KIP Spring 2027 - External Relations Intern - Mercatus Center

Stand Together

Virginia, US

HybridCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) students with research experience will find this academic research role at a Virginia-based non-profit aligned with policy analysis and political economy.

Best fit for

Candidates with academic research background and interest in normative political philosophy
— “produce academic research relevant to this question. This work will bridge normative political philosophy and positive social science grounded in mainline political economy.”
Early-career professionals seeking hands-on policy experience with a non-profit partner
— “The Koch Internship Program (KIP) is a paid experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers professional development, leadership training, and meaningful work experience at non-profits tackling some of our nation's most pressing policy challenges all over the United States.”

Things to consider

Geographic flexibility is required, as the program operates across the United States.
— “non-profits tackling some of our nation's most pressing policy challenges all over the United States”
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the program.
— “Eligible candidates will be geographically located in and authorized to work in the United States through the duration of the program.”

How to stand out

Highlight your ability to synthesize normative philosophy with empirical social science in your application materials.
— “This work will bridge normative political philosophy and positive social science grounded in mainline political economy.”
Emphasize prior experience in producing academic research or policy analysis.
— “produce academic research relevant to this question”
Demonstrate familiarity with immigration policy and individual liberty frameworks in your interview responses.
— “How can philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) help us understand the ways that immigration policy and border policing impact individual liberty?”

Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

Producing academic research relevant to immigration policy and border policing

Typical background

Undergraduate/graduate/law studentRecent graduate

Skills & requirements

Required

PhilosophyPoliticsEconomicsImmigration PolicyBorder PolicingIndividual Liberty

Preferred

Academic ResearchPolitical PhilosophySocial Science

Stack & domain

PhilosophyPoliticsEconomicsImmigration PolicyBorder PolicingIndividual LibertyAcademic ResearchPolitical PhilosophySocial SciencePolitical EconomyResearchWritingAnalysisCritical ThinkingProblem-solvingCollaborationCommunicationPresentationTeamworkLeadershipImmigrationBorder SecurityPolitical Science

About the role

Original posting from Stand Together via Lever

The Koch Internship Program (KIP) is a paid experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers professional development, leadership training, and meaningful work experience at non-profits tackling some of our nation's most pressing policy challenges all over the United States. Early-career professionals including undergraduate/graduate/law students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Eligible candidates will be geographically located in and authorized to work in the United States through the duration of the program. Successful candidates will interview with both our non-profit partner organizations and Stand Together Fellowships staff, so we strongly encourage you to begin the admissions process early!
How can philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) help us understand the ways that immigration policy and border policing impact individual liberty? This Research Intern will work with Hayek Program Senior Fellow Nathan P. Goodman to produce academic research relevant to this question. This work will bridge normative political philosophy and positive social science grounded in mainline political economy.
Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participants and applicants with honesty, dignity, respect and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of color, race, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Source: Stand Together careers (Lever)