BPC Action Intern

BPC offers paid internships year-round, giving interns hands-on experience in policy research, events, and the policymaking process in Washington, DC.

About the Internship Program

Bipartisanship is the only way forward. At the Bipartisan Policy Center, we take views from both parties and come together to find solutions. We take a similar collaborative approach to our internship program. The program is tailored to meet the goals of each intern in their professional and personal development. We allow significant input from the intern to create an internship experience that is both memorable and educational.

Interns that work with BPC’s various teams will have the opportunity to see bipartisanship in action. Interns see in real-time how people from both sides of the political spectrum work together to take the best ideas of both parties to create even better-lasting policies.

Inclusivity is both a core value and strategic strength. We invite anyone who wants to champion bipartisanship, regardless of their politics, demographics, identity of circumstance to join us. We extend this belief to our internship program, where we welcome all and respect those from different backgrounds.

At the Bipartisan Policy Center, we strive to create a holistic internship experience. We created a program that is conducive to the intern’s goals and provides a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. In addition to working with BPC’s various topic areas, the internship offers exposure to the policy-making process and the functions of a think tank, as well as a variety of professional development and networking opportunities with staff and other interns throughout the DC area.

Semester Programs

The Bipartisan Policy Center offers internships in the fall, spring, and summer across all policy programs and functional departments. Interns work closely with an intern manager on their designated team to tailor the experience to their personal and professional development goals. Assignments may include conducting research, assisting with the development of policy recommendations, drafting white papers, proposals, reports and explainers, supporting events and meetings, and providing administrative support.

Internships are based in our Washington, DC office. BPC staff are in the office Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work from home on Monday and Friday. Each of the project and functional areas listed below offer at least one internship per semester. Teams occasionally have capacity for more, considered case by case.

Eligibility

Applicants must be rising juniors or above, currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or recent graduates. Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply but must have a valid work permit or visa verifying eligibility to work in the United States. We do not offer visa sponsorship.

Fall and spring internships are part-time and paid. Interns receive a stipend of $3,000. Hours are flexible and set up with the intern manager at the start of the semester, so students can gain experience while maintaining their class schedule.

Summer internships are full-time and paid. Interns receive a stipend of $6,000.

BPC Action (Government Relations)

Project Background

While reasoned and rigorous analysis is needed for sound public policy, this alone does not move the political process.

To impact the public dialogue and influence policy outcomes, BPC Action—the Bipartisan Policy Center’s affiliate organization for political advocacy—engages in aggressive advocacy and implements strategic education and outreach plans to bring Republicans and Democrats together, changing policy on the most polarizing issues.

The BPC Action intern will assist with both legislative and communications efforts, supporting staff as they tackle the many policy areas in their portfolios, including Economic Policy, Energy, Health, Human Capital, Housing, Technology, and Governance. The intern will learn how to work in a fast-paced environment for a government relations team, deepen their understanding of federal governance, and build skills across legislative, communications, and project management duties. Throughout the experience, they will be exposed to key congressional players and participate in strategic outreach.

Responsibilities

• Legislative research and writing
• Monitoring news and congressional activity
• Assisting with social media content creation and management
• Drafting and editing external communications materials
• Supporting team operations, administration, and activity tracking
• On-site assistance at organization-led events

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school
• Strong research and writing skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Desire to strengthen both legislative and political communications skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks