This is the final article in our four-part think tank guide (part 1, part 2, part 3).

How would you actually go about applying to—and getting—a think tank job?

Which jobs should you apply to? 

Some of the first questions you will encounter in your job search are (1) how widely to cast your net and (2) what criteria to use to assess whether specific think tanks and jobs are the right fit for you. These are difficult questions to answer in the abstract, but here are some suggestions that might be helpful.

One idea to explore is whether it’s possible for you to bring your own funding (e.g. via a policy fellowship) to ease your job search process. But for regular job applications, which we’ll focus on in this section, perhaps our primary recommendation is to apply broadly. One reason to do this is that think tank jobs are generally very competitive. As one junior think tank staffer writes:

My primary advice would be to apply everywhere…As you mention, the D.C. national security arena is hard to break into. I think getting your foot in the door is really important, but too often I find fresh college grads self-select out of certain roles. So unless you’re sure you don’t want to work in a certain space, perhaps for political or work culture preferences, I recommend applying. And relatedly: don’t lose morale when rejections come in. I was rejected from at least five CSIS positions before even landing an interview.

Applying broadly especially makes sense when one of your reasons to get a think tank job is professional development (see Part 1), which we expect to be true for many readers of this post, especially those early in their careers. The skills you can gain in a think tank job—writing, communication, project management, etc.—are highly transferable across policy areas. Once you get your foot in the door, you can quickly gain experience, skills, and mentors/sponsors, all of which could later help you pivot into other roles that are more closely aligned with your interests.

This also means you probably shouldn’t limit yourself to roles directly related to emerging technology areas, even if you want to work in policy on those topics long-term. Think tank jobs that are purely focused on AI, biosecurity, etc. will be very rare. And by focusing your short-term search only on those areas, you may actually limit your ability to make a medium-term difference in the field by missing important professional development opportunities. Many of the best ideas will come from combining your interest in your policy area(s) with in-depth knowledge of other policy domains.

Take two examples. If you build expertise at the intersection of AI and federal R&D policy, you could be one of the few people able to come up with actionable plans to improve AI research funding. Or, if you know about both biosecurity and government procurement, you’d be well-positioned to help improve the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) in the federal, state, and local public sector. If the policy area that your first think tank job is focused on is not itself in emerging technology policy but still relevant, like federal R&D policy or government procurement, you can later turn this into a unique niche where you’re more likely to have a large counterfactual impact.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should apply indiscriminately. If you want to eventually focus on biosecurity, working in a national security-related program is probably preferable to working in education policy. If you have absolutely no interest in a job, skip it. You should also do at least some minimal CV and cover letter tailoring for each application, which will quickly become impractical if you’re applying to too many jobs.

Other factors to consider when narrowing down what jobs you apply to:

1. Who are your boss and closest colleagues? Do the people who you’re likely to work with seem kind or have a good reputation? Are they potential mentor or “sponsor” material (see Part 1)? If the job involves working for or with a particular scholar, look up podcast interviews or events they’ve done to get an impression of their personality. At think tanks you’ll usually work closely with only a handful of people, even if there are lots of people listed on the website; unless the job description suggests otherwise, you can probably ignore adjunct/non-resident staff when doing background research (see Part 3). 
2. What are your day-to-day activities? Will your job involve doing tasks that you think you will enjoy, or that you want to get better at? As noted in Part 3, think tanks do a lot more than just research and many roles involve a wide range of responsibilities. The skills you develop—more so than the topic or policy area that you focus on initially—will open or close doors for you in the future. So pay close attention to what’s in the job description. 
3. What value does the think tank or program place on staff development? At some think tanks, interns or research assistants mainly ghostwrite for senior scholars, meaning they don’t usually get by-lines on the articles they write. This makes it much harder to build up a reputation and writing portfolio. On the flipside, other think tanks are known for giving junior researchers great opportunities. All else equal, it’s a lot better to be at a place that prioritizes staff development. 
4. Is the think tank explicitly partisan or high-risk in some other way? As noted in Part 2, some think tanks have clear political profiles. This is not a bad thing per se, but you should go in with eyes open. Working at a partisan think tank may make it harder to get certain policy jobs later, especially when the other party controls the White House or Congress. Another risk factor to consider is whether a think tank has a low-quality reputation or is seen as “in the pockets” of special interests (e.g. foreign governments, corporate donors).

Some of this information you can get through simple online searches (e.g. the political reputation of a think tank), but other things you will almost certainly have to learn about via word of mouth. Look at your extended network to see if you know anyone who knows anyone who has worked at think tanks, especially ones you’re interested in. Make liberal use of resources like your university career service or alumni network, or other professional communities you’re part of. 

