Summer 2026 Research Internship at The Hamilton Project: A Paid Opportunity for Emerging Economists

The Brookings Institution, one of the world’s most respected and influential think tanks, is inviting applications for the Summer 2026 Research Internship with The Hamilton Project (THP), housed within its Economic Studies program. This 12-week paid internship is designed for students passionate about public policy, economics, and evidence-based solutions that contribute to broad-based economic growth and individual opportunity.

Offering an hourly wage of $18.40 and a hybrid work environment based in Washington, DC, the internship provides a meaningful professional learning experience alongside leading experts in government, academia, and economic policy.

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The Hamilton Project: Training Ground for Future Policy Leaders

Brookings’ Internship Program gives students the chance to apply classroom theory to real-world policy challenges. Interns gain exposure to influential research, participate in institutional events, and engage in professional development workshops, while building networks with peers and senior scholars.

Throughout the 12-week term, interns will:

• Work closely with experts producing research and policy proposals

• Attend think tank events, internal meetings, and public programs

• Build analytical, writing, and data skills

• Explore career paths in economics and public policy

This internship is ideal for undergraduate juniors and seniors, recent graduates (within one year), and master’s students in fields such as economics, public policy, statistics, or data science. PhD students are not eligible.

Applicants must be able to work at least 30 hours per week, during regular business hours, with full-time availability preferred.

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About The Hamilton Project

The Hamilton Project develops rigorous, evidence-based strategies that support long-term economic growth and economic security for Americans. Its research focuses on topics within macroeconomics and applied microeconomics, including:

• Tax reform

• Social insurance policy

• Labor market strengthening and wage growth

• Immigration’s macroeconomic and fiscal impacts

• Community economic development

Working with THP allows interns to explore diverse policy issues, refine analytic abilities, and understand how research translates into actionable policy proposals.

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Core Responsibilities

Interns can expect a wide range of responsibilities that build applied research and professional communication skills:

General Research and Writing

Interns will contribute to short-term research tasks such as:

• Drafting content for policy memos, blog posts, and THP publications

• Conducting background research for upcoming analyses

• Creating graphs and data visualizations for economic reports and presentations

Long-Term Research Support

Interns will collaborate with THP’s policy team to help identify:

• New research topics

• Potential authors and contributors

• Future areas of economic inquiry and policy relevance

Event Support

Interns assist with event preparation, including:

• Preparing materials for public and private events

• Supporting logistics such as registration and attendee coordination

These responsibilities provide hands-on experience within one of the nation’s leading economic policy teams.

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Eligibility and Skills

Ideal candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong writing and analytical abilities

• Proficiency in R or STATA

• A solid teamwork ethic and the mindset that no task is too big or too small

• Coursework or academic experience in economics, public policy, statistics, or related fields

Interns must reside in the United States for the duration of the internship. Hybrid interns must be able to work in Washington, DC. Remote work is permitted, except from Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.

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Application Requirements and Deadline

Applicants must submit:

• A resume

• A separate cover letter tailored to this internship

• If selected as a finalist, two recommendation letters or references

Cover letters should highlight academic experience, technical skills, and how the internship fits into long-term professional goals.

Deadline:

February 22, 2026
Applications must be fully submitted before this date to be considered.

All candidates must successfully complete a background investigation.

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A Commitment to Inclusion and Opportunity

Brookings welcomes applicants from a wide diversity of backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. Selection decisions are based on merit, skills, and interest in public policy. The institution remains committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities it serves.

Application can be accessed here.

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