Internship Program

Internship Program

Overview

The Budget and Entitlement Policy team analyzes federal spending, increasing debt, and the long-term fiscal outlook of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the budget process.

Romina Boccia produces policy analyses, op-eds, data briefs, congressional testimony, and Hill briefings on fiscal reform — recent work covers Social Security solvency and benefit structures, emergency spending and rescissions, Medicaid funding mechanics, and SNAP policy. Their research reaches policymakers, major news outlets, and the public through regular congressional engagement and media commentary.

Interns contribute directly to this work by supporting scholars with research and data tasks that feed into published analyses, media engagement, and congressional events.

Responsibilities

• Pull, reconcile, and analyze fiscal data from CBO, OMB Historical Tables, Treasury, SSA, CMS, BEA, BLS, and FRED; create clearly labeled, reproducible charts and tables for use in published work.
• Draft background research memos and literature reviews on program structures, policy proposals, and reform models as assigned — outputs are directly used by scholars.
• Prepare agenda materials and support research for Hill briefings and panel discussions.
• Monitor federal and state legislative updates related to the team’s research goals, and provide clear, concise summaries.
• Verify facts, cite sources, and edit policy analyses, op-eds, and blog posts.
• Analyze third-party fiscal models and external research — including CBO long-term outlooks, actuarial reports, and academic literature — and summarize findings for scholars.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in US budget and entitlement policy — including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and federal spending and tax issues — grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong background in economics or public finance, with the ability to clearly explain program mechanics, incentives, and fiscal tradeoffs for policy audiences.
• Experience writing about public policy with clear claims and accurate citations from primary sources like CBO, OMB, SSA, and CMS reports.
• Proficient understanding of CBO, OMB Historical Tables, Treasury, SSA, CMS, BEA, BLS, and FRED — including correct management of units, deflators, fiscal versus calendar year distinctions, and per-capita adjustments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including filters, sorting, XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, and PivotTables.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — data projects require careful troubleshooting, and accuracy in both analysis and written output is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous professional or academic research experience in federal budget policy, entitlement reform, or a related area of fiscal policy through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results
• Familiarity with current Social Security and Medicare reform debates, including solvency projections, benefit formula mechanics, COLA indexing, and international models; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Experience in Excel, R, Python, Stata, or SQL for data analysis or visualization.

Finalists may be asked to complete a brief technical exercise assessing Excel proficiency.

See Cato’s work on budget and entitlement policy ⟶

Overview

The Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives researches the Federal Reserve, banking and financial regulation, housing finance, and financial innovation from a perspective focused on market competition, sound money, and limited government.

CMFA scholars produce policy analyses, congressional testimony, op-eds, and data-driven research on some of the most debated issues in financial policy. Recent work includes a multi-part series on reforming the Federal Reserve, research on CBDC risks and financial privacy, housing finance reform, banking regulation, and crypto and digital asset policy.

Interns support the whole team by helping multiple scholars with research and data tasks that directly contribute to published analyses, Hill engagement, and public commentary.

Responsibilities

• Compile literature reviews and draft research memos on topics including monetary policy, banking regulation, housing finance, and financial innovation as assigned — outputs are directly used by scholars.
• Pull, clean, and analyze data from FRED, Federal Reserve statistical releases, FDIC databases, and other financial and regulatory sources; produce clearly labeled, reproducible charts and tables for use in published work.
• Monitor federal legislative and regulatory developments in financial regulation, crypto and digital assets policy, and monetary policy, and summarize findings accurately and concisely.
• Fact-check and edit policy analyses, op-eds, and briefs.
• Assist in preparing materials for congressional briefings, policy events, and conferences.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in US monetary policy and financial regulation — including the Federal Reserve, banking and securities regulation, housing finance, and financial innovation — grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong background in economics or finance, with the ability to clearly explain monetary policy tools, regulatory mechanisms, and financial market dynamics to policy audiences.
• Experience in writing about economic or financial policy with clear claims and accurate citations from primary sources such as Federal Reserve publications, FDIC data, CBO analyses, and academic literature.
• Working familiarity with FRED and other financial and regulatory datasets, including precise handling of units, definitions, and data vintage.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including filters, sorting, XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, and PivotTables.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — data projects require careful troubleshooting, and accuracy in both analysis and written output is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous research or professional experience in monetary economics, financial regulation, banking, or a directly related field — through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results
• Familiarity with current debates in financial innovation, including CBDC risks and legislation, stablecoin regulation, cryptocurrency policy, impacts of the Bank Secrecy Act, and fintech regulatory frameworks; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Experience with R, Python, Stata, or SQL for data cleaning, analysis, or tool development — especially related to financial or macroeconomic data.
• Advanced coursework or independent research in macroeconomics, monetary theory, financial markets, or banking regulation.

See Cato’s work from the Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives ⟶

Overview

The Economic and Social Policy Studies team conducts empirical research on immigration, labor markets, social insurance, demographics, and regulation — with a focus on rigorous quantitative analysis using large government microdata sets. 

Alex Nowrasteh and Krit Chanwong’s recent work includes analyzing immigration and incarceration using American Community Survey microdata, evaluating terrorism risk using the Global Terrorism Database, evaluating the impacts of a gas tax holiday, and modeling Social Security using overlapping-generations methods and SSA demographic assumptions. 

Interns assist both researchers with complex data and research tasks that directly contribute to published policy analyses, congressional testimony, and public commentary.

Responsibilities

• Perform statistical analysis of economic and social policy data using R or Python, including data cleaning, transformation, and reproducible documentation of methods and results.
• Develop and manage ETL pipelines and data automation to gather, process, and refresh datasets for ongoing research projects.
• Review, debug, and revise existing analytical code — including model simulations — to fix errors and update assumptions.
• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews on economic and social policy topics, clearly and accurately summarizing relevant research for ongoing and new projects.
• Identify and summarize policy reports, working papers, and datasets to assist scholarly research.
• Assist with editing policy research publications and preparing materials for media appearances and testimony.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and genuine interest in US economic and social policy — including immigration economics, labor markets, social insurance, and demographics — grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong quantitative research skills, including data hygiene, clear code documentation, and careful interpretation of statistical results.
• Proficiency in R or Python for statistical analysis and data work — applicants should be comfortable working independently with packages like tidyverse or pandas on large datasets.
• Clear, concise policy writing with accurate citations to primary sources and datasets.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — data projects require careful troubleshooting, and accuracy in both analysis and written output is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous research experience with large microdata sets such as ACS, CPS, administrative records, or similar sources gained through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results.
• Familiarity with the team’s active research areas, including immigration and crime, terrorism risk analysis, or Social Security actuarial modeling; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Experience with overlapping-generations modeling or other structural economic simulation techniques.
• Advanced coursework or independent projects in econometrics, applied statistics, or computational social science.

Finalists may be asked to complete a brief technical exercise to assess proficiency for data analysis tasks representative of the team’s work.

See Cato’s work on economic and social policy studies ⟶ 

Overview

Cato’s Energy and Environmental Policy Studies program examines US energy markets, electricity regulation, federal and state energy subsidies, environmental regulation, and permitting from a free-market perspective rooted in individual liberty and limited government.

Travis Fisher — a former FERC economist and DOE senior advisor with nearly two decades of experience in energy policy — specializes in the economics of electricity markets, the fiscal costs of energy subsidies, grid reliability, and structural reform of utility regulation. His recent work includes a comprehensive policy analysis estimating the budgetary impact of IRA energy subsidies (up to $4.7 trillion by 2050), advocating for consumer-regulated electric utility models at the state level, analyzing the regulatory barriers to grid expansion, and advocating for innovative approaches to powering data centers.

Interns directly support Fisher with research, data, writing, and legislative tracking tasks that contribute to published analyses, congressional testimony, and public commentaries.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fact-finding and background research to support op-eds, blog posts, and policy analyses.
• Monitor pending federal and state legislation and regulatory changes in energy and environmental policy, and produce clear, accurate summaries.
• Gather, organize, and analyze data from official sources like the EIA, FERC, EPA, and relevant state energy agencies, then create visualizations for published work.
• Support comparative policy analysis across states and countries by tracking legislative developments and identifying relevant data sources.
• Assist with outreach coordination and prepare materials for congressional briefings, public comments, and policy events.
• Support designated research projects — past projects have included GIS analysis, international nuclear construction data, and IRA tax credit tracking.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and sincere interest in US energy and environmental policy — including energy markets, electricity regulation, subsidies, and environmental regulation — grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Ability to produce detailed, accurate research and writing that properly cites primary sources and translates technical material for policy audiences.
• Data literacy for policy analysis includes clear documentation, source-labeled charts and tables, and careful management of units and definitions.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — data projects require careful troubleshooting, and accuracy in both analysis and written output is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience or work in energy policy, electricity markets, environmental regulation, or a related field — through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results.
• Familiarity with the team’s active research areas, including IRA energy subsidy analysis, electricity market structure, permitting reform, and EPA regulatory economics; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Technical skills relevant to energy data analysis — such as GIS, R, Python, or similar tools.
• Coursework or independent projects in energy economics, regulatory economics, environmental economics, or public utilities.

