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Public Administration Internship Jobs in Reston, VA

2027 Summer Intern Associate

Bethesda, MD · Remote

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Interns will be placed on teams aligned with their academic background, interests, and business ... Business, legal studies, public administration, or related field * HR: Human Resources ...

2027 Summer Intern Associate

Bethesda, MD · On-site +1

$16 - $21.50/hr

Interns will be placed on teams aligned with their academic background, interests, and business ... Business, legal studies, public administration, or related field * HR: Human Resources ...

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Public Administration Internship information

See Reston, VA salary details

$20.8K

$37K

$48.4K

How much do public administration internship jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for public administration internship in Reston, VA is $36,984.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,300.00 and $39,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a public administration internship?

As a Public Administration Intern, you may assist with a variety of tasks such as researching policy issues, preparing reports, supporting public meetings, and helping with program evaluation. Interns often work closely with experienced administrators and may have opportunities to observe or participate in interdepartmental collaboration. This hands-on exposure provides valuable insights into government processes and public service delivery, helping you build practical skills for a future career in the public sector.

What is the difference between Public Administration Internship vs Public Policy Internship?

AspectPublic Administration InternshipPublic Policy Internship
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in public administration, political science, or related fieldsUsually requires a background in political science, public policy, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, public sector organizationsThink tanks, government offices, advocacy groups
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by government departments, municipal agencies, and public sector organizationsCommon in policy research organizations, government offices, and advocacy groups

Public Administration Internships focus on the management and operation of government agencies and public organizations, emphasizing administrative skills. Public Policy Internships concentrate on analyzing, developing, and advocating for policies. Both roles often overlap but serve different aspects of public service careers.

What government agencies offer public administration internships?

Public administration internships are commonly offered by federal agencies such as the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and the General Services Administration, as well as state and local government offices. These internships often involve policy analysis, administrative support, and public service tasks, and may require familiarity with government procedures and tools like Microsoft Office or data management systems.

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

To thrive as a Public Administration Intern, you should possess strong analytical, research, and organizational skills, often supported by coursework in public administration or related fields. Familiarity with data management tools, office software like Microsoft Office Suite, and sometimes basic knowledge of government databases is beneficial. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively supporting policy analysis, project coordination, and communication within government or nonprofit organizations.

What can I do with a public administration internship?

A public administration internship provides hands-on experience in government agencies or nonprofit organizations, allowing interns to develop skills in policy analysis, public service, and administrative tasks. It can lead to future employment opportunities in government, policy research, or public sector management, and often involves working with tools like spreadsheets and data management systems.

What is a public administration internship?

A Public Administration Internship is a temporary position that provides students or recent graduates with hands-on experience in government, non-profit organizations, or public policy agencies. Interns typically assist with research, data analysis, policy development, and administrative tasks, gaining insight into how public sector organizations operate. These internships help individuals develop practical skills, expand their professional networks, and better understand the challenges and functions of public administration. Such experiences are valuable for those considering careers in government, policy, or related fields.

What are popular job titles related to Public Administration Internship jobs in Reston, VA?

For Public Administration Internship jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Administration Internship jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Administration Internship jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Public Administration Internship jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Public Administration Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Administration Internship job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Internship, 60% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,984 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Paul Marchand Fellowship in Disability Public Policy

The Arc

Washington, DC

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Who Are We?

The Arc is the nation's leading advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The Arc's national public policy office works to advance the interests of people with I/DD and their families on the federal level through our legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy. Our more than 600 state and local chapters provide a voice at the local and state legislative levels for people with I/DD and their families.

For 38 years, Paul Marchand was a dedicated disability policy advocate and recognized leader working on behalf of people with I/DD and the entire disability community. Upon his retirement in 2011, The Arc and other organizations and individuals with whom Paul worked during his decades in Washington, established an internship to honor Paul and to continue to cultivate policy advocates for people with I/DD.

Fellowship Description

The Paul Marchand Fellowship Fund will provide up to $6,000 per semester or summer session, which can assist those pursuing careers in public policy advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students who seek an internship for college or graduate school credit may be able to use the funds to offset travel, remote work expenses, or other cost-of-living expenses. Students pursuing degrees in public policy, law, disability studies, social work or public administration would be good candidates for this internship. People with disabilities, or people with family members with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

Desired Qualifications

  • Interest in and/or experience with disability policy issues
  • Knowledge of government programs, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid
  • Strong organizational and writing skills
  • Familiarity with the political and government system
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Undergraduate or graduate student, recent post-graduate, and/or self-advocate
  • Law students are strongly encouraged to apply

Core Responsibilities

  • Assist with policy advocacy related to Social Security, Medicaid, and protecting key federal programs for people with I/DD
  • Conduct legal research and legislative and policy analysis
  • Write advocacy materials such as coalition letters, fact sheets, and issue briefs
  • Attend hearings, briefings, training events, and coalition meetings
  • Complete special projects as determined by policy staff

Compensation, Work Environment and Other Details

  • Through the Paul Marchand Internship Fund, Fellows will receive a stipend.
  • For students receiving credit from schools which do not allow students to receive payment, The Arc will work with the student and the school to determine whether an equivalent stipend can be provided for transportation, remote work expenses, and other work-related expenses.
  • The Paul Marchand Fellowship is also available to pay matching share for students with work study grant who are seeking an off-campus placement.
  • Fellowships will generally be for the duration of one academic semester or summer term.
  • Flexible work environment that can be fully remote or a combination of in-person and remote.
  • Majority of work is completed on a computer and in meetings (in-person and virtual).

Application Process

Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample. The cover letter should be no more than 1 page and address why the applicant wants this internship, and the knowledge, skills, and experience the applicant would bring to the organization.

Applications are due:

August 21 for the Fall 2026 term

Applications are accepted online only: https://thearc.org/about-us/careers-at-the-arc/

Selection Process: Public Policy staff will make the selection on the basis of the submitted materials and phone interviews.

For More Information: Contact Robyn Linscott @ linscott@thearc.org