Federal Government Opportunities
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The CIA is the premier agency responsible for providing national security intelligence to senior U.S. policymakers. Interns work across directorates such as Analysis, Operations, and Science & Technology to help solve complex global challenges. These highly competitive programs require a rigorous security clearance process and often serve as a direct pipeline to full-time employment.
Internships are available year-round in Washington DC. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) provides the President with objective economic analysis and policy recommendations. Interns support research on macroeconomic trends, labor markets, fiscal policy, and regulatory issues, often assisting with data analysis and briefing materials. The program offers exposure to high-level economic policymaking and close collaboration with PhD economists and senior staff.
Internships are typically offered during the academic year and summer. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The DIA provides military intelligence to warfighters, defense planners, and policymakers in the Department of Defense. Interns are embedded in specialized teams focused on human intelligence, counterintelligence, or technical analysis of foreign military capabilities. The program is designed to provide high-achieving students with a deep understanding of the global security landscape and military strategy.
Internships are available year-round. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees food policy, rural development, agriculture, and nutrition assistance programs. Interns may work on agricultural economics, food security, sustainability, trade, or rural infrastructure initiatives. Opportunities span policy, research, and program management.
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The United States Department of Education promotes student achievement and equal access to education. Interns support policy development, data analysis, civil rights enforcement, and higher education initiatives. The program provides insight into federal education funding and regulatory processes.
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The United States Department of Energy (DOE) advances U.S. energy security, scientific innovation, and nuclear safety. Interns contribute to research, clean energy initiatives, national security programs, and policy analysis across energy markets and emerging technologies.
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The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) protects the nation from threats ranging from terrorism to cybersecurity risks and natural disasters. Interns may work in intelligence analysis, acquisition and procurement, law enforcement, health and science, public affairs, or cybersecurity.
Internships are available year-round. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here.
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The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) promotes affordable housing and community development. Interns support housing finance programs, urban policy initiatives, homelessness prevention efforts, and fair housing enforcement.
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The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees public health, biomedical research, and social service programs. Interns may work on healthcare policy, global health, regulatory affairs, or research initiatives across agencies such as the CDC and NIH.
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The United States Department of the Interior manages public lands, natural resources, and Native American affairs. Interns contribute to environmental policy, conservation programs, land management, and resource economics.
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The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces federal law and administers justice. Interns may work in the civil, criminal, drug enforcement, environment and natural resources, or justice management divisions, among others, gaining exposure to federal litigation and legal research.
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The United States Department of Labor (DOL) promotes worker rights, employment standards, and workforce development. Interns assist with labor market analysis, regulatory policy, occupational safety programs, and economic research.
Internships are available year-round. Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here, and check USAJobs for postings and to apply.
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The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees national transportation systems, infrastructure investment, and safety regulation. Interns work on one of 13 Operating Administrations such as the highway, railroad, transit, or maritime administrations.
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The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides healthcare, benefits, and services to U.S. veterans. Interns support policy development, healthcare administration, data analysis, and program evaluation.
Learn more about their requirements and deadlines here. See USAJobs for postings and to apply.
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The EPA is the federal agency tasked with protecting human health and the environment by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. Interns work on policy analysis, environmental justice initiatives, and regulatory compliance projects across various regional and national offices. The EPA is an ideal placement for students interested in the intersection of science, law, and public policy.
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The FBI is both a federal law enforcement agency and a domestic intelligence service focused on protecting the U.S. against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats. The Honors Internship Program places students in various field offices or headquarters to work on cases ranging from counterintelligence to cybercrime. Interns gain firsthand experience in the Bureau’s investigative processes while supporting the mission to uphold the Constitution.
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The Federal Reserve is the nation's central bank, setting monetary policy, supervising financial institutions, and maintaining the stability of the U.S. financial system. Interns work across various divisions supporting the Fed's policy and research mission alongside experienced economists. With opportunities at both the Board of Governors in Washington, DC and all 12 regional Reserve Banks nationwide, the program offers broad exposure to the intersection of macroeconomic policy, financial regulation, and public service.
