The Survey Center on American Life is a project of the American Enterprise Institute. Our dedicated team conducts original survey research to examine how cultural, political, and technological changes affect the lives of everyday Americans.

Interested in joining the team? Please see below for opportunities.

Internships are available at the Survey Center on American Life for the Fall, Spring, and Summer to experienced undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates.


Spring Intern

The American Enterprise Institute seeks an intern who will assist Senior Fellow Daniel A. Cox, director of the Survey Center on American Life. Dr. Cox is an expert on polling and public opinion and specializes in survey research, politics, generational change and identity, and religion. The intern will have the opportunity to work on a range of public opinion projects and gain exposure to different types of survey analysis techniques and polling methodologies.

Applicants should be eager to understand the way cultural and political changes are shaping the lives of ordinary Americans. The intern will assist with research that goes beyond national policy debates to offer a more complete picture of the way Americans live, work, and socialize. This internship will involve background research, questionnaire design, editing, data visualization, and data analysis. Research topics change every semester, with a broad focus on politics, religion, and social connection.

The ideal candidate will have an educational background in political science, statistics, or a related field; strong research abilities; some data experience; curiosity; and a self-directed work ethic. Experience with Stata, SPSS Statistics, or another statistical software as well as experience and interest in social media (specifically X) is preferred.

There will be two start dates for the fall program: January 7th and January 14th. While the AEI Internship Program and all related programming will take place in-person in Washington, DC this summer, virtual interns may be accepted on a case by case basis. Please include your preferred start date and note your in-person/virtual preference in your cover letter.

About AEI Internships

AEI internships offer a unique opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates to gain experience in research, writing, business, and communications at one of the nation’s leading think tanks. Competitive candidates will generally have a 3.4 GPA or higher from a top-ranking college or university. The AEI internship program runs 12 weeks. Please see the internship program home page for updates about the program.

Recent Commentary

October 28, 2024Daniel A. Cox

Are Young Men Really Going to Vote for Donald Trump?

Young men are leaning towards Trump in recent polls. Are the polls accurate?

October 16, 2024Daniel A. Cox

All the single ladies are backing Kamala

Unmarried women make up a whopping 25% of the electorate — and that’s bad news for Donald Trump.

August 28, 2024Daniel A. Cox

Kamala’s Gen Z problem

In the 48 hours after Kamala Harris announced her run for president on July 21, nearly 40,000 people registered to vote on vote.org — 83% of whom were under 35.

July 15, 2024Daniel A. Cox

The GOP is Poised to Make Gains With Young Voters

Of the many ways that Donald Trump has scrambled the country’s political demography, none is more surprising than the way he changed the GOP’s relationship with young voters.