Internships
The Investigative Team is looking for interns to help POGO achieve a more effective, accountable, open, and ethical federal government. Investigative topics range from defense spending to Homeland Security programs; from undue influence to strengthening government ethics standards and whistleblower protections.
At POGO, our interns are immersed in the gritty work of government oversight from day one. From attending meetings on Capitol Hill to combing through resources at the Library of Congress, you’ll be exposing problems that affect ordinary Americans and exploring solutions to present to Washington policymakers.
Most significantly, your work will continue to make an impact after your internship ends.
Recent intern projects have included:
- Researching for long-term investigative reports on a variety of topics including: how prepared nuclear power reactors are for natural disasters, the approval process for new medical devices and prescription drugs, and how foreign powers attempt to influence US policy
- Filing and following up on Freedom of Information Act requests
- Analyzing large data sets
- Producing short analyses covering relevant legal cases, legislative developments, and current events
Opportunities for learning and growth:
- Learn how to perform in depth research utilizing publicly available information, how to expertly craft a Freedom of Information Act request, and how to distill complicated topics into easily digestible formats
- Gain research and writing experience
- Get a first-hand look at how federal policy is shaped and developed
Responsibilities:
- Support the investigative team’s research and writing on numerous topics
- Track and attend relevant hearings and events to deepen knowledge on POGO issues
- File Freedom of Information Act requests
- Prepare summaries of materials gathered through research
- Assist with some administrative activities including preparations for meetings, data entry, and mailings
- Support monthly Congressional Oversight Training programs for House and Senate staff
Qualifications:
- An interest in good government and a commitment to non-partisanship
- Excellent writing skills and prior research experience
- A drive to ask tough questions and the intellectual curiosity to doggedly follow leads
- Ability to apply superb attention to detail and consistently produce timely and error-free work
- The ability to work independently
- Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work at all times
- Eagerness to be creative and a willingness to bring forward new ideas and projects
- Experience or training in statistical analysis, qualitative data analysis, and/or data visualization a plus but not required.
The investigative internship will be based in our Washington, DC office and require a commitment of 40 hours per week during normal office hours. We offer compensation ($14.50/hour) to interns who cannot receive school credit or outside funding for their internship experience.
POGO takes interns throughout the year and will work with an individual’s time restrictions as long as there is a minimum commitment of three months. Traditionally we have only accepted full-time interns, but if you can’t commit to full-time, please include in your cover letter why we should make an exception for you.
Start and end dates are flexible.
Suggested application deadlines:
Summer 2019: March 15, 2019
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. All high school, undergraduate, master's, Ph.D., and J.D. students; veterans; and recent college graduates are welcome to apply.
POGO provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We welcome all interested and qualified individuals to apply.
Please send your application materials to hr@pogo.org:
- Cover letter and resume
- Writing sample demonstrating some analysis (1-3 pages)
- College or university transcript (unofficial is fine)
- Letter(s) of recommendation (optional, but please limit to two)
Any questions concerning internships or the internship program should be directed to Danielle Harris, hr@pogo.org or 202-347-1122.