See Cato’s work on energy and environmental policy ⟶

Overview

The Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies is a leading trade policy research center in Washington, producing analysis on US and global trade law and economics, protectionism and industrial policy, supply chains, and trade institutions.

Scott Lincicome, Colin Grabow, Clark Packard, and Alfredo Carrillo Obregon produce policy analyses, op-eds, data-driven research, and rapid-response commentary on the most debated trade issues today. Their recent work covers the legal and economic effects of IEEPA tariffs and their refunds, Section 232, Section 122, and Section 301 tariffs; the Jones Act and domestic shipping rules; antidumping and countervailing duties; USMCA review; executive tariff authority; and the costs of protectionism in steel, aluminum, and other sectors.

Interns support scholars across research, data, and writing tasks that feed directly into published analyses, media commentary, and Hill engagement.

Responsibilities

• Monitor trade policy developments — including agency actions, congressional hearings, and court decisions — and prepare accurate, concise written summaries and analytical notes for the team.
• Gather, compile, and analyze data from official sources such as the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Census Bureau, International Trade Commission, Federal Reserve, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to support policy arguments and published analyses.
• Create charts, tables, and data visualizations with Excel, R, or Infogram that clearly communicate trade policy arguments to policymakers and the public.
• Conduct background research and literature reviews to support long-term scholar projects, including historical analyses of protectionism and sector-specific regulatory studies.
• Assist with event and conference planning, including background research and briefing materials for scholar appearances and media interviews.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in US trade policy, global trade institutions, and the major trade law and economic issues of the day — grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Familiarity with key legal authorities governing US trade policy, including Section 232, Section 301, IEEPA, and the fundamental structure of WTO rules and dispute settlement.
• Strong research and writing skills, with the ability to work accurately under time pressure — this team operates on both rapid-response and long-term project timelines.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and present trade and economic data from official sources, utilizing statistics and charts to support policy analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including filters, sorting, XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, and PivotTables.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — data projects require careful troubleshooting, and accuracy in both analysis and written output is essential.
• Ability to work independently and handle competing priorities across short- and long-term tasks without needing frequent supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in trade policy, international economics, or a related field — through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results.
• Familiarity with the team’s active research areas, including tariff law and policy, the Jones Act, antidumping and countervailing duty regimes, industrial policy, and supply chain economics; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Experience with R, Python, or Stata for data analysis or visualization—especially applied to trade or economic data.

Coursework or independent study in international trade law, international economics, or trade policy.

See Cato’s work on trade policy ⟶ 

Overview

Human​Progress​.org documents the factual evidence showing that human life is improving—tracking progress in health, wealth, education, the environment, innovation, and freedom using data from sources like the World Bank, UN, OECD, and Our World in Data. The site, newsletter, and podcast reach a wide audience, aiming to challenge negative narratives with trend data rather than alarmist headlines.

Interns support data collection and visualization, editorial review, original research projects, social media content, and writing. The work varies significantly by term and ongoing project — past interns have edited book manuscripts, conducted original empirical research, built data spreadsheets, and written and published blog posts. Applicants should expect a range of tasks and some independent responsibility for assigned projects.

Responsibilities

• Collect, verify, and organize global indicator data from international datasets; keep clean, well-documented spreadsheets with consistent units, definitions, and source labels.
• Create charts and visualizations using Datawrapper or similar tools to enhance articles, social media posts, and website content.
• Edit scholarly articles, blog posts, and journalistic contributions for accuracy, clarity, and consistency with Chicago Manual of Style footnote standards.
• Verify quotations, data citations, and empirical claims against original sources.
• Write and publish blog posts for Human​Progress​.org.
• Support original research projects as assigned — which may include data analysis in Excel, literature reviews, or contributing to book manuscripts.
• Create social media content and graphics for the team’s platforms; support newsletter and digital content operations.
• Support other team projects as assigned, including AI content initiatives, website development, and assisting with the Human Freedom Index.

Required Qualifications

• Genuine enthusiasm for the empirical study of human progress and a disposition toward data over narrative; demonstrated commitment to economic freedom and alignment with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data collection, cleaning, and analysis — including a well-structured format, consistent units and definitions, and source-labeled charts.
• Familiar with international datasets (World Bank, UN, OECD, Our World in Data) and comfortable comparing country-level indicators over time.
• Strong editing and fact-checking skills with accurate citations; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Clear writing for general audiences — capable of translating empirical findings into concise and readable copy.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — research and editorial work here requires accuracy in both data handling and written output, and consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using Datawrapper or similar data visualization tools.
• Background in quantitative social science, public health, economics, international development, or related field.
• Previous writing or editing experience, such as published work, a campus publication, or a research blog.
• Interest in the psychology of progress, progress studies, or the history of human flourishing as academic fields.

See Cato’s work on human progress ⟶

Overview

Cato’s Immigration Studies program conducts original quantitative and legal research on US immigration policy — including legal immigration pathways, visa backlogs, border enforcement, asylum, interior enforcement, and the labor market and economic impacts of immigration.

David Bier’s work is data-intensive and methodologically rigorous, including analyses of green card approval rates, deportation statistics, enforcement trends, and visa processing backlogs. It draws on government administrative datasets from USCIS, CBP, EOIR, the State Department, Census, and BLS, and has been cited by the US Supreme Court and federal appeals courts.

Interns support original research projects by collecting, cleaning, and analyzing government data, conducting literature reviews, and helping with writing and fact-finding that directly contribute to published analyses, congressional testimony, and public commentary.

Responsibilities

• Support original research projects on immigration statistics — including data collection, cleaning, analysis, and documentation of government administrative datasets.
• Gather and compile data on immigrants, the US economy, immigration laws, visa processing, enforcement, and related social indicators from DHS, USCIS, CBP, EOIR, State Department, Census/​ACS, and BLS.
• Conduct fact-finding missions to support scholars’ op-eds, studies, and blog posts — including monitoring legislative and regulatory updates.
• Read, summarize, and synthesize academic literature, government reports, and policy analyses relevant to ongoing research projects.
• Assist with writing and editing background notes and research summaries for publication.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and genuine interest in US immigration policy — including legal pathways, visa types, asylum, border enforcement, and immigration’s effects on the labor market and economy — grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong quantitative background with proven ability to work precisely and carefully with large datasets; this is a data-intensive role where statistical rigor is essential.
• Proficiency in Stata, R, or Python for statistical analysis, along with working proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data organization and documentation.
• Data literacy with government immigration and demographic sources — including DHS, USCIS, CBP, EOIR, State Department, Census/​ACS, and BLS.
• Strong research and writing skills, with accurate citations to primary sources.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — data projects require careful troubleshooting, and accuracy in both analysis and written output is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous research experience involving government administrative datasets or immigration data — through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results.
• Familiarity with Stata is a valuable asset, especially given the team’s work with large government administrative datasets.
• Familiarity with the team’s active research areas, including legal immigration and visa backlogs, enforcement and deportation policies, asylum processing, and the economic impacts of immigration; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Coursework or independent study in immigration policy, labor economics, or applied statistics using government microdata

Finalists may be asked to complete a brief technical exercise to assess proficiency and the ability to work with government datasets.

See Cato’s work on immigration ⟶

Overview

Cato’s Project on Public Opinion designs and conducts national surveys on policy attitudes across a broad range of issues — including free speech, Social Security, fiscal policy, financial regulation, health care, criminal justice, and civic knowledge.

Emily Ekins leads the project and holds a PhD in political science from UCLA, with expertise in survey methodology, political psychology, and statistical analysis. Her surveys are frequently cited in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and NPR, and they support Cato scholars’ research, media appearances, and congressional testimony.

Interns work directly with Ekins throughout the entire research cycle — contributing to survey design, data analysis, report writing, poll tracking, and public-facing communications. The work is intellectually demanding and detail-oriented; it suits applicants with strong quantitative skills, genuine curiosity about public opinion as a research area, and a proven record of academic and professional achievement.

