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Summer Extern Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Summer Extern information

What types of projects and responsibilities can a summer extern expect during their placement?

As a Summer Extern, you can expect to be assigned a variety of hands-on projects that align with your field of study or career interests. These may include assisting with research, shadowing professionals, participating in team meetings, and contributing to ongoing departmental initiatives. The work environment is typically collaborative, giving you opportunities to network, seek mentorship, and gain practical experience. Externs often rotate through different departments or projects to maximize exposure and learning. Regular feedback and check-ins with supervisors are common, ensuring that you receive guidance and support throughout your externship.

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

To thrive as a Summer Extern, you generally need a solid academic background in your field of study, a willingness to learn, and strong organizational skills. Familiarity with common office software, digital collaboration tools, or industry-specific platforms is often beneficial. Proactive communication, adaptability, and a positive attitude help externs build relationships and make the most of their short-term experience. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing effectively, gaining valuable insights, and making a positive impression during the externship.

What is a summer extern?

Summer externs are students or recent graduates who participate in short-term, temporary work experiences, often during the summer months. These positions typically last from a few days to several weeks and are designed to give participants exposure to a specific industry or profession. Unlike internships, externships are usually more observational and may not involve extensive hands-on work, but they provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into daily job responsibilities. Summer externships can help individuals decide if a particular career path is right for them and can enhance their resumes.

What is the difference between Summer Extern vs Summer Intern?

AspectSummer ExternSummer Intern
CredentialsTypically enrolled students, sometimes requiring specific courseworkUsually students in related fields, often with similar educational backgrounds
Work EnvironmentShadowing, observing, and assisting professionals, often in healthcare or legal settingsHands-on tasks, project work, and active participation in workplace activities
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare, legal, and some professional fieldsWidespread across various industries including business, engineering, and technology

The main difference between a Summer Extern and a Summer Intern lies in the level of hands-on work and the focus of the experience. Externships often emphasize observation and shadowing, while internships typically involve active participation in projects. Both roles are valuable for gaining industry insight and experience during the summer months.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Summer Extern jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Summer Extern job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Extern job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 42% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

In House Legal Intern/Extern

The Public Interest Network

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

In House Legal Intern/Extern
Department: Legal
Employment Type: Internship
Location: Denver, CO
Description
The Public Interest Network's in-house legal department provides legal services to Environment America, PIRG, and dozens of state and national affiliated organizations. The primary practice areas include non-profit corporate and tax compliance, campaign finance/election law, lobbying, charitable solicitation regulation, employment law, benefits, and contracts.
Key Responsibilities
Interns will conduct legal research, prepare in-house legal memoranda, and draft and review contracts. Work in specific practice areas includes:
  • Employment Practice: Assist legal staff with advising on employment matters and employment benefits systems, ensure compliance with employment laws, review employment materials, and assist with defending employment-related claims.
  • Corporate Compliance: Assist legal staff with conducting and documenting corporate board meetings and maintaining the organizations' good standing with state regulators.
  • Tax-Exempt Organizations: Assist legal staff with advising on IRS guidelines relating to nonprofit organizations, including for lobbying and political activities.
  • Election and Lobbying Law: Assist legal staff with ensuring compliance with federal and state election and lobbying laws.
  • Contracts: Draft and review contracts, leases, grant agreements, and other legal documents.

Qualifications
Legal interns should have excellent academic credentials, be goal-driven and results-oriented, and have a strong desire to protect the public interest through nonprofit and political work. Leadership capability, initiative, and exceptional verbal and written advocacy and communication skills are essential. Candidates should have completed at least one year of law school and prior experience volunteering or working with a nonprofit organization or political campaign is preferred.
Details
Location and Terms
Legal interns will be considered for work in Denver, CO or remote. Summer internships are full time whereas semester externships are part time as the student's class schedule allows. Legal internships are unpaid. We are happy to work with you to accommodate any requirements that may allow you to receive funding or class credit from your school or other entity. Work-study eligible students are encouraged to apply. In your cover letter, please indicate which term you are applying for. We accept applications on a rolling basis.
We have currently filled our Summer 2026 class of interns. We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2026.
Completing a legal internship is not a promise of post-law school employment by groups in The Public Interest Network.
Why work with The Public Interest Network? Here are ten reasons: https://publicinterestnetwork.org/why-work-with-us/
Our Mission and Values
The Public Interest Network operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit https://publicinterestnetwork.org/core-values for things you should know about our network when you apply.
Fund for the Public Interest is an equal opportunity employer.