Internships


Smart Thinking has created a dedicated think tank internships and graduates site to provide advice, resources and current listings for all those interested in gaining work experience or who are exploring a career in think tanks and the policy world. Find out more about think tank graduate schemes, policy internships and the other career options in this diverse sector.

An internship is one of the main ways that people get started in think tanks and policy. Internships generally range in length from anything from 3 months to up to a year. They are a great way to get some experience and start building up your skillset while also giving you the best opportunity to impress an organisation who, hopefully, will want to keep you on at the end of the internship!

CapX Intern

CapX/Centre for Policy Studies

Westminster, London
Closing date: 20 May 2025
Posted: 22 April 2025
CapX is looking for an enthusiastic Editorial Intern to join our small, dynamic team based at the Centre for Policy Studies in Westminster. This internship offers a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience in political journalism and digital publishing. As part of the CapX team, you will support the day-to-day...
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Development Intern

Centre for Policy Studies

Westminster
Closing date: 8 May 2025
Posted: 17 April 2025
The Centre for Policy Studies, the leading centre-right think tank, is looking for an enthusiastic intern to support our donor engagement, grant and trust research, and private events programme. This role is multifaceted, requiring the ability to work across a number of different projects simultaneously. We are looking for a...
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Economic Research Internship

Centre for Cities

London
Closing date: 27 April 2025
Posted: 7 April 2025
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone seeking a first step in the world of policy and research. The post holder would gain in-depth experience of a range of research duties through supporting the Centre’s core research team. Specific tasks for interns include: qualitative and quantitative research on aspects of...
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Researcher 2025-26

Institute for Government

London
Closing date: 29 April 2025
Posted: 6 April 2025
The Institute for Government is the UK’s leading independent think tank working to make government more effective.  Through in-depth analysis, expert commentary and influential public events we explore how government works – and how it can work better. We are inviting applications for our one-year 2025–26 research internship programme starting in...
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