KIP Summer 2025 - Policy Intern - The Buckeye Institute

As a KIP Summer 2025 - Policy Intern at The Buckeye Institute, your key responsibilities will include conducting policy and legal research, supporting communications efforts, and aiding in outreach initiatives. You'll collaborate with professional staff, learning the ins and outs of daily operations within the organization, and gain first-hand experience with Ohio's legislative processes.

To qualify for the KIP Summer 2025 - Policy Intern role at The Buckeye Institute, you should be an undergraduate or graduate student demonstrating academic excellence along with strong verbal and written communication skills. A commitment to limited government and free-market public policy solutions is essential, and applicants should be passionate about contributing to research in public policy.

The KIP Summer 2025 - Policy Intern program at The Buckeye Institute is designed to equip you with practical skills for a future career in public policy or research institutions. By working closely with policymakers and experienced mentors, you'll gain insights into policy formulation and research, preparing you for your next steps in the professional world.

The KIP Summer 2025 - Policy Intern program consists of a 10-week experience where you’ll work either full-time or part-time at The Buckeye Institute. Interns will attend weekly virtual professional development sessions, further enhancing their skills and culminating in a capstone project that showcases what they’ve learned.

The KIP Summer 2025 - Policy Intern position is located in Columbus, Ohio, directly across from the Ohio Statehouse. This prime location provides interns with direct access to legislative activities and key decision-makers impacting public policy in the state.

When answering this question, it's important to relate your interests and studies to the mission of The Buckeye Institute. Emphasize how their focus on free-market policies aligns with your academic pursuits and career aspirations, and mention specific research or projects that excite you about the internship.

Provide examples from your academic work, internships, or community projects where you’ve engaged in policy research or advocacy efforts. Discuss any methodologies or tools you used and the impact of your involvement, demonstrating your readiness for the KIP role.

Discuss your organization and prioritization skills. Provide specific instances where you've successfully balanced multiple projects, highlighting any tools or techniques you rely on to keep everything on track, indicative of your capability to handle the diverse responsibilities of a policy intern.

To answer effectively, research current challenges in the political landscape related to free-market policies. Articulate your understanding and opinion on these issues while aligning them with the mission of The Buckeye Institute. Show your perspective and analytical opinion on policy matters.

Highlight your communication and collaboration skills. Share experiences where you contributed to a team project, focusing on how you foster a cooperative environment and adapt to diverse perspectives while achieving common goals.

Identify relevant skills such as effective research methods, strong writing abilities, and a passion for public policy. Connect these skills directly to the internship's responsibilities, illustrating how they will help you make a meaningful contribution to The Buckeye Institute.

Showcase your knowledge of The Buckeye Institute by discussing their recent reports or policies they've advocated for. Demonstrating your understanding of their mission and objectives will reflect your genuine interest and preparation for the interview.

Share specific goals, such as honing your research capabilities, gaining a better understanding of public policy processes, or networking with professionals in the field. Show enthusiasm for the learning opportunities that the KIP internship offers.

Prepare a STAR method response (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Discuss a challenge that demonstrates your problem-solving ability and resilience. Emphasize what you learned and how it relates to potential challenges as a policy intern.

Summarize your unique qualifications, experiences, and motivations that make you an ideal fit for the internship. Emphasize your commitment to free-market principles and your eagerness to contribute to the work of The Buckeye Institute while gaining invaluable insights into policymaking.