Opportunities

The Survey Center on American Life is a project of the American Enterprise Institute. Our dedicated team conducts original survey research to examine how cultural, political, and technological changes affect the lives of everyday Americans.

Interested in joining the team? Please see below for opportunities.

Internships are available at the Survey Center on American Life for the Fall, Spring, and Summer to experienced undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates.

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Fall Intern: Survey Center on American Life

The American Enterprise Institute seeks an intern who will assist Senior Fellow Daniel A. Cox, director of the Survey Center on American Life. Dr. Cox is an expert on polling and public opinion and specializes in survey research, politics, generational change and identity, and religion. The intern will have the opportunity to work on a range of public opinion projects and gain exposure to various survey analysis techniques and polling methodologies, with an emphasis on studying the growing gender divide in public opinion among young people for a forthcoming book by Dr. Cox.

Applicants should be eager to understand the way cultural and political changes are shaping the lives of ordinary Americans. The intern will assist with research that goes beyond national policy debates to offer a more complete picture of the way Americans live, work, and socialize. This internship will involve background research, questionnaire design, editing, data visualization, and data analysis. Research topics change every semester, with a broad focus on politics, religion, and social connection.

The ideal candidate will have an educational background in political science, statistics, or a related field; strong research abilities; some data experience; curiosity; and a self-directed work ethic. Experience with Stata, SPSS Statistics, or another statistical software and experience and interest in social media (specifically X) are preferred.

The start dates for the fall program are September 9 and September 16. While the AEI Internship Program and all related programming will take place in-person in Washington, DC this fall, virtual interns may be accepted on a case by case basis. Please include your preferred start date and note your in-person/virtual preference in your cover letter.  Please note that a cover letter and writing sample are both required, in order for your application to be considered complete.

About AEI Internships

AEI internships offer a unique opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates to gain experience in research, writing, business, and communications at one of the nation’s leading think tanks. Competitive candidates will generally have a 3.4 GPA or higher from a top-ranking college or university. The AEI internship program runs 12 weeks. Please see the internship program home page for updates about the program.

Interested in applying? Complete your application here.