Are you a college student looking to get an internship in the federal government? You are not alone. This article will treat the available government internships for college students.
Many of us worry that it will be hard to land an internship. But that’s where this blog comes in. It is dedicated to helping you with ways to find internships in the federal government, which can lead to some high-paying jobs later in life.
There are quite a few benefits that you can get out of internships. You will build a network, get real-life experience, and can even get a better job later down the road. Government internships are no exception.
This post is an absolute guide for college students of all majors who want to find government internships in 2022.
Table of Contents
What is an Internship?
An internship is a temporary work experience in which you gain practical skills, knowledge, and experience. It’s most often an unpaid position, but there are some paid internships available. Internships are a great way to learn about a field of interest, build your resume, and network with professionals.
How Can I Prepare Myself to Apply for Internships?
- Research the company
- Know what you’re interviewing for and be prepared to discuss your skills, knowledge, and experience in that area.
- Be sure to have your resume and cover letter ready.
- Have an interview outfit picked out.
- Practice answering common interview questions.
Does the U.S. Government Offer Internships?
Yes, the U.S. government does offer internships. Each department or agency has its own internship program and application process. However, here are some things to keep in mind:
- In order to apply for a federal internship position, you must be an undergraduate student enrolled in a 4-year college program.
- You should also note that many positions require specific degrees in certain fields—for example, some internships may only be available if you have a degree in political science or law enforcement administration from an accredited university by your projected graduation date.
10 Popular Government Internships for College Students
The following are the top 10 popular government internship programs for college students:
- CIA Undergraduate Internship Program
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Summer Internship
- Defense Intelligence Academy Internship
- National Issues of Health Internship
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Internship Program
- Federal Reserve Board Internship Program
- Library of Congress Internship Program
- U.S. Trade Representative Internship Program
- National Security Agency Internship Program
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Internship Program.
Government Internships for College Students
1. CIA Undergraduate Internship Program
About the program: The CIA Undergraduate Internship Program is one of the most highly sought-after government internship programs for college students to take advantage of. It presents a golden opportunity to earn academic credit while working with the CIA. The program is open for college juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and interns are paid a stipend plus travel and housing expenses (if necessary).
This internship lasts from August through May, during which time you’ll participate in three rotations: one rotation at headquarters in Langley, one rotation at overseas headquarters, and one rotation at an operational field office (FBI or military intelligence).
To the uninitiated, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is an independent federal agency that serves as the primary foreign intelligence service of the United States. CIA also engages in covert operations, which are activities conducted by government agencies that are hidden from the public.
The CIA offers you the opportunity to work as either a field espionage agent or be the person behind the computers. Either way, if you intend to build a career in these, this program will equip you with the right knowledge to start.
2. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Summer Internship
About the program: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is an independent federal agency that works to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices in the financial marketplace. The CFPB was created to ensure that all Americans have access to fair, transparent, and competitive markets for consumer financial products and services.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers summer internships for college students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher that last 11 weeks. Students apply directly through their school’s on-campus recruiting program or by completing an application on the CFPB website.
While interns work full-time from Monday through Friday during their first two weeks at CFPB headquarters in Washington D.C., they are encouraged to spend their remaining nine weeks working remotely as much as possible (depending on where you live). Interns receive stipends per week as compensation; however, this amount can vary based on location.
3. Defense Intelligence Academy Internship
About the program: The Defense Intelligence Academy offers a variety of internships in the areas of foreign language, intelligence analysis, and information technology. Interns will work alongside Department of Defense professionals on both military and civilian projects.
The requirements for applying are:
- Be a full-time student at an accredited college or university (two years prior to graduation).
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Maintain good academic standing with your school’s administration.
The application process includes submitting a resume and writing sample as well as completing an online assessment test.
Applicants will be notified if they have been accepted into the program after being interviewed by phone or in person by the academy staff members within one week of submitting their materials. If selected, interns receive free housing within dormitories located on the base during their stay at Fort Huachuca.
4. National Institutes of Health Internship
About the program: The National Institutes of Health Internship, located in Washington, D.C., is a great opportunity for college students to gain experience working with the federal government.
This internship offers a chance to work with government officials and learn about the issues surrounding the healthcare industry and how it impacts American citizens.
