Careers
Internships
The Commonwealth Foundation offers Public Policy, Government Affairs, and Development Internships! We usually accept applications for part-time and full-time interns year round for three sessions. We accept both students and graduates.
Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead
The deadlines for receiving applications are by close of business on the following dates:
Spring session: November 1*
Summer session: March 1
Fall session: June 1*
*We accept applications for Spring and Fall sessions until quality candidates are chosen.
Ideal candidates will have an interest in public policy; be articulate, well-organized, familiar with state politics and policy; understand basic research methods; be an excellent writer; and eager to advance the cause of personal and economic liberty. Candidates should also be capable of creating and clearly articulating the stories of liberty that convince Pennsylvanians of the merits of free-market policies.
Those with public policy, political science, economics, history, communications, journalism and pre-law backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants should embrace the core principles of a free society, share the values of the Foundation, and be capable of excelling in an intellectually stimulating and fast-paced work environment.
Public Policy Internship
The public policy intern works directly with our leading policy experts in all of our issue areas. They gain exposure to top-notch research and important writing projects. The intern will be part of important projects that define the tone of the rest of the organization.
Communications Internship
The communications intern will work directly with the entire communications and marketing teams on op-eds, issue campaigns, and special projects including media tracking. Writing, whether for the website or for external publication, and social media research will be important parts of the communications intern’s time at Commonwealth Foundation. The intern will gain a deep understanding of all communications functions and attend meetings across the organization that pertain to communications projects.
Government Affairs Internship
The government affairs intern will work directly with CF's government affairs team in our Harrisburg office, steps away from the Capitol. Attend committee hearings, follow floor proceedings, and gain experience tracking legislation, conducting legislative research and managing government affairs meetings.
Development Internship
The development intern will work directly with CF's development team and his/her work will focus on research, relationship building, and written and verbal communication.
To Apply
To apply for our internship, please visit our Career Center.
You are required to submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for two (2) references. We recommend combining into one pdf document and uploading with your resume.
"My time at CF has been an invaluable experience. I’ve learned so much about state politics, public policy, and the world of think tanks broadly. CF provides its interns with real, hands-on experience in policy, communications, and government affairs—a coffee gopher I was not. I had a chance to make real contributions to a cause in which I believe, all while surrounded by a staff that embraces a culture of teamwork and collaboration. If you’re ready for a challenging, rewarding experience advancing liberty, this internship is for you." - Former CF Intern Samuel Leach
Read more from previous interns about the value of a CF internship.