How to apply for KIP Spring 2027 - Policy Intern - Illinois Policy Institute

About Standtogether

The Illinois Policy Institute is a free-market think tank dedicated to advancing civil liberties, economic opportunity, and government accountability in Illinois. Unlike typical internships, this role offers hands-on research experience that directly influences state policy debates. Working here means contributing to solutions for Illinois' pension crisis, property tax burdens, and educational reform—issues that affect millions of residents.

About the role

As a Policy Intern, you'll conduct rigorous research and analysis on policies that hinder economic growth and personal freedom in Illinois. You'll be part of a high-performing team, producing memos, reports, and data visualizations that inform legislators, media, and the public. This isn't a coffee-fetching internship—your work will directly support the Institute's mission to empower people and limit government overreach.

A typical day

A typical day might involve researching a specific policy issue (e.g., the impact of proposed property tax caps), analyzing data in Excel, and drafting a memo summarizing your findings for senior staff. You'll also attend virtual team meetings to discuss strategy, possibly collaborate on a blog post or op-ed, and receive feedback on your work. Expect a mix of independent research and interactive problem-solving with a supportive, mission-driven team.

Who Standtogether is looking for

• Strong interest in public policy, economics, or political science, with a commitment to free-market principles and limited government.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, including experience with data analysis tools (Excel, SPSS, or R) and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear arguments.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences (policymakers, media, grassroots).
• Self-starter attitude and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, remote environment, while maintaining attention to detail.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with policy research, data analysis, or writing—even if from academic projects or volunteer work. Quantify results where possible (e.g., 'Analyzed 10 years of pension data to identify $X billion in unfunded liabilities').
• In your cover letter, explicitly connect your values to the Illinois Policy Institute's principles (e.g., support for pension reform, property tax relief, or educational choice). Show you've read their recent reports and can articulate why their mission resonates with you.
• Demonstrate familiarity with Illinois-specific policy issues. Mention recent legislation or debates (e.g., the Illinois pension crisis, graduated income tax proposals) to show you're up-to-date and genuinely interested in the state's challenges.
• Because the internship is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently, communicate proactively, and stay organized. Provide examples of successful remote collaboration or self-directed projects.
• Stand Together Fellowships values diversity of thought, so highlight unique perspectives or experiences that shape your policy views. Avoid partisan rhetoric; instead, focus on principled arguments for liberty and opportunity.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your alignment with the Illinois Policy Institute's core beliefs, especially on pension reform, property taxes, and educational choice. Use specific examples of how your values match theirs.", "Your research and analytical abilities, including any experience with quantitative methods, data visualization, or policy analysis. Mention tools you're proficient in and how you've applied them.", 'Your writing skills—highlight any published articles, blog posts, or research papers that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.', 'Your eagerness to learn and contribute in a fast-paced, remote team environment. Emphasize your adaptability and willingness to take on challenging projects.']

Research before applying

• Read the Illinois Policy Institute's recent reports and blog posts, especially on pensions, property taxes, and education. Familiarize yourself with their policy recommendations and the data they use.
• Understand the basics of Illinois' pension systems (e.g., TRS, SURS, SERS) and the proposed reforms. Know key figures like the state's unfunded liability and how it compares to other states.
• Follow Illinois politics: recent legislation, budget debates, and key players (e.g., Governor J.B. Pritzker, legislative leaders). Note where the Institute's positions differ from others.
• Explore Stand Together's broader network and philosophy to understand how the Illinois Policy Institute fits into a national movement for free-market solutions.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Why are you interested in the Illinois Policy Institute specifically, and how do your values align with our mission?
• Can you describe a research project you've worked on from start to finish? What was your methodology, and what did you find?
• How would you explain the Illinois pension crisis to a taxpayer with no policy background? What solutions would you propose?
• Give an example of a time you had to analyze a complex policy issue and present it concisely. How did you ensure accuracy and clarity?
• How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple deadlines? Describe a situation where you had to manage competing demands.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Illinois Policy Institute or its specific policy areas. This signals a lack of genuine interest.
• Focusing solely on your academic credentials without demonstrating practical skills or a passion for policy change. The Institute values action-oriented thinkers.
• Using overly partisan language or attacking political opponents. The Institute promotes principled, civil discourse; keep your tone professional and solution-oriented.