Collegiate Associates Program
Manhattan Institute Collegiate Associate Program
The Manhattan Institute’s Collegiate Associates program puts graduate and undergraduate students in a position to meaningfully advance the Institute’s mission through research, journalism, outreach, and programming. With paid positions available on a variety of MI’s teams — including research centers, communications and marketing, and the Institute’s urban affairs magazine, City Journal — Collegiate Associates will contribute to the intellectual life and strategic direction of the institute while working closely with its fellows and senior leaders.
The Collegiate Associate Program is a 10-12 week program that provides comprehensive experience in MI’s core policy areas and functions. Associates can expect to build skills necessary for careers in the public and private for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Associates can expect to build skills necessary for careers in the public and private for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.
To learn more about programming, qualifications and requirements, important dates and deadlines to apply, see below.
Internship Details:
- Collegiate Associates are paid $16/hour in New York and California.
- All internships offer remote and hybrid options. However, in-person attendance is preferred.
- Interns may work part-time in the spring and fall (10-20 hours); all interns must work full-time in the summer.
- Undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students are encouraged to apply.
Activities and Programming
Collegiate Associates learn directly from the fellows and managers leading the Manhattan Institute’s work. Associates participate in strategic departmental meetings, events, seminars, and policy discussions. Because Associates are accountable for making valued contributions to their teams, MI places a premium on self-starters who have demonstrated a capacity for research, analysis, writing, and project management.
MI is a lean, dynamic, and intellectually driven environment. Associates work both independently and together with MI staff, often involved in multiple projects simultaneously. Associates are expected to make meaningful contributions to MI's intellectual and organizational life — for example, pitching event ideas, improving internal processes, writing policy commentary, or presenting research.
Testimonials
“As a State and Local Policy Collegiate Associate, I had the great fortune to support MI fellows with a myriad of topics, but one stood out - I supported a fellow by conducting county-level demographic analyses of zoning practices to support an argument for the expansion of missing-middle housing in the state of New York. Ultimately, that started a deep passion for housing policies that has led me to becoming the Township Planner for the fifth fastest-growing residential area in Pennsylvania.” — Jarrett Lash, New York University, '22
“While at MI, I had the chance not only to learn from the Institute’s thought leaders but also to grow as a scholar in my own right. From the very start of my experience, I got to work on substantive research and writing assignments. From collecting data on crime in New York City to writing Op-Eds to publishing a full report with one of the Institute’s Fellows, my time working at MI showed me that there are still people and institutions dispassionately, thoughtfully, and rigorously probing public life’s most vexing questions. And I am fortunate that I got to play a role in the Institute’s work. At bottom, my time at MI certainly made me a better writer and thinker, but it also showed me exactly how to address modern life’s most pressing issues head-on.” — Elias Neibart, Emory University, '20
“Interning at MI was a very professionally fulfilling experience. Everyone at the Institute was kind and welcoming, and I felt like I had an important role to play from my first day on the job. As a member of the external affairs team, I had a hand in disseminating the important research and published works of all our scholars. One thing that sets MI apart from other organizations is that you can really earn more responsibility by proving your dedication and skillset. My internship culminated in a full-time job offer, and I’m happy to continue on in a more permanent role at MI.” — Patrick Pullis, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, '23
“My internship at the Manhattan Insitute has been the most flourishing and learning experience I had during college. I was able to meet, work, and interact with national experts on issues of the Economy, Crime, Judicial Review, and many other topics. During my internship, I worked closely with the Marketing and Communication teams, where I was able to learn skills in strategic communication, data management, and video, audio, and podcast production. I highly recommend this internship experience to any passionate college student interested in entering the public policy job market in America.” — Santiago Vidal, Fordham University, '24
“My time in MI’s Collegiate Associate Program provided me with an invaluable and foundational research experience at a premier public policy think tank. I appreciate the foresight of MI’s staff in utilizing the diverse set of talents that their interns offer. As a Collegiate Associate, I not only assisted Development staff with important fundraising projects, but I also gathered data for a notable policy project regarding public sector unions. This unique opportunity enabled me to develop useful analytical skills that have carried me to my present role as a policy researcher. The MI Collegiate Associate Program has proven to be critically important for my overall professional and academic growth.” — Stone Washington, Clemson University '19
“As an intern at Manhattan Institute, I appreciate the skills in research that MI has encouraged me to develop, as well as the personnel skills that are required in the workplace. I felt welcomed at MI and was able to assist on relevant and thought-provoking projects researching fiscal policies and reform, while working alongside scholars and experts in their fields” — Bailey Summerfield, E21
“Working at MI has given me insight into how policy discussions are formed. I had the opportunity to interact with policy experts in quite a few fields and discuss cutting edge policies. MI provides a pragmatic, yet bold, approach to public policy. I was able to improve my legal writing and to polish my research skills. MI helped me to sharpen my professional focus.” — Jude Joanis, Legal Policy
“While at MI, I had the opportunity to dive deep into contemporary policy issues that interested me and learn a whole lot more about topics I didn’t even know interested me. I also had the opportunity to interact with some of the world’s leading scholars on housing, transit, homelessness and a many other fields. I also had the chance to hear some incredible speakers at MI events.” — Ajay Iyer, State and Local Policy
Qualifications
Successful Collegiate Associates must have:
- A minimum grade point average of 3.25
- Exceptional organizational skills and acute attention to detail.
- Time management skills and adaptability in a fast-paced work environment.
- Strong written and verbal communications skills to interface with internal staff, nonprofit leaders, and other potential partners in a professional manner.
Deadlines for Application Submissions
We are currently accepting applications for our Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 Programs. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
- Spring Program (January - May): November 15
- Summer Program (June - August): May 11
- Fall Program (September - December): August 31
We require one letter of recommendation and a resume. We will consider only complete applications, and form letters will be disregarded.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to interview every candidate. Please consider your application received once submitted. We will be in touch if you are selected for an interview.
To apply for the Collegiate Associates Program, submit an application today via this link. If you have any questions, please contact Jordan Duecker at cap@manhattan-institute.org.