Responsibilities

• Assist with designing nationwide public opinion surveys, including question wording, sequencing, and structure of instruments across policy topics.
• Write concise analytical memos summarizing survey findings for presentations, reports, media appearances, and scholarly use.
• Assist with editing, formatting, and citing survey reports, opinion briefs, op-eds, and blog posts to publication standards.
• Provide research support and fact-checking for research papers, op-eds, and public commentary.
• Assist in managing a daily national survey poll tracker, monitoring and updating results across active surveys.
• Create charts, graphics, and social media content with Infogram and Excel to communicate findings to a broad audience.
• Assist with other research and communication tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Strong interest in and practical knowledge of US public opinion, electoral politics, and polling and survey methods; demonstrated alignment with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Solid quantitative background — coursework in statistics, research methods, or a related field; careful interpretation of data and results with attention to what findings do and do not show.
• Strong editing and fact-checking skills with keen attention to detail; ability to produce clean, accurate written work under deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and creating charts, including clear, source-labeled visuals.
• Academic distinction — this placement requires a demanding methodological skill set, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate a strong academic record and significant extracurricular or research achievements; applicants are encouraged to highlight awards, honors, or independent research in their application materials.
• Self-starter attitude — ability to recognize what a project requires, take initiative without waiting for instructions, and independently complete assigned work.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — survey research demands accuracy in both data handling and written output, along with consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of survey design, including question phrasing, sampling methods, and weighting techniques.
• Experience with Infogram, Datawrapper, or similar data visualization tools for creating public-facing charts and graphics.
• Coursework or research experience in political science, political psychology, sociology, or a related social science field.
• Proficiency in Stata, R, or Python for statistical analysis.
• Previous research experience showing independent analytical work — through a research assistantship, honors thesis, published analysis, or competitive fellowship.

See Cato’s work on public opinion ⟶

Overview

Cato’s Tax Policy Studies research examines how the federal tax code raises revenue, distributes subsidies, and shapes economic incentives—focusing on lowering the tax burden on individuals and businesses, removing distortionary tax expenditures, and promoting principled reforms aligned with individual liberty and limited government.

Adam Michel’s work covers individual and corporate income taxes, capital investment policies, international tax, tax expenditure analysis, and state and local fiscal policies. Recent projects include a comprehensive review of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its TCJA extensions, corporate tax reform, capital expensing, the impact of proposed DSA policies, and original research on tax expenditure costs.

Interns support Michel with research and data tasks that directly contribute to published analyses, policy studies, and public commentary.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fact-finding and background research to support op-eds, blog posts, and policy analyses.
• Gather, clean, and analyze tax and fiscal data from IRS Statistics of Income, CBO, OMB, JCT, BEA, BLS, and FRED; create clearly labeled, reproducible charts and tables for published work.
• Conduct comparative policy studies across states and countries — past projects have included VAT implementation in 60 countries and state-level tax and fiscal comparisons, and GIS analysis.
• Write comprehensive literature reviews on tax policy topics related to ongoing research projects.
• Assist with independent research projects assigned by Michel — past interns have created original analyses of tax expenditures, replicated existing studies, and researched specific tax provisions from the ground up.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and genuine interest in US tax and fiscal policy — including how the tax code raises revenue, distributes subsidies, and shapes incentives — grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong economics background with the ability to clearly explain tax incentives, tradeoffs, and distributional effects to policy audiences.
• Clear policy writing with precise claims and accurate citations from primary sources.
• Data literacy with common tax and fiscal sources, including IRS SOI, CBO, OMB, JCT, BEA, BLS, and FRED.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including filters, sorting, XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, and PivotTables.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — data projects require careful troubleshooting, and accuracy in both analysis and written output is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in tax policy, public finance, or a related field—through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results.
• Familiarity with the team’s active research areas, including TCJA and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, tax expenditure reform, corporate and capital tax policy, and state fiscal comparisons; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Proficiency in Stata or R for conducting statistical analysis in replication studies and original quantitative research projects.
• Coursework or independent study in public finance, tax policy, or applied economics with direct relevance to tax analysis.

See Cato’s work on tax and budget policy ⟶

Overview

The Center for Educational Freedom promotes parental choice and limited government in K–12 education, higher education, and early childhood policy.

Colleen Hroncich and Andrew Gillen conduct policy analyses, op-eds, books, congressional testimony, and interactive research tools — including the Public Schooling Battle Map, School Choice Timeline, and Cato Courses — focusing on school choice programs, federal education spending, student loan policy, accreditation, alternative methods of schooling, and the constitutional limits of federal involvement in education.

Interns assist Hroncich and Gillen’s research across various tasks, from data work and literature reviews to drafting and editing, with their work directly contributing to published analyses and public commentary.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and fact-finding to support op-eds, blog posts, policy papers, and book projects.
• Draft background research memos and literature reviews on education policy topics as assigned, drawing on peer-reviewed research, government datasets, and policy reports.
• Monitor federal and state legislative and regulatory changes concerning school choice, higher education funding, and federal education policy, and prepare clear summaries.
• Compile and organize data from NCES, NAEP, IPEDS, state report cards, and other educational sources; create clear, labeled charts and tables for published work.
• Attend Hill briefings, conferences, and relevant policy events, and prepare written summaries for the team.
• Assist with testing and improving the Cato Freedom Founder game and the Cato Course on K‑12 Education.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and genuine interest in US education policy — including K–12 school choice, higher education finance, and federal education programs — grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong research and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize studies, datasets, and policy documents into clear, properly cited briefs.
• Ability to monitor and summarize federal and state education proposals clearly and concisely.
• Data literacy using education-specific sources, including NCES, NAEP, IPEDS, and state report cards, with careful attention to definitions, units, and appropriate use of survey and administrative data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including filters, sorting, XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, and PivotTables.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in sourcing, citation, and written output, and consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in education policy through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results
• Familiarity with the current state of school choice policy, including ESA and voucher program design, research on outcomes, and major debates in the field; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Coursework or research in political science, economics, or public policy directly related to education.

See Cato’s work on education policy ⟶

Overview

Mustafa Akyol is a prominent voice on Islam, liberty, and modernity — recognized by Prospect magazine as one of the top 50 thinkers worldwide and the author of several books examining how Islamic thought aligns with individual freedom, human rights, and limited government.

His work examines classical Islamic texts, contemporary politics in Muslim-majority countries, and the experiences of Muslim minorities in the West. His newest book, No Compulsion in Religion — No Exceptions: Islamic Arguments for Religious Freedom (Cato, 2026), brings together Muslim scholars to develop an Islamic case against religious coercion.

Interns support Akyol’s research and writing by reviewing literature, translating sources, drafting, editing, and assisting with events — helping create work that reaches policymakers, religious communities, and audiences around the world.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews on both classical and contemporary Islamic texts, scholarship, and debates relevant to current research projects.
• Research and monitor ongoing developments in Muslim-majority societies and Muslim minority communities in the West, and synthesize the findings for op-eds, blog posts, and longer publications.
• Assist with drafting and editing various formats such as articles, op-eds, blog posts, and book-related materials.
• Translate or summarize relevant texts in Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Urdu, Indonesian, or other languages.
• Support outreach to news outlets and media contacts on current issues in Islam and Muslim-majority politics.
• Assist with organizing policy forums, events, and conferences, including preparing background materials.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and genuine interest in Islamic thought, history, and contemporary Muslim politics — including debates on religious freedom, human rights, women’s rights, minority protections, and the relationship between Islamic law and liberal governance — grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong research and writing skills, with the ability to engage both classical sources and current affairs accurately and with appropriate nuance.
• Ability to interpret and summarize religious, legal, and academic texts for policy and public audiences.
• Cross-cultural judgment and discretion — this work involves sensitive debates within living religious communities and demands intellectual seriousness and care.
• Familiarity with the politics and culture of Muslim-majority societies and/​or Muslim minorities in Western countries.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in sourcing, citation, and written output, and consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Academic background in Islamic studies, religious studies, Middle Eastern studies, political science, or a related field with significant engagement with Islamic thought or Muslim-majority politics.
• Proficiency in reading or working in Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Urdu, Indonesian, or another relevant language.
• Familiarity with Akyol’s published work is recommended; applicants are strongly encouraged to read Why, As a Muslim, I Defend Liberty (2021) before applying.
• Previous research, writing, or publication related to Islam, religious freedom, or politics in Muslim-majority countries, through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results.

See Cato’s work on liberty and prosperity ⟶

Overview

The Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity examines how economic and personal freedoms affect prosperity and human well-being worldwide.

