Internship Public Interest Internship Program
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Job Description
Public Interest Internship Program
CSPI was started in 1971 by three scientists who saw the need for an organization to evaluate the effects of science and technology on society and to promote national policies responsive to consumers’ interests. CSPI focuses primarily on health and nutrition issues, disclosing deceptive marketing practices, dangerous food additives or contaminants, and flawed science propagated by profits. Findings are communicated in press interviews and a variety of educational materials, which include reports, books, posters, software, videos, and the Center’s Nutrition Action Healthletter.
CSPI offers internships for a small number of qualified students in undergraduate, graduate, law, and medical schools each summer and during the school year. We also consider post graduates. Applications are considered on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled. Please note the application review periods:
Summer internships – Applications considered in February/March
Fall internships – Applications considered in July/August
Spring internships – Applications considered in December/January
Generally, we offer a paid internship for ten weeks. Undergraduate students (or if you have earned an undergraduate degree) are paid $8.25/hour; and graduate students (or if you have earned a graduate degree) are paid $9.25/hour. The specific dates of an internship are flexible and depend on our needs and the applicant’s schedule.
Application materials should include the following:
1. A cover letter indicating issues of interest, future plans, and dates of availability.
2. A résumé. Experience with advocacy groups is advantageous.
3. Writing sample, if required by the specific project (one to three page document that demonstrates your ability to write in a clear and concise manner).
4. If selected for an interview, letters of recommendation may be requested.
Email to: hr@cspinet.org (this is the preferred method)
It’s best to submit all of the requested documents at the same time.
If your background and interests are a good match for our internship, we will contact you using the information you have provided. Due to the volume of applications we typically receive we are unable to provide additional information on our selection process to applicants who are not chosen for interviews.
Please contact the Human Resources office if you have any further questions.