Make an impact.
Spring 2024 Internship applications are now open.
Deadline January 1, 2024.
The Internship Program
MPAC interns are presented with exciting opportunities to do real work and complete substantive assignments with personal guidance and hands-on training
Advocating Nationally
MPAC'S internship program allows you to work on issues on a national scale, such as immigration, national security, human security, and religious freedom. Every internship will focus on supporting MPAC's mission to improve public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities.
Timeline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Internships are for a minimum of 10 weeks for 15 hours a week during the Fall and Spring and 35 hours during the Summer.
Internship Benefits
Opportunities to discuss substantive issues and career paths with experts in government, media, academia, non-profits, and the private sector
Workshops to build skills such as research and writing, networking, resume and cover letter writing, media training, and writing news articles and op-eds
Access to events at MPAC and other organizations to foster your understanding of current topics and expand your professional network
Access to a network of MPAC alumni who work in a wide variety of fields around the country
Internship Positions
1Policy & Advocacy
2Research
3Development & Communications
Policy & Advocacy
You will develop leadership, communication, and critical and analysis skills in a dynamic and exciting work environment through hands-on experience in policy making, opinion-shaping, and public policy advocacy. You will work collaboratively with the team to develop policy positions through policy monitoring research and assessment and assist with external advocacy efforts and outreach. You will attend conferences, congressional hearings and meetings, academic lectures, and other events that come up during your time with MPAC.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Research and write news briefs and policy briefs
- Develop and implement advocacy plans as they relate to government agencies, Congress, and the private sector
- Attend conferences, congressional hearings and meetings, academic lectures, etc.
- Organize and implement community engagement project
- Support staff in other policy and advocacy projects as they arise
Qualifications
Strong research and writing skills, particularly on policy and legislative issues
- Familiarity with federal policymaking and legislative processes
- Interest in public affairs advocacy as it relates to American Muslims and social justice
Required Application Materials
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample
- References
Communications & Marketing
Leverage your passion for helping others with social media and marketing by joining us for an internship. We'll guide you through strategic planning, best practices, and social media monitoring/reporting tools with our small, dynamic team.
You will experience an exciting opportunity to refine your skills in writing, campaign management, and marketing. You'll be able to merge your creativity and passion for social justice to make a difference in the policies and perceptions affecting American Muslims and other communities. You will be in a space where you are encouraged to share ideas and give your input in the planning of various projects.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Develop content for a variety of different audiences
- Daily channel monitoring and engagement
- Posting on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook (general posts & story)
- Audience growth
- Influencer research and list-building
- Helping with events and marketing
- Live tweeting
- Creating toolkits
- Running analytics
- Hashtag research
Qualifications
- Familiarity with social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)
- Exceptional writing skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management skills
- Self-motivated
- Can-do attitude
- Deadline driven
- Ability to take and provide basic edits to compelling photos
Required Application Materials
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- 2 Writing Samples
Research
Assist in supporting the development of a counter-narrative for Islam and the American Muslim experience.
You will experience an exciting opportunity to refine your skills in writing, research, and marketing. You will be in a space where you are encouraged to share ideas and give your input in the planning of various projects.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Research academic articles, policy papers, op-eds, talks, and lectures
- Daily channel monitoring and engagement
- Research for development of video and multimedia content
- Audience growth
- Influencer research and list-building
- Helping with events and marketinCreating toolkits
- Running analytics
- Hashtag research
Qualifications
- Familiarity with social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)
- Exceptional writing skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management skills
- Self-motivated
- Can-do attitude
- Deadline driven
- Ability to take and provide basic edits to compelling photos
Required Application Materials
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- 2 Writing Samples
Policy & Advocacy
You will develop leadership, communication, and critical and analysis skills in a dynamic and exciting work environment through hands-on experience in policy making, opinion-shaping, and public policy advocacy. You will work collaboratively with the team to develop policy positions through policy monitoring research and assessment and assist with external advocacy efforts and outreach. You will attend conferences, congressional hearings and meetings, academic lectures, and other events that come up during your time with MPAC.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Research and write news briefs and policy briefs
- Develop and implement advocacy plans as they relate to government agencies, Congress, and the private sector
- Attend conferences, congressional hearings and meetings, academic lectures, etc.
