Internships in Washington, D.C., provide students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience working alongside federal policymakers.

Whether you are interested in exploring opportunities on Capitol Hill, at the White House, or in numerous other policy roles throughout Washington, D.C., an internship can expose you to the inner workings of the federal government and provide a springboard for full-time employment after graduation.

Auburn University Office of Government Relations staff is available to meet with you and walk you through the internship process, including providing advice on how to find and secure internships, preparing you for day-to-day work experiences in D.C., and hosting numerous summer events for Auburn students at our D.C. Office on Capitol Hill.

Please explore the resources below, and do not hesitate to contact our staff with any questions and/or to be included on the distribution list for summer activities.

Auburn on the Hill – Summer Activities

Auburn University organizes various programming and activities for interns over the course of the summer, including networking receptions, luncheons, panel discussions, mentorship opportunities, and social outings. These gatherings provide a sense of community for students while they are in DC and help students get to know other Auburn interns and alumni in town.

Previous activities included a rooftop networking reception hosted by Auburn University President Chris Roberts, a luncheon in the Russell Senate Office Building featuring a panel discussion of Auburn alumni who work on Capitol Hill, and a Washington Nationals baseball game.

To ensure you are included on invitations to upcoming summer activities, please contact Office of Government Relations staff with your summer contact information and follow the Auburn on the Hill LinkedIn Page.

Congressional Internships

Each congressional office establishes its own internal application deadlines, requirements, and processes. Opportunities are generally available in the summer, fall, and spring, with summer internships in the highest demand. Each application is unique and takes time and effort, often including essays and interviews, so keep track of deadlines and plan ahead.

While internship experiences vary by office, common intern responsibilities include:

  • Researching legislation and policy proposals

  • Answering constituent phone calls, emails, and letters

  • Attending committee hearings

  • Conducting tours of the U.S. Capitol

  • Drafting and editing speeches, memos, and press releases

  • Representing the office at other meetings and briefings

For more information on specific offices and deadlines for the Alabama congressional delegation, please visit their internship webpages below. Out-of-state students are also encouraged to apply to the congressional offices that represent their home states/districts to increase their potential for being selected. Congressional offices regularly update their webpages for fall, spring, and summer internships so please check back frequently to ensure you are aware of and meet deadlines.

Alabama Congressional Delegation Internship Websites

Federal Agency Internship Opportunities

Additional D.C. Internship Opportunities

While congressional and White House internships have traditionally been the most sought-after and most competitive opportunities, numerous other possibilities include interning at federal departments, independent agencies, think tanks, lobbying firms, campaigns, non-profit organizations, and political consulting firms.

Other D.C. internship opportunities include:

D.C. Housing Resources

Several local universities operate summer housing programs tailored to student interns from other colleges and universities. Below is a list of these options and other resources to help you get started in your housing search: