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Internships

The Office of Public Affairs offers internships that provide undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to work in a fast-paced government communications office. As the principal point of contact for the Department of Justice with the news media, the office is responsible for ensuring that the public is informed about the department’s activities, and the priorities and policies of the Attorney General with regard to law enforcement and legal affairs.

Internship Tracks

The Office of Public Affairs offers the following internship tracks:

Description

  • Public Affairs interns will assist with inquiries from national news media and drafting and editing remarks for DOJ leadership, gather news clips, assist with interviews and press conferences, edit and issue news releases on a variety of topics, provide research assistance, and contribute to other communications projects.

Qualifications

  • Qualified candidates have a strong interest in, or are seeking a degree in, communications, public affairs/relations, media and/or journalism. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks and work under pressure are a must. Meticulous attention to detail in writing and editing is also necessary. Previous internship experience in a communications-related position is desirable.

Writing Prompt

  • AP style must be used. Prompt: Draft a press release (200-500 words) based on a recent memo.

Description

  • Digital communications interns will assist with researching, drafting, editing, producing and evaluating a variety of social media, web, and multimedia products such as photos, videos, podcasts, graphics and more.

Qualifications

  • Qualified candidates have a strong interest in, or are seeking a degree in, digital media, communications, public affairs/relations, media and/or journalism, film/TV production, graphic design, photography, or a related field. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks and work under pressure are a must. Meticulous attention to detail in writing and editing is also necessary. Previous internship experience in a communications-related position is desirable.

Writing Prompt

  • Draft posts for two social media platforms and write a blog post (300 word maximum) based on a recent memo. While not required, if you would like your portfolio to be considered you may submit it as either a PDF or a link, if hosted online. Sample portfolios may include photos, videos, graphics, podcasts, or similar products that you created.

 Additional Information

All applicants for an internship must be United States citizens.  All students who apply must have graduated from high school and be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student during the internship.

Please note that participation as a student intern is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to work in any capacity before his or her background investigation is successfully completed.

The Office of Public Affairs is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Most interns work full time, but we require a minimum commitment of 20 hours a week.

Internships are not for compensation. Students accepted for an internship may earn academic credit while working in our office. Information on academic credit programs can be obtained from school placement offices.

How to Apply

Submit the following application materials together in one PDF only via email to publicaffairsinternship@usdoj.gov by the deadline for the term being applied for.  Application review will be ongoing leading up to the application deadline.  Applications that are received after the deadline or that do not have all required materials (in PDF format) may not be considered.

  1. Internship Application Form -- Please indicate which internship track you are applying for. 
  2. Cover letter
  3. Resume
  4. Writing sample (see chart above for prompt)

Dates & Deadlines

Start & End Dates of Program

  • Internships run the second Monday after New Year’s Day through the Friday before Memorial Day

Application Deadline

  • October 1 of the previous year

Completed Security Application Deadline (for selected applicants only)

  • November 15

Start & End Dates of Program

  • Internships run the first Monday after Memorial Day through the second to last Friday in August

Application Deadline

  • February 1

Completed Security Application Deadline (for selected applicants only)

  • March 15

Start & End Dates of Program

  • Internships run the first Monday after Labor Day through December 15

Application Deadline

  • June 1

Completed Security Application Deadline (for selected applicants only)

  • July 15

Questions?

Questions regarding internships, applications, or materials should be directed to: publicaffairsinternship@usdoj.gov.

The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

Updated April 11, 2024