Ian Vásquez co-authors the annual Human Freedom Index — the most comprehensive global assessment of personal, civil, and economic liberties — and is a prominent analyst of Latin American political economy, focusing on authoritarian regimes, market reforms, and the region’s ongoing challenges with populism and statism. Marcos Falcone reports on Argentina and the broader Latin American policy landscape, publishing in both English and Spanish for audiences in both regions. Gabriela Calderon de Burgos writes and edits on the Latin American policy landscape for ElCa​to​.org. She also hosts the ElCatoPodcast.

Interns support scholars with research, data analysis, writing, social media output, and bilingual outreach efforts that directly contribute to published work and ElCa​to​.org, Cato’s Spanish-language platform.

Responsibilities

• Monitor major Spanish- and English-language media daily; prepare concise news summaries and regional updates for scholars.
• Research and compile data on economic, social, and human freedom indicators for use in analyses, blog posts, and op-eds — including work with Human Freedom Index datasets and related regional metrics.
• Perform econometric and data analysis using Excel or statistical software to examine relationships between freedom indicators and economic or political results.
• Draft background research memos, fact-finding summaries, and supporting materials for op-eds, papers, and policy forums.
• Contribute to ElCa​to​.org by providing Spanish-language research support, content summaries, content clipping, and social media collaboration.
• Assist with event logistics and prepare materials for policy forums, panels, and interviews.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in Latin American public policy, political economy, and regional affairs — grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Spanish fluency — reading and writing at a professional level are required; this role involves bilingual research and content work daily.
• Strong research and policy writing skills, with precise use of primary sources and the ability to produce clear, succinct summaries and analyses.
• Working familiarity with human and economic freedom metrics and regional development indicators.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including filters, sorting, XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, and PivotTables.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — the work requires accuracy in both data handling and written output, and consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous research or professional experience concentrated on Latin America — through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results
• Familiarity with the Human Freedom Index methodology and findings, as well as current debates on freedom, authoritarianism, and market reform in the region; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Experience with econometric or statistical analysis — using R, Python, Stata, or similar tools — especially applied to political economy or development data.
• Experience with video editing software such as CapCut, Adobe Premiere, or similar tools for short-form media content
• Proficiency in Portuguese is a plus.

Finalists may be asked to complete a brief oral assessment to gauge Spanish proficiency.

See Cato’s work on Liberty and Prosperity ⟶

Overview

Cato’s Defense and Foreign Policy program advances a strategy of restraint — based on the belief that the United States is relatively secure and should engage globally without trying to dominate militarily.

The team creates policy analyses, op-eds, congressional testimony, and public commentary on US grand strategy, military policy, and foreign affairs across all major regions and issue areas. Current projects include the US-China competition and Taiwan policy; Middle East military engagement and Iran; nuclear weapons and arms control; the history and theory of American foreign policy; and the role of the national security state.

Interns assist the entire team with research, writing, and event tasks that directly contribute to published analyses, scholarly projects, and quick-response commentary.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews on foreign policy and international security topics assigned by scholars, contributing to ongoing research projects and publications.
• Monitor developments in foreign and defense policy across regions and US policy institutions, including Congress, DoD, and State; prepare clear written summaries and analytical notes.
• Support scholars with background research, compiling sources, and fact-finding for policy analyses, op-eds, book projects, and debate prep.
• Attend Hill briefings, think tank panels, and policy conferences, and prepare summaries for the team.
• Assist with editing, reviewing citations, and preparing drafts for publication.
• Support archival and historical research relevant to ongoing scholarly projects.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and genuine interest in US foreign policy, defense strategy, and international security — with a clear understanding of and alignment with a grand strategy of restraint and grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong research and writing skills, with the ability to produce accurate, well-cited literature reviews, research briefs, and analytical memos.
• Ability to track and summarize developments across various regions and policy institutions in a clear and timely manner.
• Knowledge of debates in US grand strategy, international relations theory, and modern security policy.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in sourcing, citation, and written output, and consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate students in political science, international relations, history, or security studies are highly preferred; advanced undergraduates with proven experience in IR or international history are also encouraged to apply.
• Previous experience in foreign policy, security studies, or a directly related field—through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results
• Regional expertise or language skills relevant to the team’s active research areas, including the Middle East, East Asia, Europe, or Russian/post-Soviet affairs.
• Familiarity with the team’s published work and Cato’s restraint-oriented perspective on US grand strategy; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Experience with quantitative or data analysis tools used in security studies, arms control, or defense policy.

See Cato’s work on defense and foreign policy ⟶

Overview

The General Economics team produces research and commentary on a wide range of US economic policy issues — including the cost of living, affordability, housing regulation, labor markets, fiscal policy, price controls, trade, industrial policy, and state-level freedom.

Stephen Slivinski manages the Freedom in the 50 States project, an annual index assessing personal and economic freedom across all 50 states. Ted DeHaven’s work focuses on limiting government intervention in private markets, including criticizing government bailouts, corporate welfare, and equity stakes in private companies. Ryan Bourne’s work focuses on making economic reasoning clear to the public and policymakers, with recent analysis examining how government regulation affects living standards, tariffs influence prices, and the economics of affordability.

Interns support the entire team with research, data analysis, writing, and policy tracking, directly contributing to published analyses, media commentary, and ongoing research projects.

Responsibilities

• Monitor federal, state, and local economic policy developments — including legislative proposals, regulatory actions, and executive agency announcements — and prepare clear, organized summaries for scholars.
• Gather, organize, and analyze data from BEA, Census Bureau, Federal Reserve, BLS, and other official sources, then create clearly labeled charts and tables that support policy arguments for public audiences.
• Maintain and update active databases of policy proposals—covering affordability, housing, tax, and regulatory developments—at federal, state, and local levels for ongoing use by scholars.
• Conduct background research and gather supporting materials for op-eds, papers, and public commentary under scholarly guidance.
• Draft initial versions of short-form written content such as blog posts, op-eds, and analytical summaries.
• Support ongoing research projects, including data collection and organization for the Freedom in the 50 States index and related state-level policy analysis.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and genuine interest in US economic policy and institutions — including labor markets, cost of living, fiscal policy, regulation, and the case for competitive, open markets — grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong research and policy writing skills, with the ability to produce clear summaries and initial drafts for public audiences, including accurate citations from official sources.
• Ability to locate, reconcile, and visualize official economic data from BEA, Census, Federal Reserve, and BLS to support policy analysis
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including filters, sorting, XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, and PivotTables.
• Ability to handle quick-turnaround tasks alongside longer projects with sound independent judgment and minimal supervision.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — the work requires accuracy in both data handling and written output, and consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in economic policy, public policy, or related fields, through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results.
• Familiarity with the team’s current research areas, including housing and affordability policy, Freedom in the 50 States, cost-of-living regulation, and trade economics; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Familiarity with R, Python, or Stata is a plus; coding tools may be used depending on active projects
• Coursework or independent study in microeconomics, public economics, or regulatory policy.

See Cato’s work on economics ⟶

Overview

Cato’s Health Policy Studies team analyzes the full scope of US health policy through the perspective of individual liberty, market competition, and limited government, including insurance regulation, the tax treatment of employer-sponsored coverage, Medicare and Medicaid, FDA drug and device regulation, pharmaceutical access, harm reduction, and patient autonomy.

Michael F. Cannon is the leading libertarian health policy scholar in Washington, covering topics from ACA reform and insurance markets to FDA regulatory overreach and international health system comparisons. Jeffrey Singer, a practicing general surgeon, focuses on drug policy, harm reduction, opioid prescribing regulation, FDA barriers to drug access, and the intersection of clinical practice and public policy.

Interns support scholars with research, writing, data, and event tasks that directly contribute to published analyses, media commentary, and public engagement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research along with fact-checking to support op-eds, blog posts, policy analyses, and events.
• Draft weekly briefing memos and background materials for scholar media appearances and public commentary.
• Monitor pending federal and state legislation and regulatory developments in health care, insurance, drug policy, and FDA regulation, and prepare clear, accurate summaries.
• Gather and organize data for comparative policy research across states and countries, creating clear visualizations and tables.
• Summarize research reports, conference proceedings, and policy literature into clear background notes for scholarly use.
• Assist in planning and organizing events, such as policy forums and public programs.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in US health policy—including insurance markets, Medicare and Medicaid, FDA regulation, drug policy, and health care delivery—grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong economics background, with the ability to analyze health policy questions through a market-competition and patient-autonomy framework.
• Clear, concise policy writing with accurate citations to primary sources, including CMS data, FDA regulatory filings, academic literature, and government statistics.
• Ability to monitor and accurately summarize state and federal legislative and regulatory developments concisely.
• Data literacy for policy analysis, including clear documentation, source-labeled tables and charts, and careful management of units and definitions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in sourcing, citation, and written output, and consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in health policy, health economics, or a related field—through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results.
• Familiarity with the team’s research areas, including insurance regulation, the ACA, FDA drug approval policy, opioid and drug policy reform, and harm reduction; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis related to health policy, including familiarity with CMS datasets, health insurance survey data, or similar sources.
• Coursework or independent projects in health economics, pharmaceutical policy, or health law.

