CPT Jobs in Washington DC
Washington DC's concentration of federal agencies, international organizations, policy think tanks, and NGOs makes it one of the most F-1 CPT-friendly markets in the country. Government affairs, public policy, international development, and tech roles generate strong CPT demand across the District and surrounding metro corridors.
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About ETS:
ETS is a global education and talent solutions organization enabling lifelong learners worldwide to be future-ready. For more than 75 years, we've been advancing the science of measurement to build benchmarks for fair and valid skill assessment across cultures and borders. Our worldwide impact extends through our renowned assessments including TOEFL®, TOEIC®, GRE® and Praxis® tests, serving millions of learners in more than 200 countries and territories. Through strategic acquisitions, we've expanded our global capabilities: PSI strengthens our workforce assessment solutions, while Edusoft, Kira Talent, Pipplet, Vericant, and Wheebox enhance our educational technology and assessment platforms across critical markets worldwide.
Through ETS Research Institute and ETS Solutions, we're partnering with educational institutions, governments, and organizations globally to promote skill proficiency, empower upward mobility, and unlock opportunities for everyone, everywhere. With offices and partners across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, we deliver nearly 50 million tests annually. Join us in our journey of measuring progress to power human progress worldwide.
Position Summary
The Research & Policy Intern will support the Global Government and External Relations (GER) team in conducting research and analysis on education and workforce policy issues in the U.S. and internationally. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in policy research, global education trends, and government relations while contributing to ETS's mission to advance learning and skills development worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research and analysis on government policy, business development, and education trends in the U.S. (federal and state) and key international markets.
- Support the GER team in developing reports, presentations, and recommendations related to K-16 education, workforce development, skills assessment, teacher training, and educational research.
- Track and summarize policy developments that impact ETS's business and mission areas.
- Assist with ongoing projects supporting ETS's government relations and global education initiatives.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality, actionable insights.
Learning Objectives
Through this internship, the selected student will:
- Gain an understanding of ETS's products, services, and mission.
- Learn about global and domestic trends in education, assessment, and workforce skills development.
- Build practical experience conducting research and developing policy analysis in a professional setting.
Expected Outcomes
- Completion or advancement of multiple research projects focused on U.S. and international education and workforce policy.
- Delivery of written analyses and recommendations supporting ETS's strategic and policy initiatives.
Qualifications
- Education: Current undergraduate student majoring in business, political science, international relations, public policy, education policy, or a related field.
- Preferred Schools: Students from Washington, D.C.-based universities such as George Washington University, American University, Georgetown University, or George Mason University are encouraged to apply.
- Skills:
- Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
- Interest in education policy, global education systems, or workforce development.
ETS is mission driven and action oriented
- We are passionate about hiring innovative thinkers who believe in the promise of education and lifelong learning.
- We are energized by cultivating growth, innovation, and continuous transformation for the next generation of rising professionals as leaders. In support of this ETS offers multiple Business Resource Groups (BRG) for you to learn and advance your career growth!
- As a not-for-profit organization we will encourage you to lean in to your passion for volunteering. At ETS you may qualify for up to an additional 8 hours of PTO for volunteer work on causes that are important to you!
ETS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe in creating a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
Job Description:
About ETS:
ETS is a global education and talent solutions organization enabling lifelong learners worldwide to be future-ready. For more than 75 years, we've been advancing the science of measurement to build benchmarks for fair and valid skill assessment across cultures and borders. Our worldwide impact extends through our renowned assessments including TOEFL®, TOEIC®, GRE® and Praxis® tests, serving millions of learners in more than 200 countries and territories. Through strategic acquisitions, we've expanded our global capabilities: PSI strengthens our workforce assessment solutions, while Edusoft, Kira Talent, Pipplet, Vericant, and Wheebox enhance our educational technology and assessment platforms across critical markets worldwide.
Through ETS Research Institute and ETS Solutions, we're partnering with educational institutions, governments, and organizations globally to promote skill proficiency, empower upward mobility, and unlock opportunities for everyone, everywhere. With offices and partners across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, we deliver nearly 50 million tests annually. Join us in our journey of measuring progress to power human progress worldwide.
Position Summary
The Research & Policy Intern will support the Global Government and External Relations (GER) team in conducting research and analysis on education and workforce policy issues in the U.S. and internationally. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in policy research, global education trends, and government relations while contributing to ETS's mission to advance learning and skills development worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research and analysis on government policy, business development, and education trends in the U.S. (federal and state) and key international markets.
- Support the GER team in developing reports, presentations, and recommendations related to K-16 education, workforce development, skills assessment, teacher training, and educational research.
- Track and summarize policy developments that impact ETS's business and mission areas.
