Welcome to the IEA’s Internships page
Here we explain our various internship programmes that we run throughout the year. Whatever kind of internship you undertake, you will be a part of the IEA family and be able to take part in the activities staged by the Institute. Interns also remain a strong part of the IEA network as alumni.
We currently have four internship schemes at the IEA: General Internship Q1, EPICENTER Internship, Summer Internship, and Sixth Form Internship.
IEA GENERAL INTERNSHIP
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to adapt and diversify to the new working environment. The internship advertised will have limited spaces and will be done virtually – depending on severity of lock-down rules and demand for on site support.
Due to remote working, some responsibilities listed below may not be included in the programme – however the situation has presented us with new and exciting opportunities that will broaden your skill base.
The General Internship is a temporary and voluntary position, based within the Operations Team, that works on both research and operations work to support the running of the IEA. The internship is available for up to 3 months (those who can do the full three-month period will be preferred but flexible or shorter internship applicants will be considered subject to discussion) based at the IEA offices in Westminster –although virtual working is a possibility, depending on the lock-down rules at the time. Candidates are expected to be team players that are happy to do a range of tasks and assignments with a good knowledge of Microsoft Office.
We accept applications throughout the year.
Aimed at all those with an interest in free-market economics who want to learn more, as well as contribute to the success of the IEA.
Responsibilities will include:
- Operations support: such as doing mail-outs for departments, stocktaking and also setting up and leading a wide range of events, from lunches to evening drinks receptions.
- Office support: such as manning the reception, processing emails, replying to queries and organising the buildings timings and logistics.
- Department support: You will also help other departments with data gathering, briefings, proofreading, summaries, press releases and current research projects
- Personal Research: You will be expected to keep up to date with IEA research and write blogs for internal or external platforms with guidance from members of the research team
To apply, please send a CV and short covering letter to Jack Confrey at [email protected], explaining why you would like to intern at the IEA and how you will benefit the team. We accept internships throughout the year. If you wish to apply for January to March 2021 (Q1), you must apply by 30th November. Applicants are being considered on a rolling basis.
TESTIMONIALS: “I built up lots of valuable skills in logistics/events planning/ team management and administrative duties; whilst being academically stimulated through discussions, seminars and lectures with other interns and staff”
IEA SUMMER INTERNSHIP
DATES: Wave 1 – 3 to 20 August 2021, Wave 2 – 31 August to 17 September
AIMED AT: Undergraduate students
ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP: Each summer, the IEA welcomes nearly 40 interns from around the world for a packed programme of lectures, seminars, debates, discussions, events and social activities. Each intern produces a supervised presentation on a topic chosen by themselves with guidance from IEA staff. Research topics have been very eclectic – ranging from the effect on women of microfinancing in Bangladesh to the role of merchant jurors in the adjudication of 18th century commercial disputes!
HOW TO APPLY: To apply, please send a CV and short covering letter to Brittany Davis at [email protected], explaining why you would like an internship and your research topic interest.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 March 2021.
COST: The internship programme is free but participants will need to cover their own travel, food and accommodation where needed. There is a student opportunity fund available if required. Details of how to apply for the fund will be sent to successful applicants.
TESTIMONIALS:
“Thank you for enabling this wonderful, inspiring internship programme! I was impressed by the vast variety of topics covered in talks, debates and discussions and feel that this internship has added great value to my personal development.”
“I know I will look back on my summer as one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It’s been absolutely rewarding to take part in debates and seminars on a wide array of issues. Thanks for the support that has made my summer intellectually stimulating and very entertaining at the same time!”
IEA SIXTH FORM INTERNSHIP
DATES: Week commencing 5 July, 12 July, and 19 July 2021
AIMED AT: Sixth Form/A Level Students
ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP: We provide a dedicated week of work experience for 120 sixth formers in three groups held across the summer. The week includes lectures and discussions with expert economists. There’s the chance to hear from people in academia and politics about career opportunities and much more. And, at the end of the week, there’ll be a debate with your fellow interns.
HOW TO APPLY: To apply, please send a CV and short covering letter to Brittany Davis at [email protected], explaining why you would like to take part at the Sixth Form Internship and which dates are best suited for you.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 March 2021.
COST: The internship programme is free but participants will need to cover their own travel, food and accommodation where needed. There is a student opportunity fund available if required. Details of how to apply for the fund will be sent to successful applicants.
TESTIMONIALS:
“I honestly enjoyed it so much and miss my whole time there! I will make sure to recommend it to anyone interested in economics.”
“I have truly found this to be an invaluable experience and I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to participate!”
“I would recommend it to anyone who has a passion for economics and an intellectual curiosity to learn more.”
EPICENTER INTERNSHIP
DATES: We accept applications throughout the year. The current application period for EPICENTER internships is Q1 and Q2 2021.
AIMED AT: Undergraduate and postgraduate students
ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP: EPICENTER is a collaborative network of nine leading free market think-tanks in Europe. It seeks to inform the EU policy debate and promote the principles of a free society by bringing together the economic expertise of its members. If you are interested in European issues, want to use the opportunity to engage in pan-European research and have the necessary basic knowledge about EU institutions, then this opportunity is definitely for you! Speaking additional European languages (French, Italian, Spanish, Lithuanian, Polish, Danish, Greek, or Swedish) would be an advantage. You would be working with a multinational team based in nine capitals of Europe + Brussels, deliver support for our research team, come up with new social media outreach methods and generally help out our staff by conducting meaningful work. Furthermore, you would have the opportunity to pursue your own research and get published on our blog.
Candidates interested in the opportunity should be able to commit for a minimum of 20 hours per week – ideally more – for a time span of at least eight weeks.
We accept applications throughout the year. The current application period for EPICENTER internships is Q1 and Q2 (January to March, April to June) 2021.
HOW TO APPLY: To apply, please send a CV and short cover letter to Adam Bartha at [email protected], outlining your area of interest in European policy-making and EPICENTER itself. Please note that this internship opportunity is unpaid.
Intern of the Year Award 2020
Liberty Hunter has been awarded IEA Intern of the Year for 2020.
Liberty joined the IEA in January as a General Intern and was due to stay until March. But when the pandemic struck she stayed on to help with the transition to online and worked virtually for us throughout the summer.
Liberty is an alumna of the West London Free School, and is beginning her first year at Oxford University studying History and Politics. She is particularly interested in the role of politics and the free-market within healthcare, technology, and the environment – and how this dynamic will impact future societies. After obtaining her university degree she hopes to go into political consulting.
Brittany Davis, IEA Education, Outreach, and Programmes Manager, said:
“Liberty continually went above and beyond and approached every task head-on and with enthusiasm. Whether performing research or office operations, she was never one to say no, and quickly won over members of the IEA staff. I can’t think of anyone more deserving for this award, and look forward to seeing the great things Liberty does in the future.”
Congratulations Liberty!