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Internship Government Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

K&L Gates

Government Affairs Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

$18/hr

The global law firm of K&L Gates LLP is seeking Government Affairs Interns for our Fall 2026 program. The K&L Gates Lloyd Meeds Policy Fellowship Program is a semester-long opportunity for ...

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Internship Government information

What is a government internship?

Internship government positions are temporary roles within local, state, or federal government agencies designed for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in public service. These internships may be paid or unpaid and typically involve assisting with research, administrative tasks, or program support. They provide valuable exposure to the workings of government, help develop professional skills, and can serve as a pathway to full-time public sector employment.

What kinds of projects or assignments can I expect to work on during a government internship?

As a government intern, you can expect to engage in a variety of projects that support public service operations, such as conducting policy research, drafting reports, assisting with community outreach, and helping organize events. Interns often work closely with experienced professionals and may attend meetings or briefings to gain insight into government processes. The specific assignments often vary depending on the department, but most internships aim to provide practical experience and exposure to the inner workings of government, helping you develop relevant skills for a career in public service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Intern, you typically need strong research, analytical, and written communication skills, along with enrollment in or completion of a relevant degree program such as political science, public administration, or law. Familiarity with office productivity software, data management systems, and sometimes government-specific platforms is often required. Professionalism, adaptability, and attention to detail are standout soft skills for building effective relationships and handling confidential information. These abilities are crucial for supporting agency operations, contributing meaningful work, and gaining valuable experience in public service.

What are the most commonly searched types of Government jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Government jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Internship Government jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Internship Government job openings:

Internship Government jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Government job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Research Internship, Government Relations, Fall 2026

Washington, DC • On-site

Hudson Institute
Social Sciences and Humanities Research • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Hudson Instituteexternal

$17 - $22.75/hr

Internship

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description

Hudson Institute is seeking an intern looking to gain experience in research that informs policymakers in Congress and the executive branch on a broad range of issues. This intern will provide research and administrative support to the Government Relations team. In addition to being exposed to critical issues in the aforementioned subject areas, interns will spend significant time discussing these issues with their expert(s). Those who work onsite will also have the opportunity to assist with and attend Hudson Institute public events, as well as intern-specific events featuring Hudson scholars and experts across Washington, DC.


About Hudson Institute


Hudson Institute is a research-focused public policy think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C., dedicated to promoting American leadership for a secure, free, and prosperous future. For more than half a century, Hudson Institute has been challenging conventional thinking by developing new ideas and practical solutions to shape critical foreign and domestic policy decisions.


Responsibilities include

  • Tracking legislative and executive developments relevant to Hudson Institute. 
  • Support Government Relations strategic planning 
  • Attending congressional hearings and preparing memos summarizing key points of discussion.
  • Assisting in organizing bipartisan briefings and discussions through regular communication with congressional offices on behalf of Hudson Institute. 
  • Writing and editing an internal newsletter updating the institute on congressional developments. 
  • Assisting with administrative tasks and event support.

How to Apply:

Please upload a cover letter, resume, and short, relevant writing sample (2-3 pages) in a single PDF to the cover letter file upload. Please title the document "First, Last Application" (e.g. Jane Doe Application). Those who do not submit a writing sample will be disqualified  


Due to the large number of applications that we receive, we regret that we can only contact those applicants who have been selected for an interview.

Requirements

  • Candidates should be recent graduates or current students working towards a degree in political science, international relations, economics, government relations, history, or related fields. 
  • Candidates should have prior experience working on the Capitol Hill or in a research environment. 
  • Candidates should show a demonstrated interest in and a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the US government and current US policies on major foreign-policy issues. 
  • Candidates should have experience working independently, managing their time wisely, and meeting deadlines.
  • Candidates should possess strong research, writing, editing, and analysis skills, as well as excellent communication, public-speaking, and interpersonal skills.
  • Candidates should be proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.
  • Candidates should be able to work a minimum of 30 hours per week. 
  • Remote work is not an option for this position. Please note that you are able to work in-person in your cover letter.

Apply