Excellent work environment, helpful intern programming, interesting research projects. Good to get opportunities to meet with the PhD. scholars who were overseeing the projects, which were mostly done by my direct supervisor (an RA at the think-tank)
What I wish was different
A large amount of the work was remote due to COVID which made communication more difficult and the intern experience less informative as a whole
Advice
Great experience for those interested in further research work!
1
One person found this helpful
Health Policy Research Intern
June 2020 • Washington, DC
What I liked
All of the scholars, research assistants, and other employees at AEI were so encouraging, inspiring, and passionate. I loved the work I did and the team members I got to work with. Everyone is very driven and caring.
What I wish was different
Advice
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One person found this helpful
Accountant Intern
June - August 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Very clean and professional office space. They provided breakfast and lunch every day at work which was a great way to save money.
What I wish was different
I wish that there had been more mentorship and inter-intern collaboration.
Advice
If you are looking to work at a nonpartisan think tank, interning at AEI is a great place. I would recommend reaching out to the talent development team and having a call with them beforehand to gauge whether it is an experience that you would enjoy/ whether your ethos aligns with that of the institute. In addition, pay close attention to the scholar and research assistant you apply to work under because they will control the quality of your experience.
1
One person found this helpful
Junior Analyst
June - August 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Great environment to learn and ask questions. AEI provided free breakfast and lunch everyday.
What I wish was different
I wish the internship was longer. We go through two full weeks of training in order to start the internship, but we really only get a really good grasp of all the concepts by the end of the internship. If the internship was longer we would be able to fully apply all we have learned and be more efficient in our work as interns.
Advice
It takes a lot of practice after training, so make sure to take good notes and constantly apply all the concepts and tools learned. Also ask questions, everyone is really nice and wants you to succeed.
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Values and Capitalism Intern
June - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
The experience of living in D.C. and working at such a rigorous, premier institution such as AEI was phenomenal. The work I did mattered, and I learned so much.
What I wish was different
Advice
Work hard and live above reproach - in D.C., your reputation is of the highest importance.
3
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Research Intern for the Program on American Citizenship
August 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
A composite of rigorous expectations and diverse responsibilities, balanced by ample resources and encouraging supervisors, made for a highly rewarding experience. Immense opportunities to hone acumen in policy analysis through autonomous, meaningful project based work
What I wish was different
No substantial misgivings with the experience, exact quality of internship experience dependent upon the character and objectives of the program one works for
Advice
Embrace unanticipated opportunities to contribute and actively engage with research staff and scholar. Doing so allows access to a uniquely stimulating and convivial intellectual environment
3
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Development Intern
September - December 2016 • Washington, DC
What I liked
The experience and the atmosphere.
What I wish was different
Advice
Don't be afraid to intern somewhere just because other people tell you they wouldn't intern somewhere. Your experience is what you make of it, so if you want it to be a good experience it will be. But if you want to believe it will be bad, it will represent that -- but because you let.
5
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Academic Programs Assistant
June - August 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I loved meeting people in the field and I absolutely loved connecting with high profile workers. I got hands on work experience in one of the most prestigious think tanks in D.C and I was able to make tons of connections while also enjoying the fun of D.C.
What I wish was different
I wish I had done more to prove myself and work harder. D.C is so much fun so it is very easy to get distracted in your work and from your priorities.
Advice
Always ask questions and always show your best face when you walk into your internship. Open up, relax, and never be afraid to introduce yourself to people who work around you.
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Poverty Studies Intern
September 2016 - May 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Always busy with meaningful work, tons of career support, access to every scholar at the institute and many of their colleagues, weekly lectures with a diverse set of scholars, free catered breakfast and lunches, friendly staff that truly cares about your professional growth.
