Environmental Policy Internship
The Mackinac Center’s Environmental Policy Initiative seeks assistance in collecting and analyzing raw research materials on the health and well-being of Michigan’s natural environment. Research findings will serve as the foundation for Environmental Policy Initiative work on the state of Good Neighbor Authority activities in Michigan’s national forests and electric utility regulation and activities in Michigan. Research findings will help to shape the public debate and to encourage environmental policy that promotes both a clean and healthy environment, as well as a strong and vibrant economy.
A love for the natural environment and an understanding of (or desire to learn about) free-market environmentalism, as well as an interest in natural sciences, economics and government transparency and accountability will be an asset. A strong commitment to, and recognition of, the value of abundant, affordable, reliable energy to human flourishing is vital.
Potential interns should have a careful and thorough approach to reviewing complex scientific, regulatory, and legislative data, and be able to pick out pertinent information from detailed resources. While a curriculum major in environmental (or natural) sciences, politics or economics will be helpful, it is not required; students from all subject areas are encouraged to apply.
The purposes of the Mackinac Center Summer Internship Program
- To engage extra support from students on work that advances the Mackinac Center’s mission;
- To introduce students to and connect them with the ideals of liberty and the network of organizations committed to advancing the free market perspective;
- To expand the pool of potential staff for free market organizations like the Mackinac Center.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for the Summer Internship Program, students must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Full-time college student, recent college graduate (within six months of graduation date), or a person seeking a first-work experience with a free market think tank;
- Must be at least 18 years old;
- A solid reputation for honest and ethical conduct;
- Above average written and oral communication skills;
- Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, while also being able to self-motivate and maintain focus on necessary tasks;
- Professional personal appearance and hygiene;
- Above average inter-personal skills;
- Please note that a curriculum major in the area of political science or economics in NOT a requirement. We hire interns from a variety of subject areas.
Valuable Characteristics
The following special skills and characteristics will give students expanded opportunity for achievement during their internship:
- Knowledge of political and economic philosophy and theory, especially in the classical liberal tradition;
- Awareness of current civic affairs;
- Students desiring to write for publication should demonstrate excellent writing skills and substantial writing experience;
- Creativity and enthusiasm.
This internship provides an opportunity to work at a premiere state-based free-market public policy research and educational organization and to attend various skills and career development programs such as our Intern University, and trips to the State Capitol & Supreme Court, The Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Review, Issues & Ideas events and various staff and intern outings.
The employment term is a minimum of 10 full-time weeks between May and August (flexibility in start and end dates). Intern positions are on-site, are compensated at the rate of $15.50 per hour and may be eligible for a housing stipend in the amount of $250 per month. Interns are employed on an at-will basis.
Please submit a resume, a cover letter and a 700-word essay on any policy issue to the intern coordinator by March 26, 2023. If you wish to be considered for multiple positions, more than one essay is not required, but we do request a cover letter for each position with your department choices listed in order of preference.
Email application materials to intern@mackinac.org or mail to:
Christine Bowerson
Director of Operations/Intern Coordinator
Mackinac Center for Public Policy
140 West Main Street
P.O. Box 568
Midland, MI 48640-0568