Count the Money. Make Change.
"Working at the Center was hands-down the best internship I've ever had. The Center gave me the experience and guidance I needed to break into the field of political journalism. Without a doubt, my work at the Center gave me the edge and skill set I needed to land my first job as a reporter. It's hard to imagine an organization that could provide a better entree into the way Washington works. What's more, understanding how to trace the money behind politics is valuable in any sector of public policy."
--Eliza Krigman, Fall '08 reporting intern currently with Politico
If you'd like to learn how to serve the perfect cup of coffee, the Center for Responsive Politics won't be for you. But if you're looking for a challenging public-interest internship that will turn you into a detective in our nation's capital, send your résumé our way. Here at the Center we track the money and other elite influences in politics, the behind-the-scenes forces shaping the government policies that affect each of us every day. Which members of congressional finance committees have benefited the most from contributions from the companies looking for a chunk of bailout money? How much money are lobbyists spending to bend legislation in their favor, and which industries do they represent? How much personal money do our lawmakers have invested in companies that do tens of millions of dollars worth of business with the government itself? As a reporting or research intern at the Center, you'll help us answer questions like these to inform voters and keep our politicians honest.
REPORTING INTERNSHIP: Cover politics in the nation's capital
"Interning with CRP during the summer of 2009 was a remarkably educational and enjoyable experience. I had the opportunity to report on complex and dramatic political debates--on health care, climate change, and financial policy--that were transpiring mere blocks away in Congress. I was able to get a first-hand look at the legislative process, and also learned a great deal about the interests that play a major role in federal elections. You have to love politics in order to enjoy a CRP internship. For those of us who do, it's a can't miss."
--Aaron Kiersh, Columbia University, Summer '09 reporting intern
"My only regret about taking on a CRP internship is that I didn't skip classes to spend more time at the office. Not only did I learn so much about the fascinating world of money in politics, but I became a better writer in the process. The communications department trusts their interns to report the money in politics angle of major news stories, and I had the opportunity to see my own work picked up by larger publications. CRP is a unique and vital organization; being part of it was an unforgettable experience"
--Cassandra LaRussa, George Washington University, Spring '10 reporting intern
As a news reporting intern, you will illustrate how money influences politics and government. Interns' responsibilities include writing breaking news items and longer in-depth articles for the OpenSecrets Blog on OpenSecrets.org. Interns will also write articles about specific industries and special interests and how the money they pump into politics is designed to affect policy.
You'll talk to people feeling the affect of federal policy, and to lobbyists, politicians, lawyers and other prominent Washingtonians, to get the scoop on where the money's coming from -- and where it's going.
Other elements of a reporting intern's job is to write money-in-politics profiles on issues and industries, help research for and write news alerts and promote our award-winning work.
Our reporting interns depart with clips that demonstrate their strong writing skills and political knowledge, the name of a well-respected (and staunchly nonpartisan) Washington organization on their résumé and, sometimes, job offers at news organizations or with other employers.
This job requires a steep learning curve and great curiosity, as you'll immediately launch into original reporting based on trends in our original research, current events or a story pitch that you generate.
Qualified interns will demonstrate strong writing and reporting skills, political knowledge (or at least an interest in and ability to learn about politics) and an enthusiasm for creating a more healthy democracy.
Experience with web design, video, photography, spreadsheets and databases is helpful but not required.
Undergraduates and graduate students are welcomed to apply.
To apply, send a cover letter, résumé, 3-5 writing samples and three references to jobs+intern+comm@crp.org. Specify your interest in the "reporting internship."
RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS: Seek the Secrets in the Numbers
"An internship at CRP provided me with an exciting opportunity to understand the intricacies of money in politics. Nearly every day I was able to work with tremendous amounts of data, giving me firsthand knowledge of special interest groups and lobbies in Washington."
--Rich Remedio, Catholic University, Spring '08 research intern
"Interning at the Center for Responsive Politics was one of the highlights of my undergraduate career. I was able to do substantive research involving everything from lobbying to advertisements in the Metro."
--Abigail Stecker, Chapman University, Summer '07 research intern
Research interns work alongside the Center's full-time staff to perform the organization's most important task: identifying and cataloging the interests and agendas behind the money that changes hands in Washington. Past interns have helped expand the Center's Revolving Door database of government officials-turned-lobbyists, monitored the lobbying activity of specific legislation before Congress and retrieve congressional members' financial reports. Other research projects relate to updating the database that tracks the millions of dollars in individual contributions, as well as assisting in research requests from reporters and academics. Here's the scoop on each major project:
Revolving Door: The Center maintains a database of 7,500 individuals — and counting — that have either transitioned from government to the private sector or done the opposite. Revolving Door is meant to help the public learn who's who in the Washington influence industry, and to uncover how these individuals' government connections afford them privileged access to those in power. Research interns track the comings and goings of government officials and private sector professionals and update the Revolving Door accordingly.
Specific Issues: Lobbyists earn billions of dollars each year to promote or oppose specific pieces of legislation before Congress, but little is known about the details of these lobbying efforts — and even less finds its way into the public record. This project exists to fill this gap. Interns help enter and apply industrial codes to our data so that the public can see just who exactly is behind the Farm Bill, the FISA extension and other pieces of hot-button legislation and just how much they're paying to push through their agendas.
So you think you've got what it takes to follow the money in Washington? Qualified research interns will be quick learners who can think on their feet. Knowledge of Microsoft Access is helpful but not necessary, as training is provided (all research interns will have a good sense of this program once they've spent a few months with us!). Previous work with data and any political knowledge will also be an asset.
To apply, send a cover letter, résumé and three references to jobs+intern+research@crp.org.
IT INTERN:
The Center for Responsive Politics is looking for an intern to collaborate with a small talented team of technicians who bring the award winning web site, OpenSecrets.org, to life and keep the internal network operating efficiently and reliably. We are a small but prolific non-profit dedicated to creating a more educated voter, an involved citizenry and a more transparent and responsive government.
Our resources are scarce and our needs are many, so we will consider applicants with a variety of skills and interests: Android or iPhone app development, web application development, data visualization, dynamic charting and mapping, data scraping and parsing and network maintenance.
Our technologies include Microsoft NT and SQL Server, Apache, PHP, CSS, jQuery, MySQL, and more. This is a unique opportunity to work for an organization where scalability is critical in an internally hosted environment. If you're a student who understands the American political system, can contribute but also wants to learn new skills, we'd be happy to talk to you.
The position includes a stipend for the summer and continued part-time employment during the school year is possible. We can promise you a compelling summer where you can make a difference by contributing to more transparency in our government. To apply, please send us your résumé as well as a cover letter explaining what you’d be interested in doing for us and why: jobs+it_intern@crp.org
APPLICATION PROCESS
Details: Typically, two to six interns are hired each semester and each summer. In the spring and fall, interns typically work part-time for academic credit only, plus a travel stipend. In the summer, full-time interns are hired for 32-40 hours per week and can choose to receive academic credit OR a stipend. The Center also reimburses for Metro travel.
Applications: See above, based on the type of internship you're interested in. There is no application form. Following each deadline the Center will select applicants to interview. Interviews are conducted at the Center if the student is in D.C. or by phone if he or she is not. People of diverse backgrounds encouraged to apply.
Because of the large volume of resumes we are unable to personally acknowledge the status of every applicant. After a job application is received, it is reviewed and routed to the appropriate department for consideration. Only finalists will be contacted. Applicants may, however, check the status of their application through an email to jobs+intern@crp.org.
Deadlines:
Fall: July 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: February 1
