Institute for Economics Affairs (IEA) - Internships (spring 2025)

Overview.

The IEA General Internship Programme is an onsite, 3-month, unpaid position with travel expenses paid for at the IEA Office in the heart of Westminster. You will work 9am-5:30pm and occasionally stay back later for events, both at the IEA and social events for interns.

The IEA General Internship is where you will have the opportunity to work with all departments in the UK’s first and largest free market think tank.

This programme is aimed at those with an interest in free market economics and classical liberal philosophy who want to expand their horizon while contributing to all aspects of the IEA’s work in achieving our mission, to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems.

The goal of this internship is to expand and develop a diverse range of skills while supporting the work of a free market think tank. Interns will be encouraged to work in a wide variety of departments and later tailor their internship experience to their own talents and interests. As strong advocates of the entrepreneurial spirit, interns will also have the support of the IEA in pursuing their own projects!

During your time at the IEA, your time will be split between operations support, political and economic education, professional development and independent work.

Operations support.

Working primarily in the Operations department, interns will gain insight into what it takes to run a think tank. You will operate the reception desk, assist with recruitment of future interns (including interviews), manage stock on the ground floor and assist with running IEA events!

Professional Development.

At the IEA, we want to see our interns go on to achieve their career aspirations and make their mark on the world. While interning at the IEA, interns will be given seminars on public speaking, writing the perfect resume, writing a captivating article and learning how to network effectively.

Interns will not just learn about these topics in seminars, but actively practise and receive constructive criticism from IEA staff to build you up to be the best!

As an intern, you will be involved in the following;

• An organised panel discussion with your fellow interns, debating an issue of your choice.
• An individual or paired presentation on a topic of your choice.
• Writing an article for the 1828 blog.

Political and Economic Education.

Interns will learn in detail about what it is the IEA is fighting for, free markets and classical liberalism. You will receive 2-3 seminars a week that will teach you about the fundamental concepts of liberalism and free market economics, before moving into current political issues where these concepts can be applied. Interns are strongly encouraged to express their own views on any topic and engage in passionate debate. At the IEA, we believe all beliefs should be challenged and debated in a calm, rational manner.

Intern Trips.

As an intern, you will also be invited to events just for your group. This is a time to get to know your fellow interns and staff and have some fun while you’re at it! Some of the trips you will go in include;

• Historic tour of Soho followed by dinner.
• Drinks and snacks at the National Liberal Club.
• Tour of Parliament.
• Historic tour of Putney Cathedral.

Independent work.

During your internship at the IEA, you will be encouraged to engage in your own work. We want our interns to find their true passion put their talents to good use! Perhaps you are a book worm with a fascination for political economy? The Research department may be your place. Maybe you want to help achieve our mission outside the UK? Then the International Relations department is your place to be!

This work includes:

• Editing and proofreading research papers.
• Providing research reports for the Research, International Relations, and Communications departments.
• Assisting with the management of projects for the Operations team.
• Optimizing current work pipelines with the Operations team.
• Management of student databases and events for the Education team.
• Investigating potential donor prospects for the Development team.
• Editing and producing media content for the Communications team.
• Writing articles for the 1828, EPICENTER, and IATP blog.

If this sounds like the programme for you, please address your cover letter to Samuel Cruickshank and let us know why you would be a perfect fit for the IEA General Internship Programme!