CBO has finalized selections for the 2022 Summer Internship Program. We thank all students who indicated an interest in the Internship Program by submitting an application. We hope that you consider CBO again in the future and encourage you to register for job alerts to be informed of new opportunities.
Meet CBO's 2021 Interns
CBO is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. CBO encourages women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
What is the application process?
All applications must be submitted online by the application deadline. Only complete applications will be considered. When you apply:
- Submit your cover letter and resume
- Upload a transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
- Contact information for two references
What are the qualifications for the summer internship program?
You should:
- be pursuing a graduate degree in economics, public policy, health policy, finance, or a related field
- have solid writing skills and the ability communicate clearly and concisely
- have exceptional interpersonal and analytical skills
- be familiar with computer programming, statistics, econometrics, or other quantitative methods
Often, CBO also seeks summer interns in other disciplines, such as budget and financial management, information technology, communications, and human resources. Qualifications and deadlines for those positions differ.
Can noncitizens apply?
CBO may employ individuals who are not U.S. citizens if they are permanent residents of the United States who are seeking citizenship, as outlined in 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)(B). Please review the citizenship requirements or contact CBO Human Resources at careers@cbo.gov to determine employment eligibility before submitting an application.
How does CBO select interns?
CBO selects interns on the basis of:
- academic achievement
- relevance of your academic training to CBO's work
- relevant work experience
When are interns selected?
Applications are reviewed in March and selections are completed by the first week in April. We inform all candidates to whom we are unable to extend an internship by email.
What do CBO interns do?
In addition to contributing to CBO’s analysis in one of CBO’s divisions, interns participate in an educational program that includes briefings on the work that we do and the way we do it. CBO's interns are also afforded networking opportunities with budget and policy professionals.
What projects have CBO interns worked on?
Recent CBO interns have contributed to the following cost estimates and publications:
- Testimony on the Status of the Highway Trust Fund and Options for Paying for Highway Spending
- The Long-Term Budget Outlook
- S. 2764, Sustainable Shark Fisheries and Trade Act of 2018
- H.R. 6226, American Space Situational Awareness and Framework for Entity Management Act
- H.R. 5923, Walnut Grove Land Exchange Act
- S. 139, Rapid DNA Act of 2017
- S. 534, Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act of 2017
How can I prepare for a CBO internship?
Previous interns describe the following experiences and skills as valuable in preparing for their CBO internships:
- course work in economics, public finance, public budgeting, microeconomics, econometrics, and public health
- projects involving SAS (or other statistical programs) and large data sets
- independent research
- strong writing skills
- interest in understanding the federal budget process
- other policy internships and participation in student government
Does CBO accept interns for the fall or spring semesters?
Only occasionally does CBO offer internships during the academic year. You can register to receive internship job alerts in the event that a fall or spring semester opportunity becomes available.
Does CBO offer internships for individuals who have already completed their degree program(s)?
CBO accepts applications from students currently enrolled in a degree seeking program. Applicants who have already completed their education are encouraged to visit the www.cbo.gov/careers for a listing of our positions.