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The Next Step in Your Public Policy Career

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Are you a current or recent graduate student looking to advance your career as a public policy professional? Are you motivated by big ideas and a passion for liberalism? Build your public policy portfolio by becoming a Cato research associate.

Apply to be a Cato research associate today!

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Cato’s Research Associate Program

The Cato Institute is one of the leading libertarian think tanks in the world and one of the most prominent public policy research organizations in the country. Cato’s prestigious research associate program builds on the fundamentals that participants learned in prior internships and throughout their undergraduate and graduate studies. This two‐​year commitment offers research associates the opportunity to earn meaningful, applied research experience as they support the work of leading scholars and some of the most important policy issues facing America today.

Get Paid to Work in Public Policy

All Cato research associates receive salaried compensation commensurate with their experience. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; health savings and flexible spending account options; a 401(k)-retirement savings account; transit stipends; and more!

Eligibility and Application Process

To participate in the Cato Research Associate Program, prospective applicants must possess an undergraduate degree or be currently pursuing or recently have earned a graduate degree in a related field for an existing research associate program placement position.

All prospective Cato research associates must fill out an application to be considered. This includes Stand Together associates, Google fellows, etc.