Interns usually have access to files of staff members and the Center library. CIR sponsors 6 to 8 interns each year. In exchange for training, the Center requests that interns do some transcribing. Please be clear in your cover letter if you are interested only in a summer internship and include the dates you are available. The amount of work and type of research varies, since each intern acts as an assistant to a staff member and works on a particular story for a print or television outlet.
Interns do most of their research using the internet, data banks, by phone and personal interviews.
Some stories require library research. CIR research projects expose interns to the workings of institutions such as banking, insurance, government and the judicial system. Current projects include investigations into the environment, public health, constitutional government, national security, the economy, and social justice. In addition, some former interns have become part of the Center's staff. Other interns currently work as freelance writers or private investigators.