Student Fellows

The Empire Center is looking for talented undergraduate and graduate students for our Student Fellow Program in Albany, NY. A student fellowship at the Empire Center provides a unique work experience at a leading state-based think tank.

The Empire Center is dedicated to making New York a better place to live and work by promoting public policy reforms grounded in free-market principles, personal responsibility, and the ideals of effective and accountable government. Through research papers, policy briefings, commentaries and conferences, the think tank seeks to educate and inform New York State policymakers, news media and the general public.

Student fellows are part of the team and work closely with full-time staff. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to research, data analysis and original writing. Fellows are matched according to Empire Center needs, the applicant’s past experience and their interests.

Those wishing to apply should send the following application materials in one PDF file:

  • a 500 to 700 word autobiography, including the student’s education, work, other activities and future goals as they relate to an internship at the Empire Center;
  • a current resume;
  • a recommendation from a former employer or teacher; and
  • a writing sample.

Complete applications should be sent as one PDF document in an email with the subject ‘Student Fellow Program Application’ to info@empirecenter.org.

Fall and Spring fellows are part-time for a minimum of 15 hours a week. Summer fellows are full-time for 10-12 weeks and adjustable to the student’s schedule. Applications may be considered on a rolling basis, but students should consider the following schedule:

  • Fall 2023 applications are due by August 4, 2023.
  • Spring 2024 applications are due by December 8, 2023.
  • Summer 2024 applications are due by March 31, 2024.

Student fellows interested in relocating to Albany for their internship might want to utilize the following resource: University Heights College Suites (http://www.uhcollegesuites.com/)

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in the Student Fellow Program, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview.

Testimonials

Elizabeth Brady"I am so thankful for my time as a Student Fellow at the Empire Center. With the support and guidance of top experts in their fields, I was encouraged to research issues that interest me and are important to New York State. I cannot recommend applying for this program highly enough, it is truly an invaluable experience for any student!"

-Elizabeth Brady, Summer 2021


Christian Baaki"The Student Fellow program was an enriching part of my spring semester, allowing me to integrate things I had learned in the classroom with real world data and research experience. The program is an amazing opportunity to engage with important issues alongside the folks at the Empire Center, who I can't speak more highly of. I'm super thankful for the opportunity I was given and encourage any student to pursue a fellowship at the Empire Center."

-Christian Baaki, Spring 2021


Jessica Kergo"My internship position with the Empire Center significantly heightened my excitement to pursue a career in Communications. I worked on substantive projects that were relevant to my interests and allowed me to develop a variety of skills including content creation and social media strategy. I received constructive feedback on tasks and always felt welcomed and engaged. I'm confident that the experience with the Empire Center will be instrumental in my future career endeavors."

-Jessica Kergo, Summer 2018


"Working at the Empire Center was incredibly rewarding. On my first day, I was immediately welcomed as part of the team, and I was offered a great deal of independence to work on a project of importance. In my time at the Empire Center, I received professional advice and real experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my career."

-Noah Duell, Summer 2017


screen-shot-2016-11-04-at-10-32-20-pm"The Empire Center gave me creative freedom to research a complex topic that excited me. Supported by the Center, I co-authored a paper that is being widely cited. The Student Fellows Program encourages independence, offers resources, and ends with resume-worthy results—so apply!"

-Annette Brocks, Summer 2016


curto"The Empire Center provided me with the autonomy to pursue research projects I was passionate about. With their commitment to my success and my own hard work, I saw two of my papers published. I am immensely grateful for the Empire Center’s internship program and would urge anyone who is interested to apply."

-Angelo Curto, Summer 2014


savidge"Interning at the Empire Center during the summer of 2014 was a rewarding experience. My first day I was put on exciting research projects … During my time at the Empire Center, I truly enjoyed my work and felt like I was a part of the team. Furthermore, the skills I learned in policy analysis will help me in my pursuit of a career in public policy."

- Thomas Savidge, Summer 2014


Pic 1“My internship at the Empire Center afforded me the opportunity to work closely with some of the best minds in New York State policy. I was a valued member of the team and saw my work published on multiple occasions. Upon graduating, I was hired to a full-time position. The academic integrity of the Empire Center is second to none and the rigid honesty they exhibit in dealing with data is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my working career.”

- Daniel Russo, Spring 2013