- Assist with ongoing projects supporting ETS's government relations and global education initiatives.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality, actionable insights.
Learning Objectives
Through this internship, the selected student will:
- Gain an understanding of ETS's products, services, and mission.
- Learn about global and domestic trends in education, assessment, and workforce skills development.
- Build practical experience conducting research and developing policy analysis in a professional setting.
Expected Outcomes
- Completion or advancement of multiple research projects focused on U.S. and international education and workforce policy.
- Delivery of written analyses and recommendations supporting ETS's strategic and policy initiatives.
Qualifications
- Education: Current undergraduate student majoring in business, political science, international relations, public policy, education policy, or a related field.
- Preferred Schools: Students from Washington, D.C.-based universities such as George Washington University, American University, Georgetown University, or George Mason University are encouraged to apply.
- Skills:
- Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
- Interest in education policy, global education systems, or workforce development.
ETS is mission driven and action oriented
- We are passionate about hiring innovative thinkers who believe in the promise of education and lifelong learning.
- We are energized by cultivating growth, innovation, and continuous transformation for the next generation of rising professionals as leaders. In support of this ETS offers multiple Business Resource Groups (BRG) for you to learn and advance your career growth!
- As a not-for-profit organization we will encourage you to lean in to your passion for volunteering. At ETS you may qualify for up to an additional 8 hours of PTO for volunteer work on causes that are important to you!
ETS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe in creating a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
Search F-1 CPT Jobs by Industry in Washington DC
Tips for Finding CPT Jobs in Washington DC
Target federal contractors and policy organizations first
Washington DC's employer base is dominated by government contractors, think tanks, and international organizations like the World Bank and IMF. These institutions regularly bring on F-1 CPT interns for policy research, data analysis, and communications roles with established international hiring processes.
Align your CPT start date with your university's academic calendar
DC employers, especially government-adjacent organizations, plan internship cycles well in advance. Confirming your CPT authorization dates before outreach signals professionalism and gives employers the lead time they need to process onboarding paperwork without delays.
Leverage your university's DC connections
Universities with Washington DC campuses or satellite offices, including American University and Georgetown, maintain employer pipelines specifically built around CPT. Check your international student office for employer lists and direct referral programs before sourcing independently.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for CPT-verified employers
Finding employers open to F-1 CPT in DC can be time-consuming when searching general boards. Migrate Mate filters jobs by visa type, letting you focus on organizations that have a documented track record of sponsoring CPT students in the DC market.
Network within DC's international student community
Washington DC hosts one of the largest international student populations in the country. University career fairs, professional associations like SAIS alumni networks, and student-run policy groups regularly connect CPT-eligible students with employers who understand work authorization requirements.
Confirm that your role qualifies as directly related to your major
CPT eligibility requires the position to be integral to your degree program. In DC, roles at advocacy organizations or nonprofits can be compelling but may need a formal curriculum linkage letter. Confirm this requirement with your DSO before accepting any offer.
See all 54+ F-1 CPT jobs in Washington DC
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Get Access To All JobsF-1 CPT Jobs in Washington DC: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Washington DC sponsor the most F-1 CPT visas?
Government contracting, international development, public policy research, and nonprofit advocacy are the strongest CPT sectors in Washington DC. Organizations like federal contractors, multilateral institutions, and policy think tanks regularly structure internship programs around CPT timelines. Technology and cybersecurity firms supporting government agencies also represent a growing share of CPT placements in the District.
Which areas in Washington DC have the most F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs?
The District itself, particularly areas around Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and downtown DC, holds the highest concentration of CPT-friendly employers. The broader metro area extends that density into northern Virginia (Rosslyn, Arlington, Tysons Corner) and suburban Maryland (Bethesda, Silver Spring), where government contractors and research institutions cluster heavily.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 CPT sponsorship in Washington DC?
Policy research, communications, data analysis, international affairs, cybersecurity, public health, and economic consulting roles are commonly structured as CPT-eligible positions in DC. The qualifying factor is always the direct connection to your academic program, not the employer's sector. Roles framed as research assistantships or applied policy projects tend to satisfy that requirement most cleanly.
How do I find F-1 CPT jobs in Washington DC?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type, including F-1 CPT, so you're not wading through postings from employers unfamiliar with work authorization. Beyond that, your university's international student office and career center will have DC-specific employer relationships worth tapping before you search independently.
Are there any Washington DC-specific considerations for F-1 CPT sponsorship?
Washington DC's employer base includes a significant number of organizations that require background checks or security clearances, which F-1 students on CPT are generally ineligible to obtain. It's important to confirm security requirements before investing time in an application. Additionally, unpaid CPT internships at nonprofits are common in DC, but CPT rules require the experience to meet the academic integration standard regardless of compensation.