Federal Affairs Office Internship

NOTE: The Governor’s Federal Affairs Office Internship is currently filled.  Please do not submit applications at this time. 

Since 1977, the state of Minnesota has maintained a satellite office through which the state affects and coordinates federal legislation.  Over the years, office staff has fluctuated between one and three people.  Currently, Governor Pawlenty maintains two paid employees and one unpaid intern to staff the office.

The Governor’s Federal Affairs Office Internship is a unique opportunity for individuals to gain governmental experience at the state and federal level simultaneously.  Unlike most other internships in the Governor’s office, this is a policy position, in which interns are able to work directly with office staff as they research, analyze and lobby the Governor’s policies in our nation’s capital.

There are a variety of tasks within which the Federal Affairs Office intern is engaged, from putting paper in the fax machine to attending Congressional committee meetings to writing reports.  The versatility of roles the intern plays in this office requires him/her to be able to adapt to various situations and tasks.  The intern must exhibit keen social skills as he/she will meet countless office staffers and elected officials in the daily course of work.

A strong academic background is also necessary for this position.  Interns should possess good research and writing skills.  While it is impossible to know everything about every policy area, a general familiarity with Federal and State government is beneficial.  Political Science, Government, Pre-Law, Economics, and Public Policy are fields of study that are useful to the DC internship.

Interns are generally required to work at least three days a week or at least 20 hours per week, but the schedule is flexible to accommodate classes or other activities within which you might participate.  It is supported and encouraged for the intern to receive academic credit for this internship, if possible.

In addition to being a great career opportunity, this internship is located in Washington, DC—one of the most exciting cities in the nation!  The Hall of the States building which houses the Governor’s Federal Affairs Office is located in the heart of Capitol Hill.  When off the clock, you can go to the restaurants at which Senators and House Reps eat (The Old Ebbitt Grill is quite popular).  You can spend your weekends visiting monuments, museums, and memorials.  You can tour the Capitol, The Supreme Court, and several other federal buildings.  Day trips to Baltimore, Alexandria, Mount Vernon, Monticello, and Annapolis are a great way to see a unique and historic part of the country.  A must for any baseball fan is seeing the Twins play the Orioles at Camden Yards in Baltimore.  The nightlife in DC is also some of the best in the country.  Adams Morgan is a great place to have fun at the end of a long week.  Washington, DC, is most definitely not a city lacking in fun, educational, and exciting things to do.