Think Tank Internship

Should I list a think tank internship that is technically non partisan, but advocates for economic conservatism-think debt reductions, low taxes/regulations,etc on my resume for ibd? I'm not even conservative but I want to take the internship since it pays really well and is better than a couple other crappy offers I got. I'm 99% sure that I'm going to take it regardless, but after I do, would it be wise to put it on my resume for the future?

11 Comments
 

Is this a serious question? Even though there are a mix of liberals and conservatives, the conservatives are probably much more extreme than the liberals on the Street. If anything, this could help you relate to people, and i don't think anybody is not going to hire you because you're a conservative.

On the other hand, a PETA or Greenpeace internship might hurt you significantly on the Street...

 
Best Response
dabears432Is this a serious question? Even though there are a mix of liberals and conservatives, the conservatives are probably much more extreme than the liberals on the Street. If anything, this could help you relate to people, and i don't think anybody is not going to hire you because you're a conservative.

On the other hand, a PETA or Greenpeace internship might hurt you significantly on the Street...

Not sure about there not being a lot of liberals, wall street is a lot more liberal than most people think (ivy league schools may contribute to this, but all financial centers are in big cities=typically more liberal) And everyone is to some degree fiscally conservative, as they are obviously affected a lot more by taxes than your average joe

If I attach the internship on my resume for Bulge Brackets, and I explain my duties instead of the political agenda, do you feel like they won't look further into it or care?

 
dabears432Is this a serious question? Even though there are a mix of liberals and conservatives, the conservatives are probably much more extreme than the liberals on the Street. If anything, this could help you relate to people, and i don't think anybody is not going to hire you because you're a conservative.

On the other hand, a PETA or Greenpeace internship might hurt you significantly on the Street...

Also if an environmental type internship might hurt me significantly as you say, would an organization similar to the aclu or southern poverty law center be just as bad? -> A similar organization is also offering a paid coop while in school

 

I think it would help (especially if the think tank has an impressive brand name) but it wouldnt help as much as.. say.. an internship in a more business-oriented setting, like in finance or consulting.

It seems like this internship would be quite similar to the economic research assistant position that you did for 9 months already. If you can, I would try moving away from research roles. While you'll get points for your analytical research skills, recruiters are also looking at your skills in lets say, interacting with clients/customers, working in teams, solving problems, and general business acumen.

But like I said, it'll help and you should do it if you have nothing else lined up.

 

For this proposed position, there is a substantial bit of research involved. However, I would work with other interns to attend conferences, events held by the think tank, etc.

With my previous consulting position, I had worked on a team, so there was a good bit of strategy involved and discussion. I had also worked as a server at a higher end restaurant for a year and serve as treasurer of a few clubs.

Would it be possible to spin these positions or do you think these firms would be looking for something different? As you implied I'm afraid of getting stuck into a research based niche.

 

To be perfectly honest, I think this -> "would work with other interns to attend conferences, events held by the think tank, etc. " isnt really something that consulting firms are looking for. I know because I did exactly those kinds of internships during college and I found that they weren't really valuable during the consulting recruitment process. I got asked a total of one question about it and it was only because the interviewer wanted to know how many people the prestigious think tank interviewed before choosing me. Twas a bit of a bummer.

Definitely highlight your previous consulting position. Interviewers will focus a lot of their questions and interest on your experience there. I think you can spin your experiences overall, but I wouldn't put too much stock on how helpful this think tank position will be for consulting recruitment. Of course, do it if there's nothing else.. who knows maybe youll make useful contacts or something. You never know..

 

Sounds like a cool opportunity, but I don't really see too much value in the interview. It might look good on paper, but it doesn't provide much to talk about.

 

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