Summer Intern, Office of the President

Overview

Emerson Collective (EC) is a company of investors, changemakers, creative thinkers, and problem solvers working to make a lasting mark on the world. 

Emerson Collective’s summer internship program places rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors - and, for select opportunities, undergraduate students graduating in 2026 - in paid internship opportunities across Emerson Collective and our longstanding nonprofit partners XQ Institute, E Pluribus Unum, and Chicago CRED. 

We’re looking for college students who think big, embrace challenges, and thrive in collaboration.

The internship is onsite, 40 hours per week, from June 15 through August 7, 2026. A mandatory paid virtual onboarding and orientation will take place June 10–12. See below for more details.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.

The Opportunity

The Office of the President team serves as a central hub for Emerson Collective’s efforts to inspire change in education, immigration, and climate. As an intern in the Office of the President, you’ll conduct research, draft briefing materials, and support special projects that inform organizational priorities and executive engagements. You’ll gain broad exposure to Emerson’s cross-disciplinary work, including in education, immigration, climate, politics, and the arts, while sharpening your analytical, writing, and strategic thinking skills. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, proactive, and motivated to make meaningful contributions to complex, real-world challenges.

• Conduct in-depth research for meetings and other engagements involving executive leadership. Such research may include policy research, historical research, data analysis, compiling biographies, and more.
• Draft and edit background briefings, communications materials, and other written deliverables
• Explore emerging topics and opportunities that align with organizational goals.
• Verify and fact-check content generated by internal and external partners.

• Rising undergraduate junior or senior with a demonstrated interest in EC’s mission and issue areas.
• Extensive research experience and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Independent, resourceful problem-solver who thrives in fast-paced and evolving environments.
• Proficiency with AI tools and prompt building, and enthusiasm for exploring emerging technologies. 
• Highly organized and capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Exercises sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
• Brings intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and respect for diverse perspectives, and a commitment to collaboration.
• Energized by creativity, innovation, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work every day.

Internship Details

Compensation

- All interns are paid $25 per hour and can expect to work 40 hours per week from June 15 to August 7 (eight weeks).

- Interns will also be paid $25 per hour for onboarding and orientation sessions taking place June 10–12.

- All interns receive a lunch allowance and a commuter allowance, and may also receive travel and housing allowances as needed. 

Key Dates

- November 18 – January 6: Internship applications accepted; interviews begin on a rolling basis

Applications must be submitted by 2:00 PM PT/5:00 PM ET on Tuesday, January 6.

(Please note that not all applicants will be selected for interviews.)

- January 12 – March 7: Interviews continue and offers extended

- June 10–12: Mandatory virtual onboarding and orientation

- June 15: Internship program begins

- August 7: Internship program concludes