Public Opinion Research Intern

*To be considered for an internship, you must apply directly through our online application here.* 

Workload

• Provide research assistance for the design of national public opinion surveys on a wide variety of topics, including free speech, financial regulation, welfare, health care, criminal justice reform, and more
• Provide supporting research and fact-finding for scholars’ research papers, op-eds, and blog posts
• Assist in the editing, formatting, and citation of public opinion survey reports, opinion briefs, op-eds, and blog posts
• Write short memos analyzing public opinion data on a variety of topics as needed for presentations, reports, media appearances, etc.
• Help manage a daily poll tracker of national surveys
• Create social media content and shareable graphics

Qualifications

• Strong research skills
• Statistical background
• Proficiency in Excel spreadsheets and graphics
• Sharp editing skills
• Problem solver and self-starter
• Interest in elections, politics, and polling is a plus

To achieve the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Cato’s scholars typically take a skeptical look at proposals to expand the size, scope, and power of government. Many different policies impact American political life and Cato scholars work to research the different dimensions of life that are affected. Research includes freedom at various levels of the education system, the ability of people to make their own health care decisions, opportunities to reduce poverty through greater economic opportunities, high-quality public opinion surveys to investigate evolving opinions and the advancement of free minds and free markets within technology sectors of the economy.  

About the Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who have a strong commitment to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that, taken together, constitute libertarianism, known alternately as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, just “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns attend the same intensive seminar series, which covers a broad range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also aid with events and occasionally help Cato staff with other day-to-day needs. 

Interns receive competitive compensation. Part-time positions are adjusted accordingly and carry a minimum of 25 hrs./wk. Program participants must be available in person in Washington, D.C.  

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website.  

If you have any questions, feel free to email Cortez Bartolome, Programs Coordinator, at studentprograms@cato.org