Internships

The Commonwealth Foundation offers Public Policy and Government Affairs Internships! We usually accept applications for part-time and full-time interns year round for three sessions. We accept both students and graduates.

We are currently accepting applications for Spring and Summer 2025.  To apply, use the link at the bottom of this page. 

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.

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.

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 below from previous interns about the value of a CF internship.

Working as an intern for the Commonwealth Foundation was a fantastic opportunity. I was able to gain firsthand experience doing research for relevant projects, writing policy blogs, and interacting with various lawmakers. The staff is patient and more than willing to help when you have questions or issues. Working here really helped solidify that this is the career field I want to be a part of. You don’t just do simplistic tasks. The work you do here is important to the greater picture, and you know what you are doing will make a real difference for Pennsylvania. Everyone can benefit from this internship!

Nicholas Assi

The Commonwealth Foundation internship provides an environment to help you grow. During my time at CF, the professional development workshops, relationships gained, and skills learned were the result of working with others who wanted to see me succeed. I always felt like my work had purpose and recommend this internship to anyone looking to grow and make an impact.

Ben Slate

I loved my time at Commonwealth Foundation! I enjoyed working with the friendly and patient staff, and the projects I completed like writing articles and sending letters to newspaper editors improved my writing and research skills. I recommend this internship to anyone, and you will not be disappointed!

Micah Pepper

Commonwealth Foundation stretched and challenged me, and helped me grow into a professional ready for the workplace. I not only got to experience key moments in Pennsylvania’s capitol, but I also built a strong network with the folks at CF, people that would help me with anything at a moment’s notice. Apply for the internship, you never know where it will take you but you know that it will matter.

Alena X. Ricci

Interning at CF is a great opportunity for anyone interested in policy work, legal work, state government, media, non-profits, or just Pennsylvania in general. I learnt to be a more thorough researcher, targeted writer, and advocate in the state government for free-market policies. CF has an admirable set of goals and great staff members working on them. There are also lots of professional development opportunities provided by staff members in their key areas that are very educational and useful. Not to mention the beautiful location right outside the Capitol! I highly recommend this internship if you want to do hands-on policy work and see real changes in a better Pennsylvania.” 

Sakina Haji

The Commonwealth Foundation is doing the work that our state needs. CF’s internship program has given me some great experiences and opportunities to learn and put my values into action. I very much enjoyed working with such dedicated, intelligent, and professional people, and I would highly recommend this internship for anyone interested in government, policy, or politics, and advancing the free market values that are the basis of human liberty and prosperity.

Kris Malysz

My goal is to be a force in the free-market world. CF is allowing me an entrance into that world, and a rounded knowledge base of running a non-profit. While here I have learned the importance of not only policy writing, but also the importance of communications and government affairs.

Andrew Ryan

What I most enjoy here is working with a group of people who are motivated, courteous, and professional. The location next to the Capitol is ideal for networking and understanding how the legislative process works. The lunch options aren’t too bad either.

Andrew Becker

Interning with CF has granted me the flexibility to pursue my college education while fighting for free-market principals. At CF, I love that everyone is driven by the organization’s values, which gives purpose to everything (even the mundane tasks).  I’m also honored to work alongside dedicated staff committed to enriching the commonwealth with public polices backed up by credible research.  If you’re looking for a great work environment, an intellectually stimulating job, and a look into a non-profit organization, CF is the place for you.” 

Ben Byler

You can apply here.