10 Economics Internships for Undergraduates

As an undergraduate, you have numerous opportunities to explore different avenues, develop your interests, learn new skills, and build lasting friendships. This time is often one for experimenting and discovering yourself—whether by joining clubs and societies, volunteering, or pursuing hobbies.

A popular way to gain professional experience is by taking up internships. If you are interested in economics, there are many openings where you can intern with organizations to build your profile and start your career in economics. Internships provide exposure to the industry, opportunities to network with like-minded individuals, and invaluable hands-on experience. They can also enhance your employability and strengthen your profile.

Here are 10 economics internships to help you get started.

1.  Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,490, with full need-based financial aid available
Stipend: None
Deadline: February 9, 2025 (for the spring cohort)
Program Dates: 8 weeks starting February 19, 2025
Eligibility: College students and young professionals

Gain valuable experience in your chosen field by working with start-ups from around the world through Ladder’s University Internship Program. Once matched with a project, you will collaborate with the company for 8 weeks. Each week is structured to help you progress toward a milestone, culminating in the final project delivery and presentation.

Throughout the program, you will work with a company coach to define your deliverables, stay on track, and gain insights into the industry. You can expect 8 sessions with the host company and a weekly commitment of 5–10 hours.

This remote internship allows you to gain experience from anywhere while working with global companies. The final project is a valuable addition to your profile and is supplemented by a reference letter from your start-up founder or manager.

2. Council of Economic Advisors Internships

Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: None
Stipend: Not specified
Deadline: February 21, 2025 (for the summer cohort)
Program Dates: June 9–August 15, 2025
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, 18 years or older, enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program. Preferred candidates have experience with Stata. Additional requirements include security clearance and compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.

The Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) is an agency within the Executive Office of the President that advises on domestic and international economic policy. The CEA bases its recommendations on empirical evidence and research.

As an intern, you will contribute to the research and analysis side of the CEA’s projects. Topics of research may include macroeconomic, microeconomic, and international issues. You will also engage in data collection and statistical analysis. This internship is designed to help you develop qualitative and quantitative research techniques for addressing economic questions.

The internship is available during the fall, spring, and summer terms.

3. US Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: None
Stipend: None
Deadline: December (summer), October (spring), June (fall)
Program Dates: May–August (summer), January–May (spring), September–December (fall)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution, and maintain student status throughout the internship.

An internship with the US Department of Treasury offers valuable experience working in a federal position. This opportunity is open to students from various backgrounds, including economics.

As an intern, you will engage in tasks such as collecting and analyzing data, summarizing relevant literature, drafting reports, attending Congressional hearings and official meetings, coordinating with other agencies, organizing meetings, and managing administrative tasks.

You can apply to any of the department’s offices based on your interests. By the end of the internship, you will develop leadership and communication skills, expand your professional network, gain insight into the daily workings of a federal agency, and more.

4. US Department of Commerce Internship Program

Location: Varies by office
Cost: None
Stipend: None
Deadline: Rolling basis for summer, spring, and fall sessions
Program Dates: Summer, spring, and fall. Hours are flexible.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, 18 years or older, enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, with an interest in public policy, economics, business, or related fields.

An internship with the US Department of Commerce provides insights into working with the federal government, similar to the experience offered by the Treasury Department. While the position is unpaid, interns are accepted on a rolling basis during the spring, summer, and fall, with flexible work hours.

You can choose to intern with various offices, including the Office of the Secretary, Office of the Deputy Secretary, Office of Public Affairs, Office of Strategy and Planning, International Trade Administration, and more. Each office within the Department of Commerce has distinct functions.

In your application, you can specify your top three office preferences.

5. US Department of Agriculture Wallace-Carver Fellowship

Location: USDA research centers and offices across the U.S.
Cost: None
Stipend: Available
Deadline: December 1, 2024
Duration: June 2–August 8, 2025
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, high school seniors (enrolling in college in Fall 2025), or full-time undergraduate or graduate students who have participated in a World Food Prize Youth Program.

An internship with the US Department of Commerce offers valuable insights into working with the federal government, similar to the experience provided by the Treasury Department. While the position is unpaid, it offers flexible work hours, and interns are accepted on a rolling basis during the spring, summer, and fall.

You can apply to various offices, including the Office of the Secretary, Office of the Deputy Secretary, Office of Public Affairs, Office of Strategy and Planning, International Trade Administration, and others. Each office has unique functions within the Department of Commerce.

