FAQ

What is the mission of the Koch Associate Program?

The program is a challenging job opportunity for professionals who are passionate about free-market ideas, and want to become more effective at advancing liberty throughout their careers.  The Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation’s aim is to develop the capabilities of each Associate through the program by providing management training, professional development, and the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their career potential.  For more detailed information on the program, click here.

Is the Koch Associate Program a job or an internship?

The Koch Associate Program is a job with continued education components. The Associates work in positions designed for a full-time employee and they are treated as such.

What is Market-Based Management®?

Like a society, a company or organization is an economic system with rules, incentives, and cultural values.  Centuries of learning from all segments of society have taught us that freedom and free markets are powerful engines for generating well-being, discovery, and growth.  The Market-Based Management philosophy seeks to apply these lessons to the inner workings of an organization.

How do I apply? How does the application process work?

Applications for the Koch Associate Program should be submitted online.  Candidates will need to create a profile and submit several short essays in addition to providing other relevant information. The application process is currently closed. Sign up here to receive notification that the application is open.  You can read more about the timeline for the application process here.

Is the Koch Associate Program paid?

Yes. The Koch Associate Program is a full-time job and is paid accordingly.  All Associates receive a competitive wage and benefits package that is commensurate with work experience and education.  Associates should expect to be paid market wages.

What types of positions do Associates work in?

Each Associate is placed into a full-time role for the duration of the program.  Positions are varied and represent all areas within a think tank, policy institute, or non-profit organization.  Positions can include: policy research and analysis; communications; marketing; public relations; new media; fundraising; measurement and analysis; management; non-profit operations; human resources; legal reform; and non-partisan education.

Do I have to move to the Washington, D.C. area to participate in the program?

The Foundation is located in Arlington, Virginia, and the majority of the organizations where we place Associates can be found in the D.C. area.  The networking opportunities provided by proximity to our partner organizations offers the potential for career development.  We also work with organizations outside of D.C. through a remote program.  These Associates participate in our weekly training through video conferencing software and, in addition, travel to the Foundation an average of once a month to participate in person.

Is housing provided?

Housing is not provided. However, we do our best to help. Before the start of the program, Associates are given access to a secure website where they can communicate with each other regarding housing and other topics.  We also provide information about available housing in the area. Associates are paid a competitive salary, so finding good housing in the Washington, DC area isn’t too difficult.

How many Associates are currently in the program?

The Koch Associate Program started with just 13 Associates in only seven organizations during the 2006-07 year. We have grown steadily since then, welcoming 64 Associates working at 27 organizations into the 2010-11 program. 

What academic backgrounds do candidates usually have?

Due to the varied positions available, Associates come from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds.  The most common undergraduate degrees include economics, political science, communication, law, and business.

What experience level do candidates need?

Candidates for the Koch Associate Program need only a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to be eligible to participate.  Candidates range in professional experience from zero to ten years and come from both for-profit and non-profit sectors. More information about what we look for in candidates is available  here.

What do Associates do after the program ends?

While the Koch Associate Program is only one year in length, it is designed to be a career advancement opportunity.  We place great emphasis on assisting the Associates in their efforts to continue working to advance liberty. For more information and to see what some of our past Associates are working on now, click here.