The RAND Corporation offers internships that provide opportunities for students to acquire practical experience in policy research, analysis, and development.
RAND Corporation is dedicated to developing solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer, more secure, healthier, and more prosperous. Internships at RAND are made to be immersive, giving interns the chance to work on real-world projects with experts in various fields, including health, education, national security, and international affairs.
Eligibility
Internships at RAND are highly competitive and typically open to students who are pursuing or have recently completed their undergraduate or graduate degrees. Ideal candidates are those studying in fields such as public policy, economics, political science, sociology, health policy, and related disciplines. RAND looks for candidates with strong analytical skills, the ability to think critically, and a genuine interest in public policy research.
Internship Programs
Summer Associate Program
Duration: 10-12 weeks
Description: This program is aimed at graduate students (primarily doctoral candidates) who wish to conduct policy research in a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment. Summer Associates works closely with RAND’s research staff on ongoing projects, gaining hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and report writing.
Locations: Primarily in RAND’s main offices in Santa Monica, CA; Washington, D.C.; Pittsburgh, PA; and Boston, MA.
Key Responsibilities
Interns at RAND Corporation can expect to:
- Conduct Research: Engage in extensive literature reviews, data collection, and statistical analysis.
- Support Project Teams: Work alongside senior researchers on project teams, contributing to various aspects of ongoing research projects.
- Develop Reports: Assist in the preparation of research reports, policy briefs, and presentations that communicate findings to stakeholders.
- Attend Workshops and Seminars: Participate in professional development activities, including workshops, seminars, and networking events with experts in the field.
Skills and Competencies
RAND interns develop and refine several key skills:
- Analytical Thinking: Enhanced ability to approach complex problems systematically.
- Communication: Improved written and oral communication skills, crucial for presenting research findings.
- Collaborative Work: Experience in working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Policy Understanding: A deeper understanding of public policy issues and the process of policy-making.
Conclusion
An internship at RAND Corporation is a prestigious opportunity that can significantly enhance your career in public policy. It offers a chance to work on influential projects, develop critical research skills, and contribute to meaningful policy solutions. The internship at RAND can provide a strong foundation and valuable professional network.
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