Finding specific opportunities

Unfortunately, a think tank job search will probably require you to track a large number of individual think tank job pages. We don’t know of any high-quality and frequently-updated aggregation websites that capture most DC think tank job postings.¹

The largest think tanks—those with hundreds of employees, such as Brookings, CSIS, or the Urban Institute (links to job pages)—may have two or three dozen job openings at any given time. That sounds like a lot, but most of those will be for non-research roles (administration, fundraising, communications, etc.) or for junior research roles. Opportunities for non-entry-level research positions may be rare even at these large think tanks (see Part 3). Most think tanks are smaller (dozens or even just a handful of full-time staff), and will have proportionally fewer job openings.

Almost all full-time think tank jobs (especially junior or mid-level positions) are filled through an open and competitive hiring process. But, as discussed elsewhere in this post, you can also proactively create your own opportunities, either by networking and getting your foot in the door with an adjunct/non-resident affiliation or by organizing your own fellowship funding. In those cases, hiring happens on an ad hoc basis and you wouldn’t be competing with potentially hundreds of other applicants.

Internship programs

For general advice, see our Policy internship guide. For students and recent graduates, think tank internships are an excellent way to both assess your fit for policy work and boost your competitiveness for full-time policy jobs, both inside or outside of think tanks (they’re also assets for e.g. entry-level congressional roles). As an intern in a research program, you will generally be tasked with a combination of research, communications, and operations-type work, not unlike entry-level full-time jobs (see Part 3). You can also intern on external or internal affairs teams.

We strongly recommend interning, even after graduation, if you’re unable to secure a full-time job. But know that DC think tank internships are notoriously competitive. You may need to apply to many positions in order to secure one, and you probably have a better shot if you’re in a graduate program—it’s common for think tank interns to be master’s students, or even recent master’s graduates. Students at DC universities generally have an advantage in applying for internships, as their career offices have a lot of experience supporting students with these applications. If you are a student applying to think tank internships, definitely make use of career services available to you; your university may have a Semester in DC program with staff who are connected to think tank (and other DC) hiring managers.

Some think tanks run named internship programs with permanent webpages and open applications on a regular cycle (often following a semester schedule). However, most think tanks and programs offer internships on an ad hoc basis (e.g. only at times when funding is available or projects are ramping up). The availability and timing of opportunities can therefore be somewhat unpredictable; the only way to spot these is to track the relevant intern or jobs pages. 

Succeeding in the application process 

So, you’ve found some promising openings and you’re ready to start applying. How can you improve your chances of actually getting a job?

One tip is to emphasize your skills rather than accomplishments. As one PhD graduate who transitioned into the think tank world reflected:

When I started applying for jobs outside of academia, one of the toughest things I had to do was to translate my academic CV into a resume. While a CV showcases your accomplishments, e.g., publications, awards, conference presentations, a resume focuses on skills, namely, it tells your potential employer what you can do, e.g., research, analyze, synthesize, code, design surveys, teach, present in front of diverse audiences, write and publish impactful work, speak a foreign language, coordinate multi-stakeholder workshops, conduct qualitative interviews, etc. Translating your graduate school accomplishments into a skill set is harder than it sounds, so the earlier you start the better. Doing so will allow you to figure out your strengths as well as identify your areas of weakness while you still have some time to work on those.

To get a sense of skill demands for particular roles, be sure to read the job description carefully, and perhaps browse our spreadsheet of job postings for other descriptions of roles that seem related to yours (in case those job descriptions are more detailed/helpful). In general, though, it’s worth emphasizing a few qualities that most think tank hiring managers will be looking for a combination of: 

1. Writing and research skills. When we reached out to think tank employees about the qualifications that are most desirable in a mid- or entry-level applicant, writing skills were mentioned more than anything else. Some experience with research (e.g. having done literature reviews as an RA) may be a bonus, but is generally not a requirement. 
2. Social and communication skills. The policy world runs on trust and interpersonal communication. Most hiring managers will be evaluating you in part as a future representative of the think tank. Your in-depth knowledge of a particular policy domain won’t matter unless you can articulate it clearly in meetings and briefings, as well as behave (and dress) professionally.
3. Operations and management skills. Almost every role at think tanks involves project management and coordinating with (internal or external) stakeholders. In most roles, demonstrated ability to manage complex projects (e.g. events or collaborative products) will be considered an important asset.
4. Data skills. Think tanks are increasingly excited to do data-driven projects, especially web interactives. Relevant data skills include not only technical activities (e.g. coding) but also how to integrate data into broader stories and arguments (e.g. visualization).
5. Policy knowledge. Think tanks are typically looking for staff with an understanding of current debates on policy topics relevant to the organization, including knowledge of the major players in the policy area. There are many ways to improve your policy knowledge, including through policy-relevant work experience (e.g. internships, fellowships, and jobs); formal education (e.g. college, and graduate school); attending policy-relevant events (e.g. think tank happy hours, workshops, conferences); and self-study of relevant resources.