See Cato’s work on health policy ⟶

Overview

Professor Deirdre N. McCloskey is one of the most diverse scholars in the classical liberal tradition — an economic historian, philosopher, rhetorician, and public intellectual whose work covers the history of the bourgeois economy, the rhetoric of economics, the ethics of markets, statistical theory, and the intellectual foundations of liberalism.

Her recent and ongoing projects include the economic history of English agriculture, the relationship between theology and economics, the intellectual history of freedom, and a series of books exploring liberty and equality.

Interns work directly with Professor McCloskey on active manuscripts and research projects — the specific work varies by term and project stage, but usually includes manuscript editing, bibliographic and source research, and independent scholarship conducted under her guidance.

Responsibilities

• Copyedit and proofread manuscript drafts—applying the Chicago Manual of Style with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Research current projects and upcoming publications, including source verification, footnote creation, and bibliography compilation.
• Summarize and synthesize relevant academic literature, historical sources, and primary texts as assigned.
• Pursue independent research interests under Professor McCloskey’s guidance — past interns have worked on computational text analysis, intellectual history, theology and economics, and agricultural history.
• Support other writing and research tasks as needed for projects.

Required Qualifications

• Familiarity with Professor McCloskey’s published work is essential — applicants unfamiliar with her scholarship should not apply; strong candidates will have read at least one of her major books and be able to engage meaningfully with her arguments.
• Demonstrated interest in economic history, the history and philosophy of liberalism, or a related field, grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong qualitative research and writing skills, including experience with academic prose and close reading of complex texts.
• Proficiency in Chicago Manual of Style footnote and bibliography formatting.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in sourcing, citation, and written output, and consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced coursework or independent research in intellectual history, philosophy, rhetoric, or a field that intersects with Professor McCloskey’s work.
• Experience in copyediting, fact-checking, and source verification within an academic setting.
• Knowledge of a relevant language (such as German, French, Latin, or others) is a plus for projects involving historical sources.

Applicants should be prepared to discuss their familiarity with Professor McCloskey’s work during an interview.

View Professor McCloskey’s work ⟶

Overview

Cato’s technology policy team analyzes how internet platforms, emerging technologies, and online expression are governed — promoting a policy framework based on free markets, limited government, and First Amendment principles.

Jennifer Huddleston’s work covers AI regulation and governance, platform competition and antitrust, youth online safety, content moderation, data privacy, and the policy environment for entrepreneurial users of technology platforms. David Inserra focuses on online free expression, content moderation policy, government censorship and jawboning, and the intersection of AI with speech. Juan Londoño focuses on technology and regulatory policy including artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and the regulatory barriers to innovation.

All scholars operate in a rapidly evolving legislative and regulatory environment and produce policy analyses, op-eds, congressional testimony, amicus briefs, and event-based commentary.

Interns assist scholars with research, monitoring, writing, and event tasks that directly contribute to published analyses, legal filings, and public engagement.

Responsibilities

• Monitor relevant legislative updates, rulemakings, and regulatory actions in technology policy—including AI, content moderation, platform regulation, privacy, antitrust, and youth online safety—and prepare timely, accurate summaries.
• Research and compile academic literature, legal analysis, and policy updates to support ongoing scholar projects.
• Proofread and give detailed feedback on draft articles and policy analyses.
• Attend congressional hearings, think tank events, and working groups relevant to the team’s research agenda, then produce written notes and summaries.
• Assist with legal research and writing, including supporting amicus briefs and legislative analysis based on an individual intern’s skill and background.
• Identify and communicate with external authors and project contributors as necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of internet platforms, social media rules, and First Amendment law, with the skill to apply these ideas to real-time policy discussions.
• Demonstrated interest in US technology policy—including AI governance, content moderation, competition and antitrust issues, privacy, and youth online safety—grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Excellent research and policy writing skills, including precise sourcing, clear and concise language, and careful attention to legal and factual accuracy.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under time pressure.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with sound independent judgment.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in sourcing, citation, and written output, and consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in technology law or policy, through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results.
• Familiarity with the team’s current research areas, including AI regulation and federalism, Section 230 and platform liability, content moderation policy, government jawboning and censorship, and youth online safety legislation; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Legal training or coursework in First Amendment law, administrative law, or technology law.
• Experience with event notetaking, hearing coverage, or rapid-response research and writing in a policy or legal setting.

See Cato’s work on technology policy ⟶

Overview

The Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies is one of the most active filers of Supreme Court amicus briefs in the nation, promoting a jurisprudence rooted in the natural rights tradition, originalism, and the constitutional limits on government power.

Thomas Berry directs the Center and edits the annual Cato Supreme Court Review; Clark Neily leads Cato’s broader legal studies on overcriminalization, police accountability, and judicial engagement; Walter Olson covers litigation policy and regulatory law. Laura Bondank-Harmon manages legal programs including the Legal Associate Program, a two-year program for early career law students.

The Center’s scholars produce amicus briefs across federal courts, policy analyses, op-eds, and congressional testimony on constitutional issues such as free speech, property rights, federalism, administrative law, the Second Amendment, qualified immunity, and civil liberties.

Interns collaborate with the team on legal research, brief drafting and editing, and publication support tasks that directly contribute to filed briefs, the Cato Supreme Court Review, and public commentary.

Responsibilities

• Review cert petitions and evaluate the likelihood of certiorari, then prepare concise bench-style memos summarizing the issues, circuit splits, and potential significance for the Center’s docket.
• Assist in drafting and editing amicus briefs — including case law synthesis, argument development, and substantive legal research — under scholar supervision.
• Bluebook and cite-check manuscripts, briefs, and Cato Supreme Court Review submissions to publication standards.
• Monitor Supreme Court and appellate developments, including granted certiorari, circuit splits, and important lower court decisions; prepare written summaries for the team.
• Perform targeted case law and literature reviews using LexisNexis and HeinOnline.
• Attend and deliver reports on Hill briefings, policy panels, and conferences relevant to the Center’s work.

Required Qualifications

• JD or current JD candidate — applicants without legal training cannot effectively contribute to this team’s core work and should consider other placements.
• Excellent legal research and writing with a clear structure and rigorous synthesis of cases, statutes, and constitutional history.
• Proficiency with Bluebook citation and meticulous cite-checking.
• Knowledge of US constitutional law and the classical-liberal legal tradition, including originalism and textualism grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Working knowledge of Supreme Court and appellate practice — certiorari standards, merits briefing, circuit split analysis, and docket tracking.
• Proficiency in LexisNexis and HeinOnline for legal research and legislative and administrative history.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous legal research or practice experience directly related to constitutional or appellate work — such as a judicial clerkship, law review, moot court, public interest litigation, or work with a policy organization focused on legal issues.
• Familiarity with the Center’s recently published work and amicus practice; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Experience with law review or journals, especially as an editor or author in constitutional law or a related area.
• Coursework or independent research in constitutional law, administrative law, separation of powers, or First Amendment Constitutional Studies

See Cato’s work on constitutional studies ⟶

Overview

The Project on Criminal Justice focuses on reducing unconstitutional overreach in criminal laws, holding police and prosecutors accountable when they violate individual rights, and challenging the structural pressures built into plea-driven mass adjudication.

Matthew Cavedon directs the project and has a background as a Georgia public defender; James Craven focuses on jury trial rights and official accountability; Mike Fox concentrates on Fourth Amendment violations and the scope of the federal criminal code, including recent congressional testimony on regulatory overcriminalization. The project publishes legal scholarship, amicus briefs, op-eds, and policy analyses, and engages in legislative outreach and public events within the criminal justice reform space.

Interns work across the team on legal research, brief drafting, and writing support — and may contribute to empirical research components depending on active projects.

