CPT Policy Jobs
Policy roles at think tanks, federal agencies, and advocacy organizations regularly take CPT students, but your authorization must tie directly to a course or program requirement your DSO approves. Most placements run one semester, so lining up your curriculum documentation early is what keeps the offer from falling through.
Find CPT Policy JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 6+ Policy jobs
See all Policy Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Policy roles.
Get Access To All JobsCompany 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 It seeks to promote common-sense, innovative, and solutions-based policies that will reform government, challenge outdated assumptions, and create a smaller, smarter government that will serve its citizens better.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
How to Apply
Please include in your application a resume, cover letter, and writing sample of less than 1,000 words.
Documents must be submitted as a PDF file with the following file name:
- Resume: LastName_Resume_Trade
- Cover Letter: LastName_CL_Trade
- Writing Sample: LastName_WS_Trade
(Example: Jane Doe’s Resume – Doe_Resume_Trade)
Powered by JazzHR WPsIJmervA
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
How to Apply
Please include in your application a resume, cover letter, and writing sample of less than 1,000 words.
Documents must be submitted as a PDF file with the following file name:
- Resume: LastName_Resume_Trade
- Cover Letter: LastName_CL_Trade
- Writing Sample: LastName_WS_Trade
(Example: Jane Doe’s Resume – Doe_Resume_Trade)
Powered by JazzHR WPsIJmervA
See all CPT Policy Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new CPT Policy Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsPolicy CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Which policy roles qualify for CPT authorization?
CPT is available for policy roles when the work is an integral part of your degree program, not just related to your field. Positions at think tanks, advocacy organizations, government contractors, and intergovernmental bodies typically qualify if your DSO can tie the duties to a specific course or curricular requirement on your I-20.
Can I do CPT at a federal agency?
Federal agencies can hire F-1 students on CPT through pathways like the Pathways Internship Program, but the authorization structure differs. The agency must be able to confirm your CPT start date and duration, and your DSO must list the specific agency on your I-20. Not all federal positions accept CPT, so confirm with HR and your DSO together before accepting an offer.
Does part-time CPT affect my OPT eligibility?
Part-time CPT, defined as fewer than 20 hours per week, does not affect your post-graduation OPT eligibility regardless of how many semesters you use it. Full-time CPT used for 12 months or more eliminates OPT eligibility entirely. If your policy internship runs full-time for an extended placement, factor that tradeoff into your plan before accepting.
How do I find policy employers who understand CPT?
Employers with existing experience hiring international students on work authorization are easier to work with during the CPT documentation process. Migrate Mate surfaces policy employers filtered by their LCA filing history, which is a reliable signal that the organization already has HR processes in place for employment authorization documentation.
What documentation does the employer need to provide for CPT?
Your employer needs to provide a written offer letter or internship agreement that includes your title, duties, start and end dates, and hours per week. Your DSO uses this to authorize the CPT on your I-20. Some employers also need to complete a brief letter confirming the role aligns with your degree field, which your international student office may supply as a template.