Careers

Brookings is a unique and exciting place to work because there are so many ways to plug into the groundbreaking and substantive research that takes place every day. From research to operations to communications and engagements, it takes teamwork to make our work as impactful as possible. That teamwork is one of the best parts of working at Brookings, and the lasting connections I’ve made with colleagues across the Institution makes me feel engaged and supported.

Brookings is an excellent workplace that pairs inclusiveness with collegiately for those who are interested in learning a broad range of policy issues within or beyond their work functions and being exposed to or challenged by distinct ideas. The intellectual platform that Brookings provides constantly encourages me to learn about issues affecting various groups and reflect upon my role and responsibility as an individual in this fast-changing world.

It is no understatement to say that Brookings has placed me as close to decisionmakers on climate justice than I’ve ever been. Brookings … [has] a platform and a loud and respected voice, and with that comes substantial opportunity for real world impact.

While Brookings was founded more than 100 years ago, the Institution is continually evolving and changing in response to timely and emergent policy issues. It is a team effort as we consistently apply fact-based research to assess, analyze, and address all that is happening in the public arena. The breadth and depth of experience and the dedication brought by my colleagues to their work is remarkable. After 16 years here, I still learn something every day!

Brookings is a place to test ideas—and that applies to new technologies, tactics, and ways of doing work. As someone working in digital communications, it is critical for me to stay on trend and up to date with the changing landscape of social media, email marketing, and other forms of online engagement. Brookings is on the cutting edge in many ways, and scholars, staff, and leadership are open to experiment and explore different avenues of communication. This has allowed me to stretch my creative wings and take risks that have had great payoffs.

Brookings at its best is unsurpassed because of its commitment to rigorous and independent research focused on today’s key public policy challenges facing the nation and the world. Here at Brookings, we are limited only by our own imaginations and intellects, and we are blessed to do our work in a community of kind, collaborative, curious, and energetic colleagues of many interests, backgrounds, and demographics. I have been here nearly 30 years as a result, with no desire to end that run anytime soon.

Working at Brookings is a breath of fresh air for professionalism and impact. Anyone wanting to make a difference in the world should want to work at Brookings. It is an honor to work here. You will make a difference and become a better person in the process.

The best part of the Brookings culture is that it is a community of people who truly want to make a difference by helping others and society as a whole. My time at the Brookings Institution has been filled with rewarding experiences. I didn’t think I would stay for very long; 13 years later, I’m still here. My role has changed several times, introducing new and exciting ways to grow.

I’ve never worked at a place where I can see the influence of any given output on policy debates more quickly. I have been afforded various opportunities at Brookings to explore my own research interests, author reports, and collaborate with some truly exceptional leaders in their respective fields. With so many events and interesting people roaming the halls, there is truly no shortage of possibilities, particularly for people with a range of different interests (like me!).