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Public Policy Internship Fall Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Prior internships or employment in public health, public safety, or public policy roles in non-profit or government settings is strongly preferred. An understanding of the research and data needs of ...

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Public Policy Internship Fall information

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$9

$17

$26

How much do public policy internship fall jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for public policy internship fall in Virginia is $17.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public policy internship for the fall?

A Public Policy Internship for the Fall is a temporary position, typically offered by government agencies, non-profit organizations, think tanks, or advocacy groups, that allows students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the field of public policy during the autumn academic term. Interns may assist with policy research, data analysis, event planning, legislative tracking, or communication efforts. The internship provides exposure to how policy decisions are made, opportunities to network with professionals, and practical skills that are valuable for a future career in public policy or government.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect during a public policy internship in the fall semester?

During a Public Policy Internship in the fall, you can expect to engage in a variety of tasks such as conducting policy research, drafting briefs or memos, attending legislative hearings or meetings, and supporting advocacy initiatives. Interns often help analyze proposed legislation, track policy developments, and assist with communications or event planning. The role usually involves working closely with policy analysts, government affairs teams, and sometimes external stakeholders, providing valuable exposure to real-world policy processes. This hands-on experience can help you build key professional skills and expand your network within the public policy field.

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

To thrive as a Public Policy Intern, you need strong research, analytical, and written communication skills, often supported by coursework in political science, public administration, or related fields. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, legislative tracking systems, and proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar platforms is typically expected. Initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively make interns stand out in this role. These skills enable interns to contribute meaningful insights, support policy development, and adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic policy environment.

What is the difference between Public Policy Internship Fall vs Policy Analyst Intern?

AspectPublic Policy Internship FallPolicy Analyst Intern
Required CredentialsUndergraduate or graduate student, relevant courseworkSimilar; often students or recent grads with policy coursework
Work EnvironmentNon-profit, government agencies, think tanksGovernment agencies, research organizations, advocacy groups
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs for gaining experienceTemporary role for skill development and project support

Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and are found in government and policy organizations. The main difference is that a Public Policy Internship Fall is a seasonal internship aimed at students during fall, while a Policy Analyst Intern may be a more project-focused or ongoing internship. Both provide valuable experience in policy research, analysis, and advocacy.

What are popular job titles related to Public Policy Internship Fall jobs in Virginia?

For Public Policy Internship Fall jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Policy Internship Fall jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Policy Internship Fall jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Public Policy Internship Fall jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Public Policy Internship Fall job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Policy Internship Fall job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,289 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Public Policy Intern

Reston, VA โ€ข Hybrid

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
51 - 200 employees

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Are you interested in how public policy, government decision-making, and aerospace intersect?

AIAA, the world's largest aerospace professional society, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Public Policy Intern to support our policy and advocacy efforts. This part-time, temporary internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in federal public policy, congressional affairs, and government relations within a professional association setting. You'll work closely with the Director of Public Policy & Government Relations to monitor legislative and regulatory activity, prepare briefing materials, and support engagement with policymakers, members, and volunteers.

This internship is ideal for undergraduate or graduate students with strong research and writing skills who are interested in public policy, government relations, or the aerospace and defense policy landscape.

This internship will primarily be located at the AIAA office(s) in Reston, VA and Washington, D.C. Candidates must reside in the DMV area. Housing and transportation will not be provided.ย 

What You'll Do:

  • Attend and summarize congressional hearings, executive branch briefings, think tank webinars, and defense-industry events
  • Research and track legislation from key congressional committees, including Appropriations, Armed Services, Science, and Foreign Relations
  • Draft legislative and policy synopses for internal staff, volunteer leaders, and other audiences
  • Prepare background and briefing materials for AIAA executives and volunteer leaders, including biographies, agendas, and talking points
  • Research and fact-check policy papers for accuracy and clarity
  • Update and maintain AIAA state fact sheets
  • Assist with scheduling and preparation for Capitol Hill meetings and Public Policy Committee activities
  • Support government relations initiatives, events, and special projects as assigned

Internship Details:

  • Schedule: Approximately three days per week
  • Duration: 10 weeks (dates to be determined)
  • Work Environment: Hybrid
  • Experience: Work collaboratively with AIAA staff, members, volunteers, corporate government affairs professionals, and government personnel

Qualifications:

  • Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Basic understanding of the U.S. legislative process
  • Strong analytical, research, writing, and communication skills
  • Outgoing, professional, and comfortable interacting with a variety of stakeholders
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently

About AIAA:

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world's largest aerospace technical society, uniting nearly 30,000 members and 100 corporate members across 91 countries. AIAA drives innovation and collaboration in aviation, space, and defense by fostering connections between industry, academia, and government. To learn more, visit www.aiaa.org.

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AIAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and ensure equal consideration regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.ย 

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How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their application to AIAA's careers page.


Pre-employment screening, including background checks and credential verification, may be required.