Contribute to research or programs with Canada’s pre-eminent think tank
Internships are a unique opportunity for university students to contribute to the work of the Fraser Institute. Our internship program runs three times a year – in winter, summer, and fall, and our student interns work for four-month terms, under the direct supervision of a research or program director in one of Fraser Institute’s four national offices.
Summer 2010 program information.
Research interns provide research assistance to research departments, and contribute their research, analysis and writing skills to a study intended for publication in a specific research area. Responsibilities may include primary research, literature reviews, survey design and execution, statistical analysis, and technical and editorial writing – essentially the role of a junior policy analyst.
As a research intern, you will:
- Research, write, and edit under the direction of an Institute policy analyst.
- Contribute to a study intended for publication.
- Take part in policy briefings and a discussion club.
- Write research articles.
- Meet visitors to the Institute and assist with local Institute events.
- Network with policy experts.
- Hone presentation skills at a peer review seminar.
Past projects include Canada-U.S. relations, Canada-China relations, Children First: School Choice Trust, Entrepreneurship in Education, School Chain Showcase, Continental Natural Gas Production, Health Policy Studies and our Mining Survey. Intern research may also be published and disseminated to a wide audience.
Program interns provide assistance to the Institute’s programs and outreach initiatives, and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to manage successful programming in a think tank environment. Responsibilities may include database management, event co-ordination, fundraising, communication, and outreach.
As a program intern, you will:
- Contribute to a project under the supervision of a program director.
- Develop business communication skills.
- Take part in policy briefings and a discussion club.
- Execute marketing strategies.
- Meet visitors to the Institute and assist with local Institute events.
- Network with policy experts.
Interested in spending a term working at the Fraser Institute? Our internship program offers university students and recent graduates the unique opportunity to learn first-hand what a think tank is all about.
General Qualifications
- Enrolled in, or recent graduate of, an undergraduate or graduate level university program.
- Proficient in English, both written and verbal.
- Basic computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet programs and Internet research.
- Additional skills will be also required for each specific project.
General Terms of Internship
- Stipend of $2,000 per month paid in semi-monthly installments ($2,500 for those who have completed a graduate degree).
- The intern positions are offered at the Fraser Institute's various regional offices. The location of intern projects is fixed so that the intern can work under the guidance of a specific staff person. See project descriptions for details.
- Reasonable domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed (from address given on resume application).
- Work terms may be flexible on start date but duration is fixed.
To Apply
- You can apply online (preferred), by mail, or by email.
- Applications must be received by the application deadline and should include a resume, cover letter and writing sample. We are not able to return these materials.
- The intern projects described may be subject to change. Include in your cover letter an indication of the project(s) that you are most interested in and qualified for.
- Writing samples should be a brief example of your research and writing abilities. Please keep your writing sample to 6 pages or less. If needed, further samples will be requested from short-listed candidates.
- Online applications are preferred. Applications sent via email must be MS Word or PDF attachments and must use the email subject header "intern application."
- Applications must be sent only once. For example, if an application is sent via mail, do not also send it via email.
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