The Public Service Internship Program is an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent graduates to contribute to the Partnership’s mission while developing valuable professional skills.
Interns work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Their responsibilities vary but often include event planning and execution, research, writing and outreach to external partners, including federal agencies and colleges and universities. Additionally, there is time allocated to support the organization by taking shifts to staff the front desk and assisting other teams as needed.
The program also incorporates opportunities for professional and personal growth through workshops and trainings specifically geared toward students and young professionals, such as networking, office etiquette, resume reviews and interviewing. Interns are also invited to participate in staff-wide workshops and trainings, including brownbag speakers such as high-ranking government officials and corporate partners. Interns complete a learning agreement at the start, a mid-point review and end-of-term evaluation. Interns are supervised by a full-time staff member on their team, in addition to having the support of three intern coordinators and an assigned buddy.
Who Should Apply
The Partnership strives to be an inclusive organization that fosters learning, collaboration and respect. We actively recruit for diversity in our workplace, believing that a range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences contributes to our mission of revitalizing government.
We seek extraordinary undergraduate students, graduate students and recent graduates with:
- A commitment to public service.
- Strong written and oral communication.
- Analytical thinking.
- An ability to work well in teams.
There is no single academic major or background we prefer over another—if you share our passion and are committed to developing your skills while gaining valuable experience, we want to hear from you!
Most of our internship positions are designed to be full-time (40 hours per week) in order to maximize all components of the internship program, however we will consider part-time schedules on certain teams. Some internship roles supporting program delivery require specific work hours and are not ideal for interns available less than 30 hours per week. Typically we cannot accommodate any work schedules less than 20 hours per week.
We are planning for some spring 2022 internships to remain fully remote work, while some internships will be hybrid work based in Washington, DC (a combination of remote work with some in-person office work, programs or events), depending on specific team needs. Please see each team posting below for specific needs and locations for different roles and be sure to apply to accordingly.
Partnership meetings and activities typically occur Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET. While we can accommodate remote interns who work in other time zones, please be advised that the majority of intern assignments will take place during these hours. Since time zones and assignments will vary by intern candidates and teams, specific needs will be discussed during the interview stage of the hiring process.
When internships are completed through remote work, the internship is subject to a “Bring Your Own Technology” policy meaning the internship requires the intern to provide and use their own personal computer capable of accessing the internet and to have access to a high-speed internet connection during the work day.
Where Our Interns Come From
Partnership interns represent a range of geographical regions, educational institutions and fields of study. We hire interns through a standardized application process and pay them in accordance with the rates listed below. Anyone, from any school can be a competitive candidate and is welcomed to apply!
While we welcome applicants and hire students and recent graduates from any school nationwide, we do maintain several partnerships with specific universities. Through the generous contributions of donors, these specific schools have restricted funds they can use specifically to support their students who intern at the Partnership. Students from these schools apply through our regular process and, if selected, are paid through their respective college or university at rates determined by their institution. We are grateful for these donor-funded internships and try to maximize their use each term by providing priority consideration to applicants from these schools first:
· American University
· Florida International University
· George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government
· George Washington University
· Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs and the Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP)
· Syracuse University
· Trinity Washington University
· University of California schools- UCDC Washington Center program
· University of Maryland’s Federal Fellows and Global Fellows programs
· University of Michigan
· University of Pennsylvania
· University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs
A few times each year, the Partnership also applies for interns through school-based or third-party programs or fellowships that place interns at host sites. Students from these programs, if selected, are also paid through their respective programs at rates determined by their program.
How to Apply
To apply, follow the “Apply” link found below the internship position descriptions.
Before applying, carefully read the descriptions to determine which position(s) you are best qualified for and most interested in pursuing. While each position requires a commitment to public service, the descriptions detail the skills and competencies necessary for each particular position. You may only apply to one internship position per term but will have a chance to indicate your interest in other positions on the application form.
Selection Process
The applicant review and selection process depends on the number of applicants, though we strive to conduct interviews (including phone and video interviews) and have offers extended within a month after the application deadline. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we do review resumes on a rolling basis and reserve the right to fill positions before the application deadline.
Compensation
Interns receive the following compensation:
- Full-time interns with an undergraduate or graduate degree will receive $1,200 per month.
- Full-time interns who are currently undergraduate students will receive $1,000 per month.
- Part-time intern compensation will be pro-rated accordingly.
Program Dates
Summer 2021: June-August*
Application Period:
January 11 through March 14
Notification:
Early April
Fall 2021: September-December*
Application Period:
May 24 through July 5
Notification:
Late July
Spring 2022: January-May*
Application Period:
September 13 through November 5
Notification:
Late November
* Please note that the exact start and end dates of internships may vary depending upon a team’s needs and an applicant’s availability within the given terms. We will work with individuals based on academic or work-related reasons.
Contact
For more information about the Public Service Internship Program or for questions about your application, please contact:
Leia Washington
[email protected]
(202) 840-6823
The Partnership for Public Service is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any application for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.