Internships at the Tax Foundation
Currently accepting applications for fall 2008 and spring 2009 internships.
Click here to download a PDF flyer of the information on this page. (link being updated)
The Tax Foundation is a non-partisan, non-profit research institution founded in 1937 to educate taxpayers about sound tax policy. Based in Washington, D.C., its economic and policy analysis is guided by the principles of neutrality, simplicity, transparency, and stability. The Tax Foundation aims to make information about government finance understandable, such as with our annual calculation of Tax Freedom Day, the day of the year when taxpayers have earned enough to pay for the nation's tax burden and begin earning for themselves.
To assist with these research and educational efforts, the Tax Foundation seeks enterprising students with good research and writing skills who have an interest in economics and its applications to tax policy. Internships can be full-time or part-time, and last from a few weeks to the summer to a full semester. Interns work side-by-side with our staff on research projects involving federal and state tax policy, and our extensive work in this area, combined with our location in Washington, D.C., ensures an invaluable experience designed to advance academic and career goals.
Present and past interns have researched and published commentaries on policy in newspapers and journals, with staff assistance in topic selection, editing, and placement; assisted in microsimulation models of tax changes; and posted on our tax policy blog. The Tax Foundation offers great flexibility to initiate projects and topic ideas. Some projects can involve working closely with staff members; others involve a great deal of independence. While research, data compilation, and data entry are routine parts of the internship, the majority of the work will be substantive. Interns are afforded great flexibility to attend events around town.
Internships are unpaid, but the Tax Foundation is willing to assist successful applicants in obtaining course credit at their educational institution.
Internship Areas
Economics interns work with our team of economists on issues at the federal and state levels, with emphasis on data analysis. Interns should be comfortable with policy analysis, mathematics, and statistics; computer coding skills are a plus.
Policy interns assist our policy staff with research and administrative tasks, and can substantively contribute to written reports, particularly implications of tax policy changes and evaluations of current state tax systems.
Fundraising interns support our development activities, including communicating with current and potential donors, and maintaining records and databases. Supervised by our Director of Development, interns will be exposed to both direct marketing and high-dollar donor fundraising techniques.
State Relations interns work hands-on with our network of state legislatures, policy groups, and other contacts. Supervised by our Manager of State Relations, interns contribute to our efforts to distribute our research and speak on current tax topics.
Media Relations interns assist in disseminating our research efforts to narrow and broad audiences alike. Supervised by our Manager of Media Relations, interns draft and revise press releases, assist in arranging media interviews and answering request for information, and substantively contribute to our podcast and video efforts.
Applying
E-mail one-page resume to jdh@taxfoundation.org, with "Internship application" in the e-mail subject line. Please also include in the body of the e-mail or as a separate attachment answers to the following eight questions:
1. Name, e-mail address, telephone contact information.
2. Term for which you are applying (for example, "Summer 2008", "February-April," etc.), and availability (part-time, full-time, etc.)
3. Rank your internship preferences (for example, "Media Relations-1, Development-2", etc.)
4. How do you hope to benefit from a Tax Foundation internship? What areas of our work interest you? (No more than 500 words, please.)
5. Describe relevant experience which would be beneficial to an internship. Examples can include experience with economics, mathematics, statistics, computer coding, Excel, PowerPoint, research, or writing.
6. What are your short-term and long-term career goals? (No more than 500 words, please.)
7. What three books have most influenced you, and why? (No more than 500 words, please.)
8. How did you hear about Tax Foundation's internship program?
Applications for Tax Foundation internships are reviewed on an ongoing basis, but applicants for summer internships are requested to submit their materials not later than April 15. We are committed to responding to all completed applications within 3 weeks of submission.