The Junior Fellows Program is aimed at those who are considering an intellectual career—whether as a professor in academia, an analyst at a think tank or a writer and speaker for the Ayn Rand Institute—and who are post-college but still in the early stages of this pursuit.
Junior Fellows join ARI’s staff for up to one year and work alongside ARI’s experts, providing research, writing and production support to key editorial projects. They learn what goes into an intellectual career and begin to develop the knowledge, skills and network necessary to succeed in such a venture.
Junior Fellows receive a competitive salary and benefits. Junior Fellows who demonstrate substantial growth in their skills and abilities may be invited to extend their fellowship—or to join ARI’s staff in a regular full-time position.
Applicants to the Junior Fellows Program must have completed their bachelor’s degree and will often possess a graduate degree. They should be enrolled in or have completed courses in Ayn Rand University.
Junior Fellows play a critical role in ARI’s intellectual output, working closely with senior writers and speakers to support large-scale editorial projects that apply Objectivist ideas to cultural, political and legal issues.
Junior Fellows provide research, writing and editing assistance to ARI’s experts and contribute to the development of written and audio-video content. Through their work, Junior Fellows gain experience in key skills and are enabled to grow intellectually and professionally.
While at the Institute, Junior Fellows are expected to drive forward their education in Objectivism by leveraging the opportunity afforded to them by working closely with Objectivist experts. Fellows must be enrolled in Ayn Rand University if they are not already an OAC graduate.
Junior Fellows who demonstrate substantial growth in their skills and abilities may be invited to extend their fellowship or to join ARI’s staff in a regular full-time position.
The Junior Fellows Program is highly competitive, with limited positions available each year. The ideal candidate possesses these characteristics:
You are committed to having an intellectual career and passionate about the essential activities such a career entails: reading, writing, thinking, communicating, researching and analyzing data and arguments.
You are a serious student of Ayn Rand’s works—and also of the works of other intellectual figures.
You possess at least a bachelor’s degree or—even better—an advanced degree, preferably demonstrating excellent research and writing skills.
You are self-driven, capable of working independently and able to quickly assimilate critical feedback—and you possess a resume that demonstrates these characteristics.
You are enrolled in Ayn Rand University or have graduated from the Objectivist Academic Center 3-Year Program.
If the Junior Fellows Program appeals to you but you are still pursuing your degree, are undecided on your commitment to an intellectual career, or are building your resume, consider an Internship at ARI instead.
Required
You are committed to pursuing an intellectual career and a passion for reading, writing, research and other activities such a career entails.
You are committed to studying Objectivism and advancing its ideas in the culture.
An possess an undergraduate degree or, better yet, an advanced degree. We recognize that people with all kinds of backgrounds—from science, business and economics to law, the humanities and journalism—pursue careers as intellectuals, and ARI considers all qualified applicants.
You have excellent research, analysis and communication skills.
You have been accepted into or are already enrolled in Ayn Rand University
Advantageous
You are known to ARI faculty and staff through your participation in ARI’s educational offerings.
You have completed more than one year of Ayn Rand University.
You have been an advocate for Objectivism, for instance as a campus club leader.
You have permission to work in the United States or are able to work remotely from abroad. International applicants are welcome and ARI will seek a visa for the right candidate, but immigration presents legal challenges that are out of ARI’s and the applicant’s control.
If you are interested in the Junior Fellows Program, please get in touch with us to inquire about open positions and to discuss your eligibility. We recommend you contact us well in advance of your preferred start date. Junior Fellows typically begin their tenure with ARI in the fall.
We typically ask qualified candidates to submit the following:
ARI’s Junior Fellows program teaches a unique approach to tackling today’s issues — we focus on the fundamental principles that drive debate over cultural public policy and legal issues.
Yes. This is a paid position. ARI offers a competitive salary and benefits.
While junior fellows are not assured of a position at ARI after the fellowship ends, excelling in the Junior Fellows program will bring you that much closer to landing a job on ARI’s staff. We are also interested in encouraging talented individuals to join other organizations or take on meaningful work best aligned with their research interests and goals.
Whereas ARI’s Seasonal Internship program runs 10 to 14 weeks, the Junior Fellows program runs for up to one year and aims to provide an immersive experience in the kind of work entailed in being an intellectual. Interns are students or recent graduates new to Ayn Rand’s ideas. The Junior Fellows program is intended for people who have a solid understanding of Ayn Rand’s ideas, have at least a bachelor’s degree and are considering a career as a professional intellectual applying Objectivist ideas.
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