Third Way is a think tank that answers America's challenges with modern ideas aimed at the center-left. We advocate for private-sector economic growth, a smart national security strategy, a clean energy revolution, and progress on divisive social issues, all through pragmatic US politics.
The Third Way Adam Solomon Intern Program introduces highly motivated graduate students, with an interest in policy analysis and development, to the process of advancing a 21st century progressive agenda. Interns will gain hands-on experience working closely with Third Way's senior management team, which has extensive political, communications, and policy experience, forged at every level of government and advocacy: the White House, federal agencies, the House and Senate, presidential campaigns, and national non-profit advocacy organizations.
The Third Way Internship Program was named in 2009 in memory of our former Vice Chairman, Adam Solomon, who believed that progressives must re-think our ideas for a new era. He believed deeply in public service and was instrumental in creating Third Way.
Third Way offers paid internships in our Washington, DC office. The number of positions and area of responsibility varies by semester, but each offers an exciting opportunity to work on projects that will make an important and lasting contribution. Third Way internships are especially well suited for students with an interest in the intersection of politics and public policy. Previous Third Way interns have secured full-time positions in the federal government, nonprofit advocacy sector, and private industry after graduation. Please see below for more details about the positions available and how to apply.
We understand what it means to bring different voices together to work towards a common goal. Third Way is committed to non-discrimination and encourages all qualified applicants to apply to join our team. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, age, marital status, parental status, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of a disability. All employment selections are determined on the basis of qualifications and program needs.
Climate and Energy Research Intern, Climate & Energy Program
Third Way is a national think tank founded in 2005 to champion modern center-left ideas. Our work is grounded in the mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, and security.
We are proud of the organization that we have built and continue to seek out talent who contribute to our ambitious mission. We are deeply committed to promoting a culture of results and respect where every employee has opportunities to contribute, develop, and grow professionally.
Third Way’s Climate & Energy Program (CEP) is looking for a highly organized individual with a keen interest in research, data analysis, and clean energy deployment. If you love to learn about emerging clean energy technology, have a knack for data visualization, and want to make an impact on climate advocacy at Third Way, then this may be the role for you!
The Research Intern will conduct targeted research (including data aggregation and organization) that will provide CEP’s climate & energy finance team (CEF) with clear and comprehensive data sets on North American, European (including the United Kingdom), and Chinese energy investment. Results will be used to inform CEF’s investor network building, technology developer outreach, and to develop fact sheets on US & Chinese clean energy investment in specific advanced energy technologies.
Internship Daily Operations:
- Regularly update Climate & Energy Program excel records including CEF investment mapping data and Clean Investment Monitor (CIM) data.
- Respond to relevant CEF emails and pull data as necessary for CEP members.
- Occasionally assist in scheduling meetings with external partners to discuss CEF team priorities.
Internship Meetings and Events:
- Conduct research on technology companies and investors in US, Europe (including UK), and China.
- Meet regularly with CEF team, including visiting fellows and consultants to identify new research topic in clean energy.
Internship Short-Term Projects:
- Research, identify, and track the top 50 -100 capitalized early stage (Seed through C) US and Chinese clean energy companies by energy technology including nuclear energy (incl. fusion), long-duration energy storage, carbon management, and geothermal.
- Research and identify the top 50-100 US and Chinese investors by investor class & level of capital deployed including venture capital, Private equity, and private debt investors.
- Using provided databases and open-sources, research and develop a contact sheet of identified US Clean energy investor "targets" to be used for CEF outreach & future targeted surveys.
Internship Long-Term Projects:
- Aid in developing one to four “Clean Energy Finance Snapshots” blog products that identify key trends in US CE investment and compare industry financing landscape with that of China.
- Intern will help develop the template and infographics for these materials. Drafting the factsheets in partnership with SPA for CEF
- Organize and consolidate external excel data received from partners and consultants into CEF data book, generating pivot tables and reports as needed.
- Give an end-of-term presentation about your work to Third Way staff
- Topic will be determined by you and your supervisor.
*Please note all duties and events will require in-office participation. All Third Way staff are required to be vaccinated. This is a part-time, PAID INTERNSHIP. We are flexible with scheduling. *
Job requirements
This might be the right job for you if you…
- Have a degree or experience in economics, mathematics, or related field, or are working toward a degree.
- Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Excel. Additional familiarity with R is preferred
- Enjoy research and problem-solving.
- Want to contribute towards Third Way’s mission.
- Take pride in and ownership of your work.
- Are curious and eager for professional development.
In the Third Way Culture, we are looking for…
- Self-starters: People who see and seize opportunities, take risks, learn from failure, and will bring a sustained passion for our mission.
- Collaborators: People who work in teams—sharing ideas, brainstorming, co-authoring products, and advancing its shared priorities.
- Creators: People who foster divergent thinking and aren’t afraid to take on the orthodoxies of the left or the right. Team members come up with original insights, find unique ways to look at data, and challenge their preconceptions.
- Results-oriented: People who function with an organizational commitment to clear objectives, ambitious timelines, accountability for results, and a focus on impact.
- Respectful: People who embrace the diverse perspectives of everyone and fosters the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness at all times.
The Internship Program runs from Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, through Thursday, August 28th, 2025.
Interns work part-time, in-person, and are paid $18.00/hour.
Third Way is an equal-opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable laws.