Summer Research Intern
The Wisconsin Policy Forum (WPF) is seeking applications for paid undergraduate or graduate research interns for Summer 2026. The interns will support research on key public policy issues confronting local and state government bodies and agencies throughout Wisconsin.
Role of the intern
The Forum’s research portfolios include education, government finance, and economic and workforce development. Throughout the summer, interns will be immersed in the research and analysis process, helping to develop research products using qualitative and quantitative methods.
While with us, interns are considered members of the WPF team, are supervised and guided by senior staff, and have opportunities to participate in WPF functions, attend staff meetings, and draw upon WPF’s network and expertise.
Graduate interns will be compensated at $16/hour. Undergraduate interns will be compensated at $14/hour. Both full- and part-time schedules may be available. We have offices in downtown Milwaukee and downtown Madison and are currently operating with a mix of remote and in-person office attendance.
What we are looking for
Strong candidates will demonstrate interest or experience in WPF’s mission and be current undergraduate or graduate students. They must also be available to work at the Madison or Milwaukee office on a hybrid basis (some remote work is allowed). Past interns have pursued degrees in public policy, public administration, urban planning, economics, education, law, political science, urban geography, and other related fields. We also encourage students in additional fields of study who have an interest in public policy to apply.
Examples of tasks in which interns may engage include:
- Accessing and drawing from online data sources
- Data analysis using Excel
- Data visualization
- Background research
- Policy analysis
- Helping to update our annual data tools
- Helping to write policy briefs
Important skills and characteristics for interns include:
- Quantitative skills
- Critical reading of text and/or data
- Attention to detail and accuracy
Preferred skills for interns include:
- Analytical writing
- Ability to conduct independent research
- Ability to summarize key findings from data sets
The Wisconsin Policy Forum values candidates with diverse backgrounds and encourages all to apply.
Application process
Candidates should submit a résumé and a cover letter using the form below. The Forum will work with interns to help fulfill requirements to receive academic credit for the internship.
Please indicate any requirements and your availability (desired hours per week and approximate start and end dates) in your cover letter.
The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Candidates will not hear back on a decision about moving forward in the interview process until the application deadline has passed. Finalists will be invited to interview in March and interns will subsequently be selected and notified.
The application deadline has passed. Address applications or questions to Forum Administrative Coordinator Denise Manjarrez-Renteria at drenteria@wispolicyforum.org.