Summer Intern, Pew Hispanic Center

Organization Overview

The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan “fact tank” that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It does so by conducting public opinion polling and social science research; analyzing news coverage; and holding forums and briefings. It does not take positions on policy issues. Its work is carried out by a “Core” administrative and publishing unit and these seven projects:

• The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press (people-press.org) led by Andrew Kohut
• Pew Project for Excellence in Journalism (journalism.org) led by Tom Rosenstiel
• Pew Internet & American Life Project (pewinternet.org) led by Lee Rainie
• Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life (pewforum.org) led by Luis Lugo
• Pew Hispanic Center (pewhispanic.org) led by Paul Taylor
• Pew Global Attitudes Project (pewglobal.org) led by Andrew Kohut
• Pew Social & Demographic Trends (pewsocialtrends.org) led by Paul Taylor

Pew Hispanic Overview

Founded in 2001, the Pew Hispanic Center is a nonpartisan research organization that seeks to improve understanding of the U.S. Hispanic population and to chronicle Latinos’ growing impact on the nation. The Pew Hispanic Center conducts and commissions studies on a wide range of topics with the aim of presenting research that at once meets the most rigorous scientific standards and is accessible to the interested public. The Center also regularly conducts public opinion surveys that aim to illuminate Latino views on a range of social matters and public policy issues.

Position Summary

The Pew Hispanic Center is offering a paid internship opportunity during the summer of 2011 in Washington, D.C. for undergraduate or graduate level students with an interest in studying Latinos in the United States. The summer intern will be expected to produce an original research project of his or her own, as well as assist Center researchers on a variety of projects. The internship begins in June and will last 8-10 weeks.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform an original research project resulting in a short report.
• Production of reports and graphics for Center staff as necessary.
• Assist staff with special projects and related research as necessary.

Education/Training/Experience

• Applicants must be pursuing a Bachelor’s or graduate level degree and at a minimum should have completed their junior year in college and taken at least one course in statistical methods.
• Exposure to the fields of public policy, economics, political science, sociology, or an associated field.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Strong quantitative skills.
• Familiarity with Excel and at least one of the following statistical packages: SPSS, STATA or SAS.
• Graphic and/or mapping skills a plus.
• Strong writing skills.

Compensation

This internship pays an hourly rate of $13, and applicants must be willing to commit to a full time work week.

Application Procedure

Complete applications should be submitted by April 4, 2011. A complete application will include the following required items:

• A cover letter highlighting your skills and stating why you are a good fit for the Center. You should also discuss what project you would like to complete while at the Center.
• A resume.
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
• One academic letter of recommendation. This letter should include reference to the applicant’s quantitative abilities.

Due to the volume of applications received, applicants will be notified only if they are selected for interviews. Decisions will be made no later than Monday, April 18, 2011.

Applicants may fax complete applications to 202-419-4339 or send by email to careers@pewresearch.org.