2026 Summer Internship Application

Washington, DC
Internship
Student (College)
Internships at Truth Initiative!
Truth Initiative is currently searching for energetic and COMMITTED individuals for our Internship Program.
Could this be YOU?
Moving toward empowering the first generation to end smoking is more than just a job 'it's what motivates us every day. We're looking for a qualified individual who shares this spirit to participate in our internship program. 
As a Truth Initiative intern, you'll gain practical knowledge on public health issues, real world professional experience, valuable workplace skills and general career guidance. You'll work hard, learn a lot and have fun, too.
If you are confident that your diligence and passion can affect change, we want to hear from you! Our semester-long internships are paid and available in the fall, spring and summer.  Opportunities vary each semester, but are typically in the following areas of specialization: Marketing, Communications, Public Policy, Human Resources, IT, and Research. Read below for more information!
How Long Will This Internship Last?
The duration of the internship varies depending on the semester. The fall and spring internships align with university academic semesters, while the summer internship runs from June to August. Fall and Spring Interns are requested to work between 15 to 20 hours a week, while summer interns may work up to a full-time schedule (37.5 hours). Interns are eligible to participate in the program for up to two semesters.

What Kind of Work Will I Do?
  • Research Interns - The Schroeder Institute will contribute to the department’s research projects. Examples of past tasks of interns include conducting literature searches for projects, testing online surveys, content analysis (e.g., social media surveillance), and preparing results. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, possess excellent communication skills, and can work independently as well as collaboratively with other departments and in a fast-paced environment. Current students pursuing their graduate degree in Public Health are preferred. An interest in behavioral research and/or interest in tobacco control research is a plus. 
  • The Research Analyst Intern should be enrolled in a Master’s program in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field, with strong training in quantitative methods. Experience with statistical programming (SAS, Stata, R, etc.) and data management, as well as familiarity with statistical research principles and methodologies, is highly desirable. The intern will support rapid research initiatives, with a primary focus on data management, data cleaning, and documentation of analytic procedures. Responsibilities may include cleaning and coding large, multi-year datasets; ensuring consistent variable coding across survey waves; maintaining records related to study response rates and participant retention; performing data cleaning, validation, and reporting tasks; and conducting literature searches and reviews. The intern may also conduct descriptive and basic inferential statistical analyses using Stata or R under the guidance of Senior Analysts. Lastly, the intern will assist research analysts in preparing datasets for broader use, facilitate communication among research collaborators as needed, and support the preparation of research findings for peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
  • The Development and Partnerships Intern will support Truth Initiative's Development and Partnerships expertise center and broaden their knowledge of partnerships, fundraising, grantmaking, project management and college activism. The intern will be involved in work supporting the Culture + Cessation Collective, state and local outreach, the Tobacco/Vape-Free College Grant Program and development work. The intern will be responsible for activities including college leader support, support for special events (in person or virtual), researching potential funders, virtual meeting logistics and notes, and data entry.  Ideal candidates are undergraduate students with a demonstrated interest in college activism, grants, public health education and health promotion.  Applicants pursuing a degree in public health, marketing, political science, or related fields are preferred.
  • The Communications Intern will assist in all aspects of the department and will be fully integrated into the Communications, Creative, and Culture team. As an intern, you will participate in team meetings and events as well as have opportunities to gain experience in supporting the team in a wide range of editorial and administrative functions. Duties may include: drafting articles and infographics, researching topics related to tobacco use and quitting, proofreading and editing, researching and tracking media coverage, compiling reporter information, and more. Ideal candidates are current students pursuing their undergraduate degree in a related field with strong writing and editing skills.
  • The Human Resources Intern will support Truth Initiative’s Human Resources Center of Expertise across multiple functional areas and special projects, gaining broad exposure to core HR practices. The intern will assist with performance management initiatives, learn HRIS processes and help process employee updates and changes, maintain and dispose of HR files and contracts in accordance with Truth Initiative’s document retention policy, support recruitment efforts by reviewing resumes, and assist with updating benefits information within the HRIS. Ideal candidates are undergraduate students interested in developing knowledge and experience in Human Resources as a profession

What Kind of Background Do I Need?
Intern candidates are current students pursuing their undergraduate degree (graduate students are only considered for internships with our research and innovations teams). A passionate interest in public health or tobacco control is a plus. Experience working on multiple tasks and projects in a fast paced environment is essential. 

So what's in this for me?
Do I get paid? YES! Interns are paid competitively at $18.00/hour for undergraduate students and $21.00/hour for graduate students.
Will the work schedule be flexible? Yes, interns are expected to work a hybrid work schedule.
Will I be able to contribute to positive change in the lives of millions? Absolutely! The rewards are more than what can fit on this page!
So what's stopping you? Apply today!

HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should submit their cover letter, resume and be prepared to answer a few questions about your interest.

No telephone calls please.   
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or disability.
 
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