CPT Policy Analyst Jobs
Policy Analyst roles at think tanks, federal agencies, and nonprofits routinely qualify for CPT because the work directly applies research methods, data analysis, and policy writing taught in public policy, political science, and international affairs programs. Your DSO must document that connection in your I-20 before you start.
Find CPT Policy Analyst JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 8+ Policy Analyst jobs
See all Policy Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Policy Analyst 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 It seeks to promote common-sense, innovative, and solutions-based policies that will reform government, challenge outdated assumptions, and create a smaller, smarter government that will serve its citizens better.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 Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new CPT Policy Analyst Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsPolicy Analyst CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Policy Analyst internships at federal agencies qualify for CPT?
Yes, federal agency internships qualify for CPT if your school certifies the work is an integral part of your curriculum. The key requirement is that your DSO documents the academic connection in your I-20 before you begin. Positions at agencies like the Congressional Budget Office, GAO, or executive branch departments commonly appear in CPT-eligible policy roles on Migrate Mate.
Can I do CPT as a Policy Analyst at a think tank or nonprofit?
CPT authorization depends on your school's curriculum integration requirement, not the employer's tax status. Think tanks and nonprofits qualify as long as the role involves policy research, data analysis, or regulatory writing that maps to coursework in your program. Your DSO makes the final call, so bring the job description and a course-matching rationale to that meeting.
What happens to my OPT eligibility if I use full-time CPT as a Policy Analyst?
Full-time CPT used for 12 months or more eliminates your OPT eligibility entirely, including the STEM OPT extension. Part-time CPT, defined as under 20 hours per week, has no effect on OPT. If you're weighing a full-time policy fellowship against future H-1B visa sponsorship, this tradeoff is one of the most consequential CPT decisions you'll face.
Does a Policy Analyst role meet USCIS specialty occupation standards for future H-1B sponsorship?
Policy Analyst roles typically qualify as specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, economics, or a related field. USCIS evaluates whether the specific job duties require that degree, not just the job title. Confirming this match early helps you identify which CPT employers are realistic H-1B sponsors later.
How do I find Policy Analyst roles that are open to CPT students?
Search Migrate Mate for Policy Analyst positions filtered by employers with documented work authorization experience. Many policy roles at consulting firms, research organizations, and government contractors are structured to accommodate F-1 students because the positions routinely align with master's-level public policy programs. Filtering by LCA filing history helps you prioritize employers already set up for the process.