Summer Internship

The Summer Internship is a one-to-three-month programme for school leavers and undergraduates. It introduces participants to Advocata’s principles, economic literacy and the role of research and communications within a policy think tank. Interns work with team members, assist with basic research and contribute to accessible content that communicates policy ideas to wider audiences.

Eligibility

Gain short-term, practical exposure to policy research and communications.

Team collaborating at a table
  • Orientation and an introduction to Advocata's core principles.
  • Beginner readings on liberty, economic freedom and public policy.
  • Assignment to a mentor within the research or communications team.
  • Desk research, basic data collection and literature reviews.
  • Contribution to a blog, infographic, explainer or similar output.
  • A reflection journal, presentation or team knowledge-sharing session.
  • A midpoint check-in for longer placements and end-of-term feedback.
JOIN THE RESEARCH TEAM

Before You Apply

Students and policy professionals learning together

We're looking for

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to school leavers and undergraduates available for a placement of one to three months.

  • Undergraduate students.
  • School leavers who have completed their A/L examinations.
  • Applicants using an academic break to gain practical experience.
  • Individuals available for one to three months.
The ideal fit

What we look for

We look for motivated applicants who can learn quickly, communicate clearly and commit to the agreed internship period.

  • Motivation to gain practical experience.
  • Interest in public policy, economics, research or communications.
  • Clear written and verbal communication.
  • Basic research and critical-thinking ability.
  • Willingness to complete readings, training and agreed assignments.
  • Ability to work with a mentor and meet deadlines.
  • Commitment to professional development over an extended placement.
  • Alignment with Advocata's mission, values and organisational culture
Explore how it works
An intern discussing research with an experienced mentor
Signals of trust

SHAPING POLICY WITH PURPOSE & DRIVE

Hear how research, mentorship and real responsibility shaped their next step.

“What I valued most about my time there was the level of responsibility and trust given to interns. Our input was valued, and we were always encouraged to step up and do more than we might have thought possible.”

Vinuja Singharachchige

Energy Trader (UK Power)

“My experience was dynamic. I learnt to question research, write to the point, and confidently speak in public. I carried forward these learnings when moving into commercial law, particularly when drafting transaction documents, and navigating consultations and negotiations.”

Tiffahny Hoole

Associate Manager

“What made the experience notably special were the people and the culture. Everyone was valued equally, regardless of their position. Interns were never treated as “just interns”; colleagues, interns and even senior management interacted with one another with a genuine sense of friendship and mutual respect. This created an environment where it was easy to ask questions, share ideas, learn from others and genuinely enjoy coming to work.”

Marsha Rozarius

Undergraduate

“I believe that a culmination of experiences I have had at Advocata has opened many windows for me. I was able to relate back to Advocata during many conversations I had after my internship. Regardless of whether it is research or the overall environment I would always recommend Advocata as a learning environment.”

Nishthula Subasinghe

Undergraduate

“The people are what stayed with me the most. I learned from respected academics and sat in rooms with senior government officials, but the relationships are what lasted. Some of the colleagues I worked with became real friends, and I still make time to see them whenever I'm back in Sri Lanka. Advocata's chair became a mentor whose advice I still lean on today.”

Deveen Harischandra

Strategic Project Lead

Work with us

Apply Today

Select the internship pathway that matches your education and availability. Complete the form below, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the Advocata team.

    Stay ahead of Sri Lanka's reform agenda