Responsibilities

• Support amicus brief research and drafting, including case law synthesis, doctrinal analysis, and Bluebook cite-checking to publication standards.
• Conduct targeted literature reviews and fact-finding to support scholar op-eds, policy analyses, and blog posts.
• Monitor Supreme Court and appellate developments — cert petitions, merits briefing, significant rulings — and prepare written summaries for the team.
• Attend and provide reports on Hill briefings, policy panels, and conferences relevant to the project’s work.
• Provide editorial support as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• JD or current JD candidate — applicants lacking legal training should consider other opportunities.
• Strong legal research and writing with clear synthesis of cases and statutes; publication-quality citation and meticulous source verification.
• Demonstrated interest in US criminal justice reform — especially in overcriminalization, coercive plea bargaining, jury rights, or police and prosecutorial accountability — grounded in and aligned with Cato’s principles; applicants are encouraged to review the team’s recently published work before applying.
• Proficiency in using LexisNexis and HeinOnline for legal research and legislative history.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in sourcing, citation, and written output, and consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous legal research or practice experience directly related to criminal law, procedure, or constitutional litigation — through a clerkship, public defender’s office, law review, or policy organization with a legal focus.
• Familiarity with empirical or social science research methods, including interview design, qualitative data collection, or survey construction.
• Coursework or independent research in criminal law and procedure, Fourth Amendment law, or constitutional criminal originalism.
• Experience with law reviews or journals, especially as an editor or author.

See Cato’s work on criminal justice ⟶

Overview

Cato Press publishes books and policy analyses that promote Cato’s mission to a broad audience — from academics and policymakers to general readers interested in individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Eleanor O’Connor oversees the editorial production process; Ivan Osorio acquires and develops titles.

Interns support both functions by assisting with manuscript editing, production, and publishing tasks for active titles. The work is detail-oriented and deadline-focused, emphasizing editorial accuracy and consistent use of house style.

Responsibilities

• Copyedit and proofread manuscripts, policy analyses, and other Cato publications—checking for grammar, punctuation, consistency, and adherence to the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Format references and bibliographies according to CMOS standards; ensure consistent house style throughout documents.
• Verify quotations, data, names, and cited claims against primary sources.
• Compare audiobook recordings with the manuscript to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies.
• Research comparable titles, keywords, and BISAC category codes to enhance discoverability for new titles.
• Assist with mailing books and managing outreach lists for press and distribution efforts.
• Assist in preparing clean, production-ready files and support formatting Policy Analyses for publication.
• Attend team meetings and help at events promoting Cato Press titles

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in book publishing, copyediting, or editorial work as a career path; alignment with Cato’s mission and familiarity with its publishing audience.
• Strong editorial judgment and a consistent, confident application of the Chicago Manual of Style, demonstrated through prior coursework, editorial experience, or independent work that shows proficiency in CMOS.
• Strong background in social science or humanities research; proficient in using online databases and university library resources for fact-checking and source verification.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word Track Changes, and PDF markup tools; disciplined file and version control.
• Demonstrated alignment with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — editorial work demands accuracy in every step and consistent follow-through on assigned files under deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a publishing, editorial, or academic editing environment — such as involvement with a campus literary journal, an editorial internship, a research assistantship, or publishing coursework.
• Knowledge of publishing metadata and discoverability concepts, including comp titles, keywords, and BISAC category codes.
• Experience in preparing production-ready documents or working with style sheets in a professional or academic setting.
• Applicants are encouraged to review Cato’s latest published titles before applying.

Finalists may be asked to complete a brief copyediting exercise.

See examples of Cato’s publications ⟶

Overview

Lib​er​tar​i​an​ism​.org is Cato’s dedicated platform for the theory, history, and ideas of liberty — publishing long-form articles, intellectual history essays, podcast episodes, and social media content for a broad audience interested in the foundations of a free society. The site’s content spans classical liberal philosophy, the American founding, economics, and contemporary policy, translated for general audiences who value individual liberty.

Interns mainly support the marketing and content operations team by building and maintaining analytics databases, producing quarterly performance reports, creating video and social media content, and tracking KPIs across platforms.

The work is ideal for applicants with a background in marketing, communications, or content creation who also have a genuine intellectual interest in libertarian ideas and can engage seriously with the material they’re promoting.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a marketing analytics database that tracks KPIs across the website, newsletter, social media, and podcast platforms.
• Produce quarterly marketing analytics reports, synthesizing performance data across channels into clear insights and strategic recommendations for the team.
• Track trending topics and viral content related to libertarian ideas and the wider political and intellectual scene; share insights with the team.
• Research libertarian perspectives on policy and intellectual history topics; summarize and adapt content for Libertarianism.org’s audience.
• Create social media posts and graphics using Canva or similar tools; edit short-form video content from archival and original footage with Adobe Premiere or comparable software.
• Review podcast episodes, extract quotes and context for marketing and promotion.
• Collect quotes from Libertarian writers and thinkers to share on social media platforms.
• Support other content and communication projects as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Genuine interest in the libertarian intellectual tradition and demonstrated alignment with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace — applicants should be comfortable engaging seriously with the ideas they are helping promote.
• Background in marketing, communications, or a related field; able to quickly read, grasp, and accurately summarize complex texts for a general audience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for building and maintaining analytics databases and producing performance reports
• Familiar with social media platforms and comfortable tracking analytics across channels including X/​Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
• Experience designing content with Canva or similar tools.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work involves managing multiple content streams and meeting regular reporting deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using video editing software like Adobe Premiere, CapCut, or similar tools for short-form social media content.
• Knowledge of social media analytics platforms or marketing reporting tools.
• Prior experience in content creation, marketing, or communications roles — including campus media, think tanks, advocacy organizations, or independent content projects.
• Applicants are encouraged to review Libertarianism.org’s recent publications and the Portraits of Liberty podcast prior to applying.

Visit Lib​er​tar​i​an​ism​.org ⟶

Overview

Cato’s Media Relations and Communications team manages the institute’s media presence — connecting journalists and producers with Cato scholars, responding to inbound press inquiries, and seeking opportunities to feature Cato research and commentary in the news cycle.

The work is fast-paced and news-focused. Interns engage in daily team activities and take on actual responsibilities from the beginning, including media monitoring, pitch drafting, and briefing preparation. This role is ideal for candidates interested in communications, public relations, or journalism.

Responsibilities

• Attend daily media department meetings and help plan with the team around news cycle opportunities.
• Track news and policy updates to find timely angles for Cato scholars to comment on and highlight relevant stories for the team.
• Create daily summaries of Cato scholar citations and media appearances across print, broadcast, and digital outlets.
• Draft and refine press pitches and releases for scholar placement, customized for specific reporters, outlets, and news angles.
• Handle incoming media requests, direct inquiries to the appropriate scholars, and coordinate logistics for interviews and appearances.
• Manage media contact lists and outlet tracking, and support overall communications operations as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in media, public relations, journalism, or strategic communications as a career goal; prior experience through coursework, a campus publication, communications internship, or press-related role.
• Strong writing for press pitches, releases, and briefings — clear, concise, and tailored to a journalist audience; familiarity with AP style.
• Sound news judgment and media monitoring skills; ability to identify timely angles and evaluate what is and isn’t newsworthy.
• Strong attention to detail and diligent fact-checking under tight deadlines.
• Professional, clear communication and discretion when interacting with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated alignment with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in written output and consistent follow-through in a fast-moving environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with media monitoring tools or press database platforms such as Cision, Meltwater, or similar.
• Previous experience in a communications office, newsroom, or press-related environment.
• Familiarity with Cato’s recent publications and scholar roster; applicants are encouraged to review Cato’s latest work before applying.

Meet Cato’s Public Affairs team ⟶

Overview

Cato’s Development team oversees donor relationships and fundraising activities that support the institute’s research and outreach.

Interns assist with stewardship communications, CRM data management, and prospect research — supporting every stage of donor engagement, from thank-you calls and stewardship updates to creating segmented campaign lists and conducting move management research.

The internship is operational and donor-facing, rewarding applicants interested in nonprofit fundraising as a career.

Responsibilities

• Make thank-you and customer service calls to Cato Partners and donors, and maintain contact records and interaction logs in Salesforce.
• Assist in development communications by drafting and editing sponsor emails, stewardship letters, and publications under the guidance of the Director of Development Communications.
• Monitor and analyze campaign performance metrics — including email open rates, opt-outs, and bounce patterns — and maintain KPI contact reports.
• Build and manage segmented donor and prospect lists; support Salesforce and Pardot (Account Engagement) campaign setup and maintain list hygiene.
• Conduct OSINT research to guide move management strategies for the major gifts team.
• Review scholar citation coverage across news sources and prepare summaries for major gift officers.

