Digital Intern - Digital Design & IT
To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application.
About the Role
This paid, in-person internship in Washington, DC (25–40 hours per week over 12 weeks) joins Cato’s Digital Design & IT team—an environment that blends a think tank with a software/media startup
You’ll help design and build web publications and tools, analyze and visualize research data, support social and email campaign assets, and keep data/tech systems organized so content ships quickly and looks great.
Expect hands-on work translating policy research into high-performing, accessible web experiences; maintaining data pipelines and dashboards; and collaborating across Cato to advance individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
Responsibilities
Some or all of the following (based on interest and skills):
- Assist with data analysis and cleanup.
- Create data sets and visualizations as needed.
- Edit, curate, and publish online content
- Aid in creating and running digital marketing campaigns
- Create or modify reports and reporting dashboards
- Assist with audio/visual setup and post-production.
Qualifications
- Strong interest in—and working familiarity with—digital publishing for US public policy research (web, data visualization, marketing automation).
- Ability to manage and develop databases (e.g., Salesforce): data models, list/segment design, data hygiene, automations/flows, API integrations, and documentation.
- Intermediate HTML with familiarity in CSS/JavaScript; experience with publishing tools (WordPress/Drupal) and InDesign for production workflows.
- Proficient with office productivity software; organized files and clear documentation.
- Experience creating datasets and visualizations with a focus on accuracy, source labeling, and accessibility (WCAG basics).
- Organized and dependable—experienced with version control (Git/GitHub); communicates clearly, meets deadlines, and adapts quickly to feedback
The Cato Internship Program
Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.”
All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks.
Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC.
For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.