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NASA is the world's premier space exploration and aeronautics research agency, driving breakthroughs in science, technology, and engineering that shape both national security and global understanding of the universe. Interns are placed across NASA's 17 field centers nationwide, contributing to real missions and research projects spanning aerospace engineering, planetary science, data analytics, communications, and policy. The program is open to students at all levels — high school through graduate — and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and mission-driven internship experiences available in the federal government.
Internships are available year-round (Spring, Summer, and Fall) across field centers nationwide including Houston, Huntsville, Cape Canaveral, and Pasadena. Learn more about requirements and deadlines here.
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The National Economic Council (NEC) coordinates domestic and international economic policy within the White House. Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with NEC staff, assisting with in-depth research, coordinating policy meetings, and providing general administrative support.
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The NGA delivers world-class geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) that provides a decisive advantage to policymakers, military commanders, and first responders. Interns utilize satellite imagery and spatial data to analyze geographic shifts and monitor international security developments. This role is ideal for students interested in the intersection of advanced technology, geography, and strategic intelligence.
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NOAA is the nation's leading scientific agency for understanding and predicting changes in the Earth's environment, from daily weather forecasts to long-term climate research and fisheries management. Interns and scholars work across NOAA's six major line offices — spanning the National Weather Service, National Ocean Service, and Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research — contributing to real scientific, policy, and communications projects with direct public impact. The flagship Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship is particularly competitive, offering two years of financial support plus a paid summer internship at a NOAA facility for students pursuing careers in oceanic and atmospheric science.
Internships and scholarships are available year-round across NOAA offices and research centers nationwide. Learn more about requirements and deadlines here.
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The NSA is the lead agency for signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cybersecurity, protecting U.S. national security systems and producing foreign intelligence. Students can choose from over 20 different internship tracks within the mission support, STEM, and language and intelligence analysis focus areas.
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The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) advises the President on science, technology, and innovation policy. Interns assist with research, policy development, and coordination across agencies on issues such as AI, biotechnology, climate, national competitiveness, and others.
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The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) leads the development and execution of U.S. trade policy and serves as the President’s principal advisor and negotiator on international trade. Interns work directly with country and regional desks (e.g., China, Europe, Indo-Pacific) or functional offices covering areas such as digital trade, agriculture, services, intellectual property, and trade enforcement. Responsibilities often include conducting economic and legal research, tracking WTO disputes, drafting briefing memos for senior officials, and supporting preparation for bilateral and multilateral negotiations.
Internships are available on site in Washington D.C. during the summer and academic year.
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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is the federal agency responsible for overseeing and regulating U.S. securities markets, protecting investors, and ensuring market integrity. The SEC Scholars Program is the agency's premier student offering — a ten-week internship open to undergraduate, graduate, and law students — with assignments spanning litigation support, regulatory drafting, corporate document review, auditing, and information technology across the Commission's divisions.
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The United States Department of Commerce advances U.S. economic growth, competitiveness, and technological leadership. Interns are placed in bureaus such as the International Trade Administration (ITA), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and the Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA). Responsibilities often include analyzing trade flows and market access barriers, supporting export control and sanctions policy, conducting industry research, and preparing briefing materials on supply chains, semiconductors, and emerging technologies.
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The United States Department of Defense (DoD) oversees the nation’s military forces and defense policy. Interns support defense strategy, budgeting, acquisition policy, and regional security analysis across civilian and military offices depending on specific intern program.
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The United States Department of State Internship Program offers students hands-on experience advancing U.S. foreign policy in Washington, D.C. and at embassies and consulates abroad. Interns are placed in regional or functional bureaus such as Political-Military Affairs, Economic and Business Affairs, East Asian and Pacific Affairs, or Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, where they contribute to memos, support diplomatic engagements, conduct political and economic analysis, and assist with high-level visit preparation.
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The Department of Treasury is the executive agency responsible for promoting economic prosperity and ensuring the financial security of the United States. Interns assist with research and economic analysis across various specialized offices including International Affairs, Domestic Finance, and Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
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The The White House Internship Program provides students with firsthand experience supporting the President’s Executive Office. Interns assist with policy research, communications, scheduling, and operations across a wide range of domestic and international issues. The program emphasizes public service, professionalism, and leadership.