Internships
Our internships provide a chance to see how politics in Washington, DC function. We provide opportunities to work directly on our programs, to learn what the day to day work of an office is like, and to see a broad spectrum of political work in the United States.
We split our internships into three fields related to our programs. Our Climate and Energy Intern works on our Energy & Environmental Policy and our International Climate Finance Policy programs. Our Foreign Policy and Democracy Intern works on our Foreign & Security Policy and Democracy programs. Our Global Transition Intern works on our Global Development Policy and Digital Policy programs.
We encourage our interns to take active roles in our office's work, bringing their experiences to bear. We also work to make sure they are able to attend events across DC, including think tanks, advocacy organizations, and grassroots events.
Internship Components
Basic Requirements
- experience in at least one of our program areas
- a genuine interest in the values and mission of the foundation
- competent command of English (German is not a requirement)
- a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week for 3 to 6 months (part-time only on a case-by-case basis)
- at least 2 years of university-level experience
- currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program OR recent (< 1 year) Bachelor's degree recipients
Applications from mid-career professionals or applicants who have already completed a Master's or Ph.D. will not be accepted.
Administrative Responsibilities
- provide logistical support for preparation and implementation of visitor programs and events
- manage front desk duties (i.e. answer telephones, respond to information inquiries)
- manage contact and program-specific databases
Communications
- develop social media content and communications strategies
- update content on our website and blogs
Research
- conduct background research on topical issues and current events
- prepare research for upcoming events, tours, and speaker's series
Capstone Project
In addition to routine tasks, interns are required to complete a capstone project on a topic of their choosing. Capstones can be one extensive piece or a combination of the following:
- 5-10 page policy paper (see an example paper here).
- interview with a policy expert (either article or video)
- script for a 2-3 min explanatory video
- series of short blog pieces or op-eds
Benefits
- a monthly stipend of $700 for full-time positions and proportionally less for part-time
- 5 paid vacation days per 3 month period for full-time internships
- most of the costs associated with a visa application can be covered by the foundation
NOTE: Washington, DC is an expensive city. While we are working to make our internships more accessible, we highly encourage applicants to apply for external funding and scholarships.
Diversity and inclusion are among the top priorities of the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.
In your application, please adhere to common US application standards. Do not include unnecessary information such as a photograph in your application.
Please apply via BambooHR. Applications submitted elsewhere cannot be considered.
