Trade Policy Internship - Spring 2027 - PAID

American Action Forum; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

American Action Forum (AAF) invites applications for a part-time, paid internship in its trade policy team in Washington, DC. You will report to the Trade Policy Analyst and work on research, data collection, and policy primers, blogs, and papers.

Prior interns have contributed to events, portfolios, and public-facing analysis. The role emphasizes macroeconomic and microeconomic coursework, strong Excel and writing abilities, and an interest in center-right policy.

Qualifications

Responsibilities

Job description

Company Overview

The American Action Forum (AAF) is a forward-looking, non-profit policy institute dedicated to keeping America strong, free, and prosperous. It seeks to promote common-sense, innovative, and solutions-based policies that will reform government, challenge outdated assumptions, and create a smaller, smarter government that will serve its citizens better. As a unique, fast-paced “action” tank, we use the modern tools of communications to deploy ideas; engage Americans in the debate over the boundaries of government policy, personal freedoms, and market incentives; and educate and challenge the media to explore these issues and shape the next generation of political leaders.

Internship Summary

As an intern in the trade policy issue area, you will report directly to Jacob Jensen, the AAF Trade Policy Analyst.

Jacob’s research focuses on international trade, the economic impacts of tariff and non-tariff barriers on American businesses and consumers, and the intersection of trade and broader international economic policy. His specific areas of expertise include industrial policy, analysis of congressional bills impacting U.S. trade, and the rising economic power of the BRICS countries.

Jacob’s work has been cited in media outlets including The Wallstreet Journal, BBC, NPR, The New York Times, and CNBC. His work has also been used as a source to fact check presidential campaigns on both the debate stage and on the campaign trail.

Prior to joining AAF as an analyst, Jacob worked as an international economics intern and has prior experience at Lincoln Financial Group as an insurance claims analyst. He graduated from Wake Forest University in May 2024 with a B.S. in economics and minor in global trade as well as a B.S. in business enterprise management with a concentration in international business.

A few examples of projects completed by previous interns in the Trade Policy Internship Program include:

• Researched, wrote, and edited trade policy primers
• Wrote blogs and op-eds about trade policy topics
• Compiled a trade research database
• Researched and wrote longer, in depth, papers

Responsibilities and Duties

As part of the internship, your responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

• Research assistance: Interns will provide research assistance and data collection for their issue area director
• Event attendance: Interns will attend Capitol Hill hearings, private speaker events, and events held by other DC think tanks to analyze and report on the information presented
• AAF event support: Interns will help promote, run, and evaluate all AAF events
• Semester portfolio and presentation: Interns will create a portfolio to showcase their work completed at the Forum and give a brief presentation on a topic of their choice

Qualifications and Skills

• Prerequisite of at least one macroeconomic and microeconomic course
• Strong Excel skills (R or Stata skills are a bonus)
• Excellent writing ability and communication skills
• An interest in the politics and policies of center‑right conservatives
• Self‑starting attitude
• Strong quantitative skills are highly desired

Hours and Compensation

• Interns must be available to work 20 to 29 hours per week in‑person in Washington, D.C.
• Interns will earn an hourly wage
• Interns will use their own computer/equipment
• This is a part‑time, paid internship