The Office of Public Affairs offers a hands-on internship that provides undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to work in a small but 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 about the priorities and policies of the Attorney General with regard to law enforcement and legal affairs.

Responsibilities include assisting press officers with telephone calls from the national news media, gathering news-clips, assisting with interviews and press conferences, editing and issuing news releases on a variety of federal law enforcement topics as well as other duties as assigned.

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.

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.

The Fall Program runs from September through December.
The Spring Program runs from January through May.
The Summer Program runs from June through August.

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.

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 security clearance. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to work in any capacity before his or her security clearance is successfully completed.

Application Deadlines

Spring Program

The Office will be accepting 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 will be accepting 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 will be accepting 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.

Application Procedures

Anyone interested in applying for any of the above programs should send a cover letter and resume to:

U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
Attn: Intern Coordinator
950 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W. Room 1220
Washington, DC 20530
Tel: (202) 514-2007
Fax: (202) 514-5331

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