Spring 2026, Research Internship, China Center, Foreign Policy (Job ID 2026-3727)

Overview

Thinking about a career in public policy? Committed to improving the world we live in? Think Brookings - one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

Interns spend approximately 12 weeks working alongside leading experts in government and academia from all over the world. Brookings also offers students the opportunity to intern in departments such as communications, human resources and central operations management. The mission of the Internship Program is to provide students with a pre-professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work experience related to their field of study or career interest. Students engage in career exploration and development as well as learn new skills. 

Interns will have the opportunity to attend meetings, think tank events, professional development workshops, and public Brookings events.  In addition, interns will have the opportunity to network with other interns throughout the Institution. 

This internship is an opportunity for undergraduate students in their junior or senior year and graduate students pursuing a master's degree with an interest in Chinese political, social and economic issues to apply principles and theory learned in the classroom in a professional environment. PhD students are not eligible for internships; please visit our Careers page for current open positions. This internship pays an hourly rate of $18.00, and applicants must be willing to commit to a minimum number of hours per week (no less than 24 hours per week, during regular business hours), with some flexibility around an academic course schedule. 

To learn more about Brookings research programs, click here. 

Position Location: This is a hybrid opportunity. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of remote work. Remote work applicants may not work from the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. Please only apply if you can live and work in states other than those listed above for the duration of the internship. 

Responsibilities

Interns will have the opportunity to assist in the center’s research projects; compile, edit, and proofread interviews, speeches, and published articles of the center’s scholars; collect and organize data and information in both Chinese and English as needed; and arrange all research-relevant documents, reports and publications. Interns may contribute to ongoing projects including editing and proofreading book manuscripts on U.S.-China relations and Chinese foreign policy; conducting background research on U.S.-China relations and Chinese leadership politics; monitoring subject matter developments related to ongoing track II dialogues on U.S.-China relations, economics and trade, and artificial intelligence; and assisting with logistics for various events. Interns should leave the internship with a better understanding of how to conduct high quality research, interact with top scholars in the field, and identify key areas in need of public policy research. 

Interns will also gain first-hand experience in public policy and international affairs by assisting in the logistical planning and implementation of conferences, roundtables, briefings, and other meetings, monitoring other foreign policy events, and general administrative support. Additionally, they may also assist the center’s scholars on research tasks on an as-needed basis. 

Qualifications

Education/Knowledge/Skills:

Undergraduate students in their junior or senior year, or graduate students (pursuing a masters degree) working towards a degree in a relevant field (i.e. international relations, China studies, etc.) are encouraged to apply. Additionally, qualified applicants will have a demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas: Chinese political, social and economic issues and U.S. foreign policy in the region. 

Previous editing and proofreading experience is required and demonstrated strong research skills are preferred. Additionally, fluency in English is required and Mandarin Chinese language skills are desirable. 

Additional Information: 

This internship requires you to be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for interning at Brookings. 

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please submit your resume as instructed and include your cover letter as a separate attachment when you apply. You are required to submit/attach a separate cover letter for each internship application. Your cover letter should highlight your educational experience and skills, along with an explanation of how this internship will contribute to your professional goals. Please address your cover letter to Hiring Manager.  

If selected as a finalist for the internship, you will be required to submit two letters of recommendation or provide two professional references.   

Please note: Applications will be accepted until November 1, 2025. Applications not completed and submitted by the application deadline date will not be considered. Your application is considered complete when you receive an email confirming that your application was successfully submitted. 

As you are applying, please be sure to click here to learn more about the Brookings Internship Program, deadlines, and directions on how to successfully submit your internship application(s).  

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.