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Spring Intern: National Security Strategy, Pentagon Budgeting, and the US Defense Industrial Base

AEI
Washington, DC Intern
POSTED ON 11/3/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/3/2027

Overview

The American Enterprise Institute seeks an intern to assist with research and writing on a wide range of national security and defense issues. Interns will support the work of Senior Fellows Elaine McCusker, Todd Harrison, and William C. Greenwalt, and Nonresident Senior Fellow John G. Ferrari, and the Defense Futures Simulator.

 

Key responsibilities may include:

  • Conducting quantitative research and modeling of the US Defense Department’s budget;
  • Compiling research memos on topics pertaining to the US Defense Department recruiting and retention, US defense industrial base, US National Security Strategy, and US Space Policy
  • Collecting, estimating, or reviewing data on specific programs within the US Defense Department
  • Contributing language for op-eds and reports published in external media outlets and through the American Enterprise Institute.

Besides possessing a strong interest in defense and national security issues, candidates should be organized, detail oriented, and able to write concisely. Candidates must also have experience researching in academic settings or in previous professional environments. Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required. Candidates who are able to participate in the program on an in-person basis for 25-40 hours per week are encouraged to apply.

 

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 GPA of 3.5 or higher from a top-ranking college or university. AEI’s internship program runs for 12 weeks, and all related programming will take place in-person in Washington, DC. Please see the internship program home page for updates about the program.

 

The spring program dates are either Tuesday, January 12, to Friday, April 2, or Tuesday, January 19, to Friday, April 9.

 

Hourly Wage Estimation for Spring Intern: National Security Strategy, Pentagon Budgeting, and the US Defense Industrial Base in Washington, DC
$32.00 to $44.00
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