In your application, you can list your top three office preferences.

6. Pew Research Center Internships

Location: Hybrid in Washington D.C.
Cost: None
Stipend: $17/hour
Deadline: Typically in January
Program Dates: 12 weeks (June to August)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students

In a collaborative environment, interns will work on various projects that offer exposure to careers in fields like economics, public opinion research, communications, and more. The internship is designed to help you transition into a professional environment, providing networking opportunities and the chance to work on real-world projects. You will also attend programs that allow you to meet the organization’s staff.

Pew’s work focuses on empirical research that informs public policy decision-making, with economic, political, and demographic analyses reflecting real-world realities. During the internship, you will learn or enhance your skills with statistical software, contribute to the research process, and work on a report or publish a blog post.

7. American Institute for Economic Research

Location: Great Barrington, MA
Cost: None
Stipend: $15/hour
Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: 12 weeks (Spring: February 3rd–April 26th, Summer: Late May–Mid August, Fall: Late August–Mid November)
Eligibility: College students and recent graduates

If you are interested in economic research, academia, or the private sector, this internship could be an excellent fit. By working on research, policy analysis, or editorial writing, you will gain experience in your chosen field while contributing to the organization’s goals. As part of the program, you will develop a personal research project that can lead to a presentation at an academic conference or a journal publication.

You will receive guidance on refining your ideas, formulating research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, presenting your findings, and incorporating feedback. The program combines readings on various economic topics with workshops on blockchain technology, cryptocurrency trading, econometric techniques, academic and popular writing, and economic analysis using AIER indicators.

At the conclusion of the program, you will present your research to AIER staff and visiting scholars.

8. American Economic Association Summer and Scholarship Programs

Location: Howard University, Washington D.C.
Cost: None
Stipend: $3,250
Deadline: January 31, 2025
Program Dates: May 22–July 20, 2025
Eligibility: Students enrolled in or recent graduates of a degree program, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, having completed calculus, statistics, and microeconomics courses, and a strong interest in pursuing a doctoral degree.

The AEA program spans two months and focuses on training in microeconomics, mathematics, econometrics, and research methods, providing a strong foundation for pursuing graduate studies in economics. Placement in either the foundational or advanced level depends on your academic record and performance on a placement test.

This selective program admits only 35–40 students, offering an intensive experience that requires dedicated effort. Participants work closely with prominent professors, develop mentorships, and earn up to 12 college credits upon completion.

The program includes classes, research projects, labs, study groups, and organized events and activities. In-class instruction is complemented by visits to the Federal Reserve Board and several renowned monuments and museums.

9. Brookings Internship Program

Location: Hybrid (DC Metropolitan area) or remote (except for certain states).
Cost: None
Stipend: Available, determined before the internship
Deadline: Typically in April for the summer cohort. Applications open in January 2025.
Program Dates: June–August (summer), September–December (fall), January–April (spring)

This research program, accepting interns during the spring, summer, and fall, focuses on five key fields: Governance Studies, Economic Studies, Foreign Policy, Global Economy and Development, and Brookings Metro. Alternatively, you may choose to intern in one of Brookings’ business units, such as the Executive Office, Human Resources, Finance, or Communications.

Your responsibilities will vary based on your position but may include contributing to research, administration, communication, and other organizational functions. Interns also have opportunities to participate in internal and external events, local networking activities, social and community programs, staff professional development, and employee-led professional networks and affinity groups.

10. American Enterprise Institute’s Internships

Location: Washington D.C.
Cost: None
Stipend: None
Deadline: Rolling basis
Program Dates: 10 weeks, typically from May–August (summer), August–December (fall), January–May (spring)
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors and seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students with coursework in areas related to AEI's focus. Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate an interest in public policy or research experience.

The American Enterprise Institute offers 60 internships across its research and business groups, including economic and healthcare policy, foreign and defense policy, social, cultural, and constitutional studies, domestic policy, media and communications, government relations, external relations, and development and fundraising.

As an intern, you will contribute to academic journal articles, books, op-eds, testimonies, blog posts, and conferences. On a daily basis, your tasks may include research, outreach, assisting with AEI events, editing, writing, and web content management. This role provides valuable insight into the structure and operations of a think tank.

Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!

Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program that connects students with startups and nonprofits from industries around the world! As part of the internship, you will work on real-world projects that are important to the startup and present your work at the end of the internship. You will also be mentored by their manager from the startup as well as a Ladder Coach. Apply now!