If you’re applying for jobs right now, emphasize relevant skills in your CV and cover letter, explaining how your past experiences are relevant. If you’ve got some time before you’re planning to apply (e.g. if you are still a student), try to build and demonstrate your skillsets in these domains. For example, work as a research assistant, intern, take writing classes, practice public speaking (e.g. Toastmasters), organize an event series for a local/student group, do online courses, and so forth. More specialized skills relevant to specific roles include foreign languages, web development, and much more (see spreadsheet).

Due to the importance of writing skills, it is worth investing significant time in your writing sample. It’s best if your writing sample resembles the type of work that you’d be doing at the think tank. Some applicants can be surprised by the importance of having a strong writing sample and wind up spending lots of time creating a short piece showcasing their research, data analysis, and writing abilities. If you can do this as part of a class, you’ll thank yourself later. More senior researchers (e.g. PhDs) should consider trying to get a piece published in a relatively well-known blog or outlet (e.g. War on the Rocks, Lawfare, or the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists for those interested in national security-related topics). You’re trying to demonstrate that you can write for policy audiences, so don’t submit a journal article or academic paper (unless you have nothing else). It’s also possible that you will be asked to demonstrate your writing skills on the spot in a timed test.

Overall, applying to think tanks is relatively similar to applying to jobs in industry, so most generic advice on how to get a job apply here as well (unlike in e.g. Congress where there are a lot of highly specific application/hiring norms). But two points are worth emphasizing. 

• Tailor, tailor, tailor. Study the work and members of the team you’re hoping to join, for example by reading their papers and blog posts or listening to their talks and podcasts. Demonstrate that you’re familiar with the subject matter and their work by thoughtfully discussing it in your cover letter. Also pay attention to style, and remember that different think tanks focus on different types of activities (see Part 2). Try to assess, for example, whether the team focuses more on original research or on advocacy, and emphasize skills and experiences relevant to those activities. It’s easy for think tank hiring managers to spot generic (untailored) CVs and cover letters, and they almost never rise to the top of the pile. 
• Network, network, network. Networking can be daunting, especially if you don’t have existing connections to DC. A key goal of this guide is to make networking more inclusive and accessible. If you have friends who have worked at think tanks, ask them what their experience was like and if they have any application tips. Professors and your university’s career and alumni services may also be able to give you tips or connect you to think tankers. See if you can get in touch (ideally through a warm introduction) with someone at the think tank(s) you’re applying to, or, ideally, to someone at the relevant program/team. Ask them what their work is like, what their program’s future plans and hopes are, and if they have any advice for you. If you feel comfortable, mention that you are applying for a job, and they may flag your CV for the hiring manager (don’t ask them to do this directly; just make a good impression). Most of the people you’re approaching got their start in DC the exact same way—with help from friends or friends of friends—and are happy to pay it forward. (For two helpful accounts of PhD students for whom networking was a crucial part of getting a think tank job, see here and here.)

Relevant degrees and credentials

Some of the most common questions we get from people interested in policy and think tank work relate to degrees and other credentials. Some broad notes on these topics are below, but please refer also to our in-depth Graduate school guide. We also strongly encourage you to get individualized advice—what the right educational or professional choice is for you will depend mostly on your specific interests, personality, background, skills, etc.

Is my degree relevant? What kinds of classes / majors are most useful? Think tank work is typically not so specialized that it has very specific degree requirements (most postings simply say “relevant field/degree”). Different backgrounds have different trade-offs. A political science or policy degree will teach you some relevant things, but you will also be a dime a dozen in DC. On the other hand, a STEM degree lacks policy content, but you’ll also be considered special—especially when applying to positions in emerging technology policy. All else equal, a degree that combines policy and a technical subject is probably ideal (e.g. a double major in public policy and computer science for an undergrad), but it is by no means a requirement.

If you want to tailor your specific class choices to a potential post-graduation think tank job, consider building a combination of (a) basic domain knowledge and (b) core skills. Basic domain knowledge will help you think and talk in broadly sensible ways about policy, history, and government. Your skills (e.g. writing and data skills) should also be a central selling point in your application materials.

Should I do a graduate degree? What kind of degree? The three most common types of graduate degrees among think tank staff are: (1) practitioner-oriented policy master’s degrees; (2) law degrees, and (3) PhDs, most often in the social sciences. You can also work at think tanks with other (e.g. STEM) graduate degrees, but we’ll focus on these three here as these are the ones people most often consider getting when their plan involves working at a think tank.

