Long Term Internship

The Long-Term Internship is a six-to-twelve-month programme for graduates seeking deeper experience in public policy, research or communications. Interns are assigned to a policy or communications stream and receive training in research methods, data tools, writing and policy communication. Over the placement, they contribute to research briefs, public-facing content, events and other institutional outputs.

Eligibility

Build deeper professional experience through sustained research and communications work.

Team collaborating at a table
  • Orientation and thematic onboarding within an assigned stream.
  • Training in tools such as Zotero, Canva, Excel, Google Sheets and Claude for research.
  • Data collection through secondary research, surveys or interviews.
  • Literature reviews, synthesis and drafting of research insights.
  • Collaboration on blogs, infographics, video scripts and policy content.
  • Contributions to working papers, research briefs or policy memos.
  • Support for events, webinars and public policy discussions.
  • Regular mentorship, a midpoint review and final evaluation.
JOIN THE RESEARCH TEAM

Before You Apply

Students and policy professionals learning together

We're looking for

Who Can Apply?

This programme is for graduates who can commit for six to twelve months and want to develop applied policy or communications experience.

  • Recent university graduates.
  • Graduates seeking careers in research, policy or communications.
  • Aspiring researchers or early-career professionals moving into public policy work.
  • Applicants able to commit for six to twelve months.
The ideal fit

What we look for

We look for graduates with strong analytical potential, clear communication and the discipline to take ownership of longer-term work.

  • A relevant academic or practical background.
  • Strong interest in public policy, economics, research or communications.
  • Research, analytical and critical-thinking skills.
  • Clear written and verbal communication.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • 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.

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