in communicating complex science and technology issues to leading stakeholders, through both social and traditional mediums. A strong candidate might be able to point to past experience in media usage.
Responsibilities might include:
- Drafting posts to promote events, publications, and content featured on CTRL Forward on STIP’s social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram)
- Assisting with external program communications, including drafting, formatting, and proofing program newsletters and event invitations for STIP’s mailing lists
- Producing original media content and actively seeking new ways to advance STIP’s online presence
- Press engagement on behalf of STIP
Application Process and Materials
For all internships, please submit all application materials to Ms. Sophie Goguichvili at stip@wilsoncenter.org. A completed application will have the following materials, compiled into a single PDF. Please label your file with your name.
Please specify in the subject line the intended time period for your internship with [SEMESTER] [YEAR] and the type of internship you are applying for e.g. “FALL 2021 Communication & Design Internship/Research Internship.”
A completed package includes:
- Cover letter explaining your interest in STIP and the associated areas
- CV/Resume
- A brief strong writing sample demonstrating your work in science and technology research.