Internship Opportunities for National Review Institute
About National Review Institute
National Review Institute (NRI) was founded by William F. Buckley Jr. as a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 1991. NRI’s mission is to preserve and promote Buckley’s legacy and advance the principles of a free society through educational and outreach programs.
Bill Buckley sought to preserve and buttress the foundations of our free society and to conserve our inheritance from America’s Founders. NRI supports conservative writers and their ideas on how to guard and build on our country’s strengths, core principles, and freedoms, how to revitalize and add vigor and practical application to our conservative convictions, and how to better influence our culture while opposing its determined foes.
NRI’s educational programs bring together leaders in business, philanthropy, media, and policy to help strengthen the broader conservative movement, while also educating emerging leaders and our fellow citizens on the principles of a free society. Our partnership programs send National Review’s top talent across the country, thereby amplifying and expanding the reach of the National Review mission.
NRI Non-Profit Programs Internship
With openings during the fall, spring, and summer terms, NRI’s competitive internship program gives students hands-on experience in its unique journalistic think tank environment, allowing them to develop practical skills and gain valuable experience for future endeavors. Note this is not an internship with National Review. Fall and spring internships are a minimum of 20 hours per week, and summer internships are 40 hours per week. Interns’ responsibilities in the past have included:
- Organizing and growing an extensive archive of photos, film clips, quotations, and significant events in the life of William F. Buckley Jr.;
- Research ranging from general fact and data-finding to in-depth issue-specific projects for NRI programs and individual NRI Fellow’s work;
- Content creation and management for social media;
- Attending and/or watching events and taking notes for NRI Fellows;
- Providing administrative support to staff;
- Contributing to design projects and website maintenance.
NRI is looking for:
- A currently enrolled college student with strong research and writing skills.
- A willingness to work in a support role to the NRI Fellows and staff.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to work full-time (summer) or at least 20 hours per week (spring and fall) for a minimum of 8 weeks, at the Arlington, VA office.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and successfully.
- Proficiency with basic computer software programs.
- Social media experience – X and Instagram.
- Familiarity with and interest in the life and legacy of William F. Buckley Jr.
How to Apply: Email a cover letter (why you & why National Review Institute), resume, unofficial transcript, and one letter of recommendation to info@nrinstitute.org. To be considered for the summer 2026 semester, submit the required materials by 11:59 PM EDT on March 31, 2026.
Former NRI Interns Say:
“My internship with NRI gave me exactly what I was looking for in a summer internship: an opportunity to be at the heart of a crucial part of the political process, the place where ideas are formulated and debated, giving me insight into how intellectual conversations are being shaped.” Rory Sateika | Summer 2024
“Interns at the National Review Institute are quickly welcomed and integrated into the NRI/NR family. It is a wonderful chance to explore the inner workings of the non-profit and assist in its success. The program not only welcomes curiosity and questions, but also promotes debates and deep conversations about conservatism, Bill Buckley, and current events. As an intern, you are given numerous opportunities to meet with NRI staff and NR writers to expand your understanding of the industry. You will leave the program with strong connections and strengthened knowledge that will help in all future endeavors.” Sarah Schuringa | Summer 2023
“NRI is an intellectually driven place, but also one filled with virtue and principle. I could not have asked for a better internship experience in the year before entering the working world.” – Matthew Malec | 2022
“This summer was not what was expected in many ways, but this internship was anything but disappointing, even though I was not in the office. I feel like I got to know several individuals at NRI and NR even though I’ve met most of them only virtually. I gained great work experience in so many ways, but what I was most impressed with was how much was offered to me by NRI, rather than just what I had to offer to you. The virtual lunches, workshops, and invitations to various events were a real treat and show how much you all want us college folk to learn and grow as thinking and acting individuals. It has been such a rich experience.” -Grace Maffucci | Summer 2020
“Working at NRI was a pleasure as my political interests and intellectual curiosity naturally aligned with an array of activities that directly contributed to NR’s broader mission of championing the conservative cause. Some of my favorite assignments included writing up a summary of an NRI Fellow’s recent book to assist with his nationwide tour, lending a hand at NRI’s stimulating salons in New York, and revisiting past NR articles in my archival work.” -Aidan Adams-Campeau | 2018-2019
Working at NRI gave me invaluable professional skills and experiences. Through my work I was given the opportunity to rediscover elements of William F. Buckley Jr.’s life through archival research. There is no doubt that what I learned interning at NRI will stick with me for the rest of my college and professional career.” – Dominic Conoshenti | 2017