INTERNSHIPS

The Office of Public Affairs offers internships that provide undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to work in a fast-paced government communications office.

As the principal point of contact for the Department of Justice with the news media, the office is responsible for ensuring that the public is informed about the department’s activities, and the priorities and policies of the Attorney General with regard to law enforcement and legal affairs.

The Office of Public Affairs offers three internship programs as follows:

• Media Affairs Internship: The media affairs intern will assist press officers with telephone calls from national news media, gather news clips, assist with interviews and press conferences, edit and issue news releases on a variety of topics, as well as other duties as assigned.

  • Individuals interested in this position should submit two writing samples in addition to the application materials listed below. Writing samples should not exceed 4 pages. Non-legal and non- academic writing samples such as essays, news articles, and blog posts are preferred.

• Speechwriting Internship: The speechwriting intern will assist in drafting and editing remarks for the Attorney General, provide research assistance, and contribute to other communications projects. Individuals interested in this position should submit two non-legal writing samples in addition to the application materials listed below.

 

Qualified candidates have a strong interest in or are seeking a degree in communications, public affairs/relations, media, journalism, and/or public policy and government. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are a must. Ability to handle multiple tasks and to work under pressure is also necessary. Previous internship experience is desirable.

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WORK SCHEDULES

The Office of Public Affairs is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Interns are requested to work at least three full days and most work all five days.

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1. The Fall Program runs from September through December.

2. The Spring Program runs from January through May.

3. The Summer Program runs from June through August.

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ACADEMIC CREDIT

Internships are only offered as student work-study programs and are not for compensation. Students accepted for an internship may earn academic credit while working in our office. Information on academic credit programs can be obtained from school placement offices.

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REQUIREMENTS

Applicants for an internship must be United States citizens. Please note that participation as a student intern is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to work in any capacity before his or her background investigation is successfully completed.

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APPLICATION DEADLINES

• Spring Program

  • The Office accepts application requests for the Spring Program from August 1st to November 1st. Selected applicants must submit a completed security application package by December 1st and the Program will begin on the first Monday after New Year's Day.

• Summer Program

  • The Office accepts application requests for the Summer Program from January 1st to March 1st. Selected applicants must submit a completed security application package by May 1st and the Program will begin on the first Monday in June.

• Fall Program

  • The Office accepts application requests for the Fall Program from May 1st to July 1st. Selected applicants must submit a completed security application package by August 1st and the Program will begin on the first Monday after Labor Day.

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APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applicants should send a cover letter, resume and writing samples to: publicaffairsinternship@usdoj.gov

Materials may also be sent via postal mail to:
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs
Attn: Intern Coordinator
950 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W. Room 1220, Washington, DC 20530

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The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

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For more information, visit: https://www.justice.gov/opa/internships

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