Summer 2023 Legal, Policy, Research, Technologist Non-Profit Intern

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) will begin accepting applications for internships for the summer of 2023 on November 1, 2022. College and law school students, graduate students, and PhD students with an interest in internet and technology policy, human rights, and/or civil liberties are invited to apply. Applications should include a cover letter explaining your interest in interning at CDT, a current resume, and a writing sample in response to the writing prompt.

Summer interns work closely with CDT policy experts, researchers, technologists, and attorneys on an array of civil liberties and international human rights issues related to technology and the internet, including online free expression, electronic surveillance, digital copyright, cybersecurity, internet governance, equity in technology, and consumer privacy. When appropriate, summer interns are also able to join meetings with outside stakeholders.

We accept applications for five types of internships: legal, policy analyst, research, technologist, and nonprofit communications and development internships. Responsibilities and requirements for these positions are described below.

In a typical summer, we usually host three to five legal interns, one to three non-legal interns, and one communications/development intern.

Students from all majors and degree programs are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have an interest in internet and technology policy, civil liberties and/or human rights law, strong research and writing skills, the ability to take initiative and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced office environment, and a strong academic record.

CDT is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.

Interns who are not receiving funding from another source such as a school stipend or fellowship will receive modest weekly stipends. We encourage applicants to explore public interest funding that may be available through their schools and foundations, such as the Ford Foundation. To secure summer funding, you must submit an application directly to CDT in addition to any school or foundation application processes.

We accept applications for summer 2023 internships starting on November 1, 2022, but applications are considered on a rolling basis. We will not do initial interviews until January 2023, so applicants should not not expect to hear from us until then. If this presents a challenge to you, please feel free to contact us.

Please note: We ask that our interns work full-time for at least 10 weeks during the summer, starting in late May or early June. We recognize that this requirement will usually preclude interns “splitting” their summers between two employers but have found that a 10-week internship provides the best experience for interns and their supervisors. For summer 2023, we anticipate that interns will be able to work in CDT’s office in Washington, D.C. However, remote internships will also be considered for those unable to travel to the D.C. area. Please send any inquiries to internapps@cdt.org.

Please submit your cover letter explaining your interest in interning at CDT, your current resume, and a writing sample in response to this writing prompt. These application materials should be sent to internapps@cdt.org. Please specify in your cover letter if you are applying for a legal, research, policy, or technologist position.