Required Qualifications

• Expressed interest in nonprofit fundraising as a career path — prior experience in development, donor relations, or fundraising operations through a job, internship, volunteer role, or coursework.
• Professional demeanor and clear communication during donor and sponsor calls; comfortable with phone outreach and relationship-focused correspondence.
• Effective writing and editing for donor audiences — thank-you notes, stewardship updates, and brief research summaries — with careful attention to tone and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including filters, XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, and PivotTables, for list management, reporting, and basic analysis.
• Demonstrated alignment with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work handles sensitive donor information and demands discretion, accuracy, and consistent follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Salesforce for data entry, record management, and maintaining list hygiene.
• Previous experience with Pardot (Salesforce Account Engagement) or similar marketing automation tools
• Previous experience using prospect research tools.
• Knowledge of nonprofit development processes, including move management concepts, annual giving cycles, or donor segmentation.
• Previous experience in a development or advancement office, including roles as a student caller or telefund participant.

Meet Cato’s Development team ⟶

Overview

Cato’s Public Affairs team connects the institute’s research to policymakers at the federal and state levels—preparing materials for congressional hearings, briefing Hill staff, distributing scholarship across policy portfolios, and monitoring legislative and regulatory developments in real time.

Interns collaborate with the entire team, assisting both federal affairs directors and the state relations team. The work progresses rapidly, deadlines are tight, and the materials interns prepare are utilized by committee witnesses, senior staff, and Cato scholars during live Hill sessions.

Prior experience on Capitol Hill is required; applicants lacking this should consider other opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Monitor daily news, Cato scholarship, and Cato references in government documents and policymaker statements; prepare clear written summaries for staff.
• Research legislator backgrounds, policy positions, and issue-area viewpoints to support engagement strategies and targeted outreach — including cross-cutting projects mapping congressional and media perspectives on priority issues
• Prepare briefing materials and hearing documentation for scholars appearing as committee witnesses or participating in Hill events.
• Develop and distribute policy materials to congressional offices and state policymakers.
• Attend hearings, briefings, and panels, and prepare written summaries and event reports for the team.
• Support department record-keeping, including managing Excel spreadsheets, contact databases, and tracking tools.
• Staff Capitol Hill events and assist with deliveries and logistical coordination as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a House or Senate member’s office, committee staff, or congressional leadership office.
• Knowledge of congressional rules, procedures, and operations gained through direct experience.
• Exceptional writing for policy audiences — clear, concise, and accurate; thorough proofreading and copyediting under deadline pressure.
• Proficiency with Con​gress​.gov and common legislative research tools for monitoring bills, amendments, and member records.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard productivity tools for database management and reporting.
• Demonstrated alignment with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work involves sensitive relationships and time-sensitive deliverables that require consistent follow-through. Interns should expect to take initiative in clarifying project goals and defining success, rather than waiting for detailed directions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in multiple offices, committee roles, or both House and Senate settings.
• Knowledge of state legislative procedures and policy networks at the state level.
• Prior experience in preparing hearing materials, floor summaries, or legislative briefings in a professional setting.

Meet Cato’s Public Affairs team ⟶

Overview

Cato’s Educational and Talent Programs team identifies, develops, and supports the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and advocates for individual liberty—overseeing the institute’s main educational initiatives, including the Internship Program, the Research Associate Program, Cato University, Cato Courses, and Cato Student Briefings.

Interns work across various teams, engaging in data analysis, strategy planning, educational content development, programming support, and outreach and communications. The role combines data analysis with content creation and audience interaction.

Responsibilities

• Analyze intern, alumni, and program data using Excel and Salesforce reporting tools; create reports and dashboards to support recommendations for programming and talent development strategies.
• Maintain and enhance Salesforce data accuracy, including list management, record updates, segmentation, and report documentation.
• Support audience segmentation and outreach campaign analysis — including basic cohort and performance assessment — to guide targeting, messaging, and channel strategies for student and early-career audiences.
• Review, edit, and improve educational content for Cato Courses and other programming, including scripts, quiz materials, and voice assets.
• Support outreach campaigns, develop events and programs, and launch pilot initiatives targeting students and young professionals within university and partner networks.
• Draft clear internal briefs and memos that translate data findings and project results into actionable recommendations for the team.
• Contribute to special projects as assigned, which may include historical research, anniversary initiatives, social media strategy, and cross-team coordination.

Required Qualifications

• Genuine enthusiasm for sharing Cato’s ideas, programs, and opportunities with students and young professionals; familiarity with libertarian and classical-liberal thought, along with a demonstrated alignment with Cato’s core principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for managing large, complex relational datasets — including filters, XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, PivotTables, and clear charting.
• Experience with Salesforce or a similar CRM for reporting, list management, and basic segmentation; comfortable learning new tools and workflows.
• Strong writing and communication skills — capable of transforming data insights and project work into clear, concise takeaways for both internal and public audiences.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — the work spans data, content, and communications and requires accuracy and consistent follow-through across all three.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Salesforce reporting and dashboard development, or familiarity with marketing automation tools.
• Python or R for data cleaning, merging, basic analysis, and visualization.
• Previous experience in content development, educational programming, marketing, or communications—including drafting for public or student audiences.
• Background in talent strategy, recruitment operations, or project management within an educational or nonprofit environment.

See more on Cato’s educational programs ⟶

Overview

Sphere Education Initiatives is a nonpartisan educator professional development program housed at the Cato Institute, providing teachers and administrators in grades 5–12 with viewpoint-diverse resources to strengthen free speech, civil discourse, and civic culture in their classrooms. Sphere’s flagship program is Sphere Summit — a fully funded, five-day in-person event held twice each summer in Washington, DC — alongside Sphere on the Road (school and district visits), the Sphere Alumni Fellowship (a six-month program for Summit graduates), and an expanding library of curriculum resources, including lesson plans, toolkits, and multimedia content.

The internship covers program operations, curriculum creation, and administrative duties. The workload is event-focused and logistically demanding during Summit season, shifting to content development and program support at other times. It is ideal for applicants interested in K–12 civics education and educator professional growth who are also dependable, organized, and comfortable with operational tasks — including inventory management, shipping coordination, and CRM maintenance — as well as more in-depth curriculum and program work.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the Sphere Summit application review and program development, including communicating with participants and handling logistical arrangements.
• Provide operational support for Sphere on the Road and other Sphere events, including preparing materials, shipping packages, and managing inventory using EZO.
• Maintain and update Sphere’s educator contacts and program records in Salesforce, including list maintenance and record management.
• Develop curriculum resources for grades 5–12 teachers that promote civil discussion, diverse viewpoints, and civic participation in the classroom.
• Assist with the Sphere Alumni Fellowship, including organizing events, conducting research, and managing program logistics.
• Assist in creating program materials, lookbooks, and other communications as assigned.
• Assist at Sphere Summit and other Cato events as needed, including participant support and on-site logistics.

Required Qualifications

• Strong interest in K–12 civic education, civil discourse, and educator professional development; comfortable engaging respectfully and constructively with educators and participants from diverse viewpoints.
• Understanding libertarian and classical-liberal thought and aligning with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—while recognizing that Sphere’s programs are explicitly nonpartisan and support educators across the political spectrum.
• Clear written and verbal communication; professional demeanor in participant-facing and vendor-facing interactions.
• Reliable follow-through in event-driven settings with changing priorities and strict logistics timelines.
• Professionalism, humility, and an entrepreneurial mindset — willingness to handle both substantive project work and operational responsibilities as needed.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in both data handling and written output, and consistent follow-through across operational and content tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Salesforce or a similar CRM for contact management, list hygiene, and basic reporting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel for list management and basic tracking.
• Prior experience in program administration, event coordination, or education-related work—through a school, nonprofit, or civic organization.
• Knowledge of K–12 curriculum design or educational content development.

Visit the Sphere website ⟶

Overview

Cato’s Audio/​Visual team operates a broadcast-ready production facility — including a professional auditorium with robotic camera systems, LED displays, and a full control room — producing live events, long-form documentary and policy featurettes, podcast recordings, and short-form digital content.

Interns are active members of the production team with responsibilities during live events. Each intern manages one full production per term, which includes planning, directing, filming, editing, and delivering an original video about Cato’s internship program for marketing and donor communications.

