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Federal Internships Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Federal Legislative Intern

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$17 - $22/hr

Federal Legislative Intern Dates: September to December 2026, with flexible start and end dates to ... This internship is designed to provide experience in legislative and governmental affairs, policy ...

Requirements The responsibilities and expectations of interns are to: * Support the programs and ... federal, state, or local law. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with ...

Federal Consulting Intern 2027

Herndon, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

For many, it started with an internship. As an IBM intern, you won't just gain experience - you'll ... You'll work with federal, state, and local clients while developing specialized expertise in ...

Federal Consulting Intern 2027

Herndon, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

High-performing interns have a clear pathway into IBM's Associate Program, launching careers at one of the world's most innovative technology and consulting companies. About the Team In this role ...

Federal Developer Intern 2027

Herndon, VA · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

High-performing interns have a clear pathway into IBM's Associate Program, launching careers at one of the world's most innovative technology and consulting companies. About the Team In this role ...

Federal Developer Intern 2027

Herndon, VA · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

For many, it started with an internship. As an IBM intern, you won't just gain experience - you'll ... You'll work with federal, state, and local clients while developing specialized expertise in ...

High-performing interns have a clear pathway into IBM's Associate Program, launching careers at one of the world's most innovative technology and consulting companies. About the Team In this role ...

For many, it started with an internship. As an IBM intern, you won't just gain experience - you'll ... You'll work with federal, state, and local clients while developing specialized expertise in ...

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Federal Internships information

What are federal internships?

Federal internships are temporary positions offered by U.S. government agencies to students and recent graduates, allowing them to gain work experience in public service. These internships can be paid or unpaid and are available in a wide range of fields, such as policy, engineering, public health, and administration. They typically last for a few months, often over the summer, and provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into federal careers. Many federal internships are designed to lead to permanent positions within the government after successful completion.

What do federal interns do?

As a federal intern, you can expect to be involved in a variety of projects that support the mission and daily operations of the agency you’re placed in. Typical tasks might include conducting research, drafting reports, attending meetings, assisting with program administration, and collaborating on team projects. The exact nature of your responsibilities will vary by department, but most interns are given meaningful assignments that contribute to larger agency goals, offering a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and expand your professional network within the federal government.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a federal intern?

To thrive as a Federal Intern, you typically need strong academic performance, analytical skills, and an interest in public service, often supported by enrollment in or recent graduation from an accredited degree program. Familiarity with government databases, office productivity software, and sometimes security clearance procedures is valuable. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability set top interns apart in collaborative and fast-changing federal environments. These skills enable interns to contribute effectively, learn quickly, and build a foundation for future government careers.

What is the difference between Federal Internships vs State Internships?

AspectFederal InternshipsState Internships
Required CredentialsTypically high school diploma or current college studentSimilar; often current college students or recent graduates
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies at the federal level, often in Washington D.C. or regional officesState government offices, often in state capitals or regional offices
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. federal agencies like DHS, EPA, or DOJState departments like health, transportation, or education
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for federal government experienceSeeking state government roles or experience

Federal Internships and State Internships both offer government experience but differ mainly in the level of government, work environment, and agencies involved. Federal internships provide exposure to national agencies, while state internships focus on state-level agencies. Both are valuable for careers in public service, but your choice depends on your desired scope and location.

Infographic showing various Federal Internships job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

General Administrative & Office Support Intern

Department of Justice

Washington, DC • On-site

$36K - $43K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Internship Position

This excepted service position is being filled under the provisions of the Pathways Internship Program, which is designed to provide students enrolled in educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid work opportunities. The program allows students to be exposed to the work of the government through federal internships while pursuing their degrees. The internship also provides federal managers a ready source of student employees and potential permanent employees upon completion of the program requirements. This position is not a routine telework position or summer internship. Selected applicants will be required, per mission requirements, to physically report to the DOJ OIG office location in which they are assigned and can work the duration of their academic career.

If you are selected as a General Administrative & Office Support Intern, your responsibilities would include, but would not be limited to:

  • Identifying data required for use in the management and direction of programs.
  • Coordinating assigned activities in support of program operations.
  • Identifying various resources (e.g., staffing equipment) required to support program operations.
  • Researching and investigating new or improved business and management practices for application to agency programs or operations.
  • Using office automation software to produce a variety of materials, such as spreadsheets, plans, procedures, memoranda, letters, charts, database, travel requests, and presentations from rough drafts.
  • Answering the telephone and greeting visitors, answering questions not requiring significant technical knowledge, and referring technical questions to the appropriate staff member.
  • Performing other administrative and management support assignments. Using word processing software to type letters, memoranda, reports, etc. from handwritten or rough drafts, marked-up copy, and oral instructions into final, error-free copy. Ensuring correct punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and grammar and verifying the format conforms to OIG regulations, style manuals, and office procedures.
  • Assembling data and using database or spreadsheet software to enter, revise, sort, or calculate and retrieve data for standard reports.
  • Assisting in establishing and maintaining an extensive high-volume suspense tracking system.
  • Receiving and reviewing incoming mail, reports, and other documents for distribution to appropriate staff according to established procedures and knowledge of organization.
  • Maintaining existing office files and establishing new filing systems, as needed.