Government Affairs Intern

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

Cato’s Government Affairs team works to provide policymakers with the best information and intellectual support possible to advance the values of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. As an intern on the Government Affairs team, you will be responsible for assisting your colleagues with Cato’s outreach efforts to policymakers, officials, and their staff. This includes producing both daily and weekly briefings and following various policy developments of interest to Cato scholars and staff. You will also compose research briefs and attend and provide readouts of briefings, committee hearings, and other events.

Workload

• Track and report on daily news, Cato scholarship, Cato mentions of policymakers, and Cato mentions in government documents and sources.
• Assist with department record-keeping efforts, including the maintenance of Excel spreadsheets
• Attend and provide readouts of briefings, hearings, and other events as directed
• Conduct applied research on legislation, regulation, and legislator backgrounds
• Create and distribute materials to policymakers
• Other related duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications

• Clear interest in government affairs and translating academic work into policy change
• Exceptional writing and interpersonal skills
• Strong proofreading and copyediting skills
• Strong attention to detail

Since 1977, the Cato Institute has been one of the most effective voices in Washington, DC, advocating individual liberty. From media appearances in major outlets, conferences, and book publishing to top-quality research and engagement on Capitol Hill and with key agencies, Cato has successfully injected the libertarian perspective into mainstream policy debates in Washington, DC, and across the country.  

About the Cato Internship Program

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

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

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

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

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