The Congressional Research Service (CRS) Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in public policy research and legislative support. As an intern at CRS, students will assist in providing high-quality, nonpartisan research and analysis to Members of Congress and their staff. This role is designed to provide an immersive experience in the legislative process while helping students develop professional research, communication, and policy analysis skills.
- Conduct research and analysis on a wide range of public policy issues, including economic, social, foreign policy, and environmental topics.
- Assist CRS analysts in compiling and synthesizing data, preparing reports, and providing clear, concise summaries.
- Monitor legislative developments and track policy changes relevant to CRS research.
- Support CRS teams by drafting memos, briefings, and policy recommendations for congressional clients.
- Collaborate with other interns and CRS staff on various research projects, ensuring accuracy and clarity of information.
- Attend and take notes at meetings with CRS analysts and congressional staff.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of databases or resources for CRS’s ongoing research projects.
- Perform other tasks as assigned by CRS staff members.
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Enrollment in an accredited college or university, preferably in a program related to public policy, political science, economics, international relations, or a similar field.
- Strong academic standing, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Interest in public service and understanding of the legislative process.
- Previous internship or volunteer experience in government, research, or public policy-related fields is preferred but not required.
- Experience working with research tools, databases, or any related software is a plus.
- Involvement in university clubs or organizations related to politics, policy, or research is beneficial.
- Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable insights.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write policy briefs and reports.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with research databases or statistical software.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- A strong interest in public policy, legislative processes, and government operations.
- Gain hands-on experience in public policy research and legislative analysis.
- Work closely with experts in various fields of public policy, offering exposure to different areas of government and policy-making.
- Networking opportunities with congressional staff, policymakers, and professionals in the field of public policy.
- Opportunity to make a direct impact on the work of Congress by supporting nonpartisan research and analysis.
- Mentorship and career guidance from experienced professionals in the legislative and research fields.
- Possible college credit (subject to university approval).
- Paid position (dependent on the program and funding availability).
- Flexible work hours, especially for students balancing academic commitments.
Interested candidates should submit the following application materials to the Congressional Research Service Internship Program:
- A current resume
- A cover letter detailing your interest in the internship, relevant academic experience, and career goals
- A writing sample (e.g., research paper, policy brief, or any other relevant document)
- Unofficial academic transcript
- Two references (preferably academic or professional)
