Government and External Affairs Intern

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

Overview

Cato's Public Affairs team connects the institute's research to policymakers at the federal and state levels—preparing materials for congressional hearings, briefing Hill staff, distributing scholarship across policy portfolios, and monitoring legislative and regulatory developments in real time. 

Interns collaborate with the entire team, assisting both federal affairs directors and the state relations team. The work progresses rapidly, deadlines are tight, and the materials interns prepare are utilized by committee witnesses, senior staff, and Cato scholars during live Hill sessions.

Prior experience on Capitol Hill is required; applicants lacking this should consider other opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Monitor daily news, Cato scholarship, and Cato references in government documents and policymaker statements; prepare clear written summaries for staff.
• Research legislator backgrounds, policy positions, and issue-area viewpoints to support engagement strategies and targeted outreach — including cross-cutting projects mapping congressional and media perspectives on priority issues
• Prepare briefing materials and hearing documentation for scholars appearing as committee witnesses or participating in Hill events.
• Develop and distribute policy materials to congressional offices and state policymakers.
• Attend hearings, briefings, and panels, and prepare written summaries and event reports for the team.
• Support department record-keeping, including managing Excel spreadsheets, contact databases, and tracking tools.
• Staff Capitol Hill events and assist with deliveries and logistical coordination as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a House or Senate member's office, committee staff, or congressional leadership office.
• Knowledge of congressional rules, procedures, and operations gained through direct experience.
• Exceptional writing for policy audiences — clear, concise, and accurate; thorough proofreading and copyediting under deadline pressure.
• Proficiency with Congress.gov and common legislative research tools for monitoring bills, amendments, and member records.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard productivity tools for database management and reporting.
• Demonstrated alignment with Cato's principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work involves sensitive relationships and time-sensitive deliverables that require consistent follow-through. Interns should expect to take initiative in clarifying project goals and defining success, rather than waiting for detailed direction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in multiple offices, committee roles, or both House and Senate settings.
• Knowledge of state legislative procedures and policy networks at the state level.
• Prior experience in preparing hearing materials, floor summaries, or legislative briefings in a professional setting.
   

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC.

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.