Past interns have also contributed to documentary projects, long-form policy featurettes, live broadcasts, podcast editing, and short videos for Cato’s digital platforms. The work is practical and fast-paced, perfect for applicants with real production experience who are prepared to independently manage a project from start to finish.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, shoot, and edit an original video each term documenting Cato’s internship program — a fully intern-led production delivered for marketing and donor-facing use, from concept through final delivery.
• Contribute to creating original video content — including documentaries, policy featurettes, and short-form digital pieces — throughout development, filming, and post-production.
• Operate cameras, audio gear, and studio lighting in both studio and field environments.
• Assist with live studio productions, including operating the production switcher and supporting broadcast workflows in Cato’s auditorium.
• Edit video and audio content with Adobe Premiere Pro, including long-form and short-form deliverables.
• Log, archive, and update b‑roll footage; manage and enhance the team’s archive library.
• Pitch and develop original content ideas in collaboration with the production team.
• Assist with cross-team content projects as assigned, including short-form videos for Cato’s digital platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in using video and audio production to communicate ideas to broad audiences; aligns with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Prior on-set production experience with proven ability to work independently in various production roles — whether through a film program, production company, campus media outlet, or freelance work. Applicants who have only assisted on set should consider if they are ready to lead a complete production independently.
• Working knowledge of camera operation, audio recording, and basic studio and field lighting.
• Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro or similar non-linear editing software
• Reliable and composed under tight deadlines and fast-paced workflows.
• Collaborative, receptive to direction and feedback, and able to communicate clearly with producers and on-camera talent.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — production work demands technical precision, consistent follow-through, and professional conduct on set.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in live broadcast production, including operating production switchers or managing multi-camera workflows.
• Knowledge of studio lighting arrangements and broadcast camera equipment.
• Experience directing or producing documentaries or long-form nonfiction content.
• FAA drone pilot certification or experience in aerial cinematography.
• A production portfolio showcasing versatility across formats — studio, field, short-form, and long-form.

Finalists will be asked to share a production portfolio or video editing sample.

View Cato’s multimedia work ⟶

Overview

Cato’s Digital team handles web development, enterprise technology, data services, and digital marketing infrastructure—aligning Cato’s entire technology stack with the institute’s strategic goals. 

The team works at the crossroads of a think tank and a software organization, developing and maintaining internal tools, data systems, assisting with external-facing projects, and developing the digital publishing infrastructure and visual features that support Cato’s research and communications activities.

Interns work on applied software projects with genuine autonomy and real institutional stakes. Past projects have included an AI-powered morning brief generator that scrapes topic-relevant news and delivers personalized daily digests to scholars; an employment research tool for HR that pulls publicly available data from LinkedIn and X to flag relevant candidate histories; a LinkedIn candidate search and ranking tool for the marketing team; and an AI-assisted contract builder that replicates core functions of a commercial contract platform, including clause-by-clause review and Spanish translation.

Projects that work get deployed and used — interns should expect to own their work from design through delivery and be prepared to operate with significant independence from day one.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deploy internal tools and automation systems using low-code platforms, APIs, and scripting—based on team needs and interns’ skills and interests.
• Create AI-driven workflows and automations, such as web scrapers, data pipelines, and AI-assisted content generation tools.
• Set up and configure enterprise tool authentication, API integrations, and workflow automations.
• Assist with data analysis, cleanup, and visualization as needed across team projects.
• Support other digital, data, and technology projects as assigned.

Required qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in using technology to communicate ideas and develop useful tools; aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Programming proficiency in at least one language — Python preferred for automation, scripting, and data tasks; JavaScript or similar for web projects.
• Experience working with APIs, including setting up authentication, integrating endpoints, and performing basic debugging.
• Proficiency with low-code and automation tools for workflow creation and enterprise integrations.
• Organized and dependable — experienced with version control (Git/​GitHub), clear documentation practices, and consistent follow-through on project deliverables.
• Self-starter attitude — ability to define a project, work independently through uncertainty, and deliver functional systems without close oversight.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — software projects demand accuracy in both implementation and documentation, and consistent follow-through from design through deployment.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience developing AI-powered tools, including LLM integrations, prompt engineering, or AI-assisted workflow automation.
• Knowledge of web scraping libraries and data pipeline development.
• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms, including data models, segmentation, and API access.
• Background in computer science, information systems, software engineering, or a related technical field.

Overview

Cato’s Graphic Design team creates visual assets for web, social media, print, and presentation formats—supporting Cato’s research communications, event programming, and partner initiatives, including Sphere Education Initiatives. The work is focused on production and brand compliance: interns deliver actual deliverables that meet Cato’s established visual standards rather than developing conceptual ideas from scratch.

Past projects include Instagram social media templates with documented brand guidelines, InDesign-formatted lesson plans and educational materials for Sphere, slide decks for Sphere Summit and Cato University, brochure layouts, and Photoshop photo treatments for publication. The pace is steady and cross-team, with requests coming from throughout the organization.

Responsibilities

• Design and create graphics for Cato’s social media and website, following established brand and style standards.
• Create layouts for print and presentation products, including ads, flyers, signage, slide decks, and educational collateral.
• Format documents in InDesign using predefined paragraph and character styles, tables, and production-ready file structure.
• Create and document social media templates and brand guidelines for team use.
• Retouch and edit photos in Photoshop for publications, presentations, and digital media.
• Collaborate with teams across Cato — including Sphere Education Initiatives, Student Programs, and Marketing — on design requests.
• Keep production files organized and properly labeled with strict version control.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or holding a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign — including working knowledge of paragraph and character styles, production-ready file preparation, and print and digital output standards.
• A portfolio that demonstrates clear visual hierarchy, strong typography, and meticulous attention to detail; student portfolios are accepted.
• Shows interest in visual communication and translating policy and educational ideas for broad audiences; aligns with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Ability to work efficiently under deadline pressure and produce clean, production-ready files across multiple concurrent requests.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — design production demands precision, consistent adherence to brand standards, and dependable follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating assets across various formats — social media, print collateral, presentation decks, and web graphics — within a defined brand system.
• Ability to create original vector illustrations in Illustrator.
• Experience with motion graphics or animation for digital platforms.
• Experience with PowerPoint or Keynote for professional presentation design.
• Previous internship or work experience in a design studio, agency, communications team, or similar setting.

Finalists will be asked to share a graphic design portfolio.

Overview

Cato’s Social Media team oversees the institute’s presence on platforms with over 1.7 million followers, including Facebook, LinkedIn, X/​Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok — turning the work of Cato’s scholars and researchers into content that reaches and engages audiences interested in individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. The team handles the entire content creation process: finding newsworthy angles in Cato’s research, developing platform-specific posts, graphics, and short videos, managing publishing schedules, and analyzing performance data to shape strategy.

Interns work across all platforms and participate in regular cross-team meetings to stay updated on active scholarship and identify opportunities to transform Cato research into timely, audience-appropriate content. The environment is fast-paced and news-driven — strong candidates are self-motivated, platform-savvy, and comfortable producing content independently under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Create platform-native social media content across Facebook, LinkedIn, X/​Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok — including posts, threads, graphics, and short-form videos — translating Cato research and commentary for broad audience.
• Create short-form videos and Reels for Instagram and TikTok, including scripting, editing, and captioning with CapCut, Adobe Premiere, or similar tools.
• Create graphics and visual assets for social media using Canva, Adobe, or similar tools.
• Attend regular meetings with teams across Cato to identify timely research and commentary worth sharing on social media.
• Manage and uphold publishing calendars; plan and release content across platforms.
• Track trends, news cycles, and platform algorithm updates to identify timely content opportunities and communicate findings with the team.
• Monitor platform analytics and KPIs with native tools; support performance reports and strategic insights.
• Assist with digital advertising efforts and email marketing campaigns as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Strong interest in sharing public policy research with broad audiences via social media; shows alignment with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Proven experience managing social media accounts or content calendars — through a campus organization, think tank, advocacy group, media outlet, or independent content project — with measurable results.
• Effective social media writing — clear, concise, and tailored to platform standards and audience expectations across channels.
• Comfort with native platform analytics and KPIs; ability to interpret performance data and turn it into content decisions.
• Experience creating short-form video content for Instagram Reels, TikTok, or similar platforms, including basic editing and captioning.
• Experience creating social media graphics with Canva, Adobe, or similar tools.
• Self-motivated, organized, and reliable — capable of working independently, meeting deadlines in a fast-paced news environment, and managing multiple content streams at once.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — social media work demands precision in written content, brand consistency, and reliable follow-through across platforms and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with video editing software such as CapCut, Adobe Premiere, or similar tools for short-form social media content.
• Experience with social media management and scheduling tools.
• Experience managing digital advertising campaigns on social media platforms.
• Prior experience in a communications, media, or marketing environment demonstrating audience growth or engagement.
• A content portfolio or active social media presence demonstrating platform fluency and creative range

Finalists may be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing social media and content creation experience.