1. Policy master’s degrees include master’s in public policy (MPPs) and in security studies/international relations. These programs can provide you with relevant knowledge and skills, but a lot of their value comes from the credential and the school’s policy networks. If you want to work at a think tank (or in DC generally) but are struggling to get a job, these practitioner-oriented programs are the degrees we would recommend considering first. 
   • Master’s programs at DC universities can be especially good because they are deliberately designed to allow students to intern and work full-time while completing their degree (lower workloads, classes are in evenings, etc.). This significantly reduces the opportunity cost of studying. DC universities’ policy schools also have a lot of career programming specifically designed to help you get policy jobs and professors with deep government connections. Programs outside of DC score less well on these dimensions, though there are exceptions.
   • The top programs in DC are at Georgetown (School of Foreign Service [SFS] / McCourt School of Public Policy) and Johns Hopkins (School of Advanced International Studies [SAIS]), though programs at American University (School of International Affairs), George Washington University (Elliott School), and George Mason University (Schar School) are also reasonably well-regarded. To our knowledge, the best-connected schools outside of DC are the Harvard Kennedy School, Yale, and Princeton. Other policy schools also have good reputations (e.g. those at Stanford, Tufts and Columbia) but fewer connections or work opportunities (see our database of select US policy master’s programs).²

2. Law degrees are less common among think tankers than master’s and PhDs, and law school graduates typically come to think tanks after a stint in government rather than straight out of law school. Some of the skills you learn in law school (e.g. persuasive writing) are relevant to think tank work, but, as with PhDs, we generally wouldn’t recommend getting a JD for the sake of getting a think tank job—it’s much more common for law graduates to go into Congress or the executive branch.
3. PhDs are common among mid-level or senior research roles (e.g. senior fellows, program directors). They are sometimes required for those roles (especially at older think tanks, see Part 2) but a master’s degree plus several years of policy/government experience is often treated as a roughly equivalent qualification. Going straight from a PhD program into a think tank is possible but can also be difficult. For most people, we wouldn’t recommend enrolling in a PhD purely for the sake of think tank work, but there are exceptions. However, if you are already enrolled in a PhD program or also want to keep the door to academia open, getting a PhD could still be a good choice. Anecdotally (we’re not aware of actual data), the most common PhD fields seen in the think tank world are political science, economics, and other social sciences.

Fellowships

Most think tank programs are cash-strapped. Program directors will have more ideas than they have staff to execute them; the key thing that generally holds back programs’ growth is funding. This situation creates a large appetite for free (to the think tank) labor, which you can take advantage of to sidestep the highly competitive regular application process.

First, you can apply for an established fellowship program that would pay for your think tank salary, meaning you get paid but are still free to your host program; see our list of think tank-specific fellowships. These fellowships may provide not only funding but also support in matching with a think tank program whose activities are aligned with your interests and skills (or at least some limitations that constrain your search space). This is an important benefit, especially for someone who is new to the policy space. The downside of established fellowship programs is that, like regular think tank jobs, the application process is often very competitive.

If you are interested in working at think tanks on emerging technology policy, consider applying to the Horizon Fellowship (annual deadline in September), which offers think tank fellowship opportunities for both entry-level (“junior fellow”) and more senior (“fellow”) roles with a focus on AI policy or biosecurity.³

Second, you could also organize your own funding if you can win the support of a philanthropic funder. (Note that you may need the funds to cover not only your own salary but also some overhead for the think tank, so budget accordingly.⁴) 

If you got (or think you can get) fellowship funding but don’t have a strong personal background in the think tank world, we strongly recommend seeking out advice from experienced policy professionals in DC, ideally with think tank experience. These people can give you feedback on your think tank plans and, if those plans are good, potentially introduce you to relevant contacts. If you send cold emails to think tanks about placement opportunities when you’re unfamiliar with the relevant norms or your target program’s culture/priorities, you run a significant risk of making a bad first impression or joining an organization where you have poor fit.

Overall, coming in with pre-secured funding will make your search for a think tank job a lot easier. Internships may be an exception to this rule, as the key constraints on intern hiring are often non-financial (management time, desk space, etc.). Our sense is that think tanks typically want a placement to last between 6-12 months (or longer), so that there is time for them to reap the rewards of initial investments in onboarding/training a new employee (which typically take up most of the first ~2-3 months).

Appendix: Sample of think tank job postings

This spreadsheet breaks down the qualifications and responsibilities of about 100 jobs spread across 15 think tanks. The postings are not a random sample; we aimed for a diversity of postings—illustrating the range of jobs that exist—rather than a sample that is representative in terms of frequency.

Data in the spreadsheets include:

1. Job title and think tank program, copied from the posting
2. Required and preferred degrees, copied from the posting
3. Required experience and skills, copied from the posting
4. Job responsibilities, which we manually divided into four categories to illustrate that most think tank staff do many kinds of work—the four categories are (1) Research / Project Leadership, (2) External / Comms, (3) Internal / Ops, (4) Mix / Other
5. An archived PDF link for those who want to browse the original postings

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Footnotes