- Organize and implement community engagement project
- Support staff in other policy and advocacy projects as they arise
Qualifications
Strong research and writing skills, particularly on policy and legislative issues
- Familiarity with federal policymaking and legislative processes
- Interest in public affairs advocacy as it relates to American Muslims and social justice
Required Application Materials
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample
- References
Digital Advocacy
You will experience an exciting opportunity to refine your skills in writing, campaign management, and marketing. You'll be able to merge your creativity and passion for social justice to make a difference in the policies and perceptions affecting American Muslims and other communities. You will be in a space where you are encouraged to share ideas and give your input in the planning of various projects.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Writing and editing emails and blogs
- Organize and implement community engagement project
- Support staff in other policy and advocacy projects as they arise
Qualifications
- Strong writing skills
- Experience working with Google Sheetings or Microsoft Word
- Understanding of social media platforms.
- Passionate about creative storytelling, problem-solving and asking great questions
- Attention to detail, self-learner, self-starter and strong initiative
- Eager to work on projects from conception to execution to reporting
Required Application Materials
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- 2 Writing Samples
Development
You will get to work MPAC's DevCom team and learn how fundraising, donor engagement, and digital communications works in the non-profit world. You will get the opportunity to refine your skills in writing, campaign management, analytics and even marketing. Merge your skills and passion for social justice and learn how a national non-profit runs. You will be in a space where you are encouraged to share ideas and give your input in the planning of various projects alongside other fellow interns as well.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Writing and editing emails
- Planning and managing small to large marketing and fundraising campaigns
- Working creatively with data analytics
- Creating graphics and/or short form video content to support programs, campaigns, and events.
Qualifications
- Strong writing skills
- Experience working with Google Sheets or Microsoft Word
- Ability to learn and apply different methods to problem solving
- Attention to detail, self-learner, self-starter and strong initiative
- Eager to work on projects from conception to execution to reporting
- Adobe Photoshop or Indesign experience is helpful
- Passionate about creative storytelling, problem-solving and asking great questions
- Attention to detail, self-learner, and strong initiative
Required Application Materials
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample
- References
We want to prepare you for the future
We provide interns with the opportunity to develop their leadership, communication, and critical analysis skills. Interns will gain hands-on experience in policy, media, Hollywood and community organizing. Our internship program helps develop aspiring leaders who are committed to enriching America through the vital contributions of American Muslims.
How to Apply
Submission
Individuals who meet all of the above requirements and qualifications may apply by completing an application at the following link. Please make sure to specify in your cover letter which position and location you are applying for as well as your dates of availability.
Policy & Advocacy Internship
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Writing Sample (max. 5 pages)
- References (contact information only, no letters)
Digital Internship
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Creative Project/Portfolio
Communications & Marketing Internship
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- 2 Writing Samples
Development Internship
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample
- References
Timeline
Internships are for a minimum of 10 weeks for 15 hours a week during the Fall and Spring and 30 hours during the Summer.
Please note, due to the large volume of applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interested applicants from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to those applicants with superior research, writing, organizational, and word-processing skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
We welcome all undergraduate, graduate, and recent graduate students to apply.
What is the process for intern selection?
All applications are extensively reviewed by the Internship Coordinator on a rolling basis. Shortlisted applications are reviewed by the heads of MPAC's different departments and are contacted for phone interviews. After the phone interviews, applicants are contacted regarding the final results of their application.
What is the timetable for intern selection?
Depending on the volume of applications, short-listed candidates can be contacted for phone interviews as soon as 1-3 weeks after the application deadline has passed. Final decisions are usually made 5-6 weeks after the application deadline.
Is the internship paid?
Unfortunately, we do not pay our interns. However, we can work with you to receive credit or sponsorship through your university.
Does MPAC provide housing or transportation?
Unfortunately, we do not provide housing or transportation for interns. However, if you need help finding housing, please let us know. We can make recommendations on resources to use or neighborhoods to focus on in your search.
Can I apply for multiple positions?
Yes, you should indicate your preference in your cover letter. If you are interested in more than one internship, you do not need to submit multiple cover letters or applications.
Can I intern remotely?
We are only accepting in-person internships at this time at our Los Angeles or Washington D.C. office.
I can't intern but I would really like to help out. How can I get involved?
Please email internships@mpac.org and let us know you would like to help out! If there are any opportunities available, we'll be sure to reach out. Please make sure to include your location.
Contact Us
internships@mpac.org
