Investigative Internship

POGO’s Investigative Team is looking for interns interested in learning how to achieve a more effective, ethical, and accountable federal government that safeguards constitutional principles. Our topic areas range from defense spending to Homeland Security programs; from undue influence to strengthening government ethics standards and whistleblower protections.

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
• Get a first-hand look at how federal policy is shaped and developed
• Gain general research and writing experience

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting POGO’s research and writing on numerous topics
• Tracking and attending relevant hearings and events to deepen knowledge on POGO issues
• Filing Freedom of Information Act requests
• Preparing summaries of materials gathered through research
• Supporting monthly Congressional Oversight Training programs for House and Senate staff
• Assisting with some administrative activities including preparations for meetings, data entry, and event setup

Qualifications:

• An interest in good government and a commitment to non-partisanship
• Excellent writing skills and prior research experience
• Ability to apply superb attention to detail
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work at all times
• Experience or training in statistical analysis, qualitative data analysis, and/or data visualization a plus, but not required

The investigative internship is based in our Washington, DC office and requires a commitment of 30 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.

Application deadlines:

Fall 2019: July 8, 2019

Spring 2020: October 25, 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.

How to Apply:

Please send your application materials to internships@pogo.org with the subject “[Your Name] Investigative Internship Application”. Application materials include:

1. Cover letter and resume
2. Writing sample demonstrating some analysis (1-3 pages)
3. College or university transcript(s) (unofficial is fine)
4. Letter(s) of recommendation (optional, but please limit to two)

Any questions concerning internships or the internship program should be directed to Danielle Harris at internships@pogo.org.