You’ll get hands-on experience while working directly with members of Congress, their staff, or other key players in the healthcare industry.
You’ll also learn about legislation as it relates to health care in America and get an insider’s look at how policy decisions are made and implemented.
5. Federal Bureau of Investigation Internship Program
About the program: The FBI internship program is a great way for college students to gain hands-on experience in the field of criminal justice. The program offers an opportunity for students to work with the FBI’s domestic and international terrorism, cybercrime, white-collar crime, and violent crime programs.
The minimum requirement for this program is that you must be a current college student at the time of your application. You also need to have at least two years of undergraduate education remaining at the time of your application.
Applications are accepted every year. If you’re interested in applying, view the program and see if it fits your career objective.
6. Federal Reserve Board Internship Program
About the program: The Federal Reserve Board of Governors is the central bank of the United States. The Federal Reserve Board was established by Congress in 1913, and it serves as a regulatory agency that oversees financial institutions in this country.
The Federal Reserve Board offers a number of internship programs for college students interested in pursuing careers with their organization. These internships are unpaid, but they provide valuable experience for those who want to work at one of the nation’s most respected public sector organizations.
7. Library of Congress Internship Program
About the program: The Library of Congress Internship Program provides students with an opportunity to work at the world’s largest library, which houses more than 160 million items. Students are able to gain valuable experience in a variety of fields, such as cataloging and digital humanities.
Students who are interested in applying must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in or have graduated from an undergraduate program within the past year (proof of enrollment/graduation must be submitted).
- Have at least one semester left until graduation at their current university or college.
- Have completed at least 15 credit hours of coursework in a relevant field (library science is preferred but not required).
8. U.S. Trade Representative Internship Program
About the program: If you’re interested in a government internship, the US Trade Representative Internship Program is an excellent option.
The USTR works to promote free trade, enforce U.S. trade laws, and encourage growth in the global economy. The internship is paid and lasts 10 weeks from May through August each year.
This program is open to college students who are majoring in international affairs, economics, or political science at any accredited university within the United States. If this sounds like something that would interest you, apply.
9. National Security Agency Internship Program
About the program: The National Security Agency (NSA) is the largest and most important of the U.S. government’s intelligence organizations, and its mission is to collect foreign signals intelligence.
It is also responsible for protecting U.S. information systems and military operations from cyber threats, as well as defending against any acts of terrorism or espionage that might target our nation’s digital infrastructure.
The NSA’s Internship Program offers college students in their junior or senior year an opportunity to gain practical work experience with some of the most advanced technologies in use today while gaining valuable networking opportunities within the federal government and private sector industries that support it.
10. National Geospatial-Intelligence Internship Program
About the program: The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is a U.S. military intelligence organization that provides geospatial intelligence to warfighters, government decision-makers, and homeland security professionals.
It’s one of the best internship programs for college students who are interested in a career in the field of national security or public service because it offers hands-on experience and real-world skills that can be applied to any entry-level position.
The NGA offers paid internships with competitive salaries based on education, training, and experience as well as travel opportunities within the US or overseas locations as part of your job responsibilities.
The requirements for becoming an intern at NGA include:
- Be a U.S. citizen (noncitizen nationals may apply if sponsored by their parent agency).
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited university; graduate degree preferred but not required.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0/4 point scale on all college coursework completed by graduation date.
What To Do To Improve Your Chances of Landing Your Dream Internship
Now that you have a better idea of what to expect from the application process, it’s time to start working on yourself. Here are some tips on how to improve your chances of landing your dream internship:
- Research the company and position you are applying for. Every company has a different set of criteria that they look for when recruiting interns, so it’s important to know what those are before applying. This will help ensure that your cover letter and resume address their expectations while also showing off some of your best qualities as well.
- Write an effective cover letter. Include information about why you want this particular internship at this particular company in addition to any relevant experience or skillset (like computer science) that makes you uniquely qualified for the role in question.
- Prepare for interviews with mock practice sessions with friends or schoolmates who can help offer some constructive feedback based on their own experiences.
- Make sure your social media accounts aren’t littered with anything controversial.
Full List of the Top 100 Government Internships for College Students in 2023
For those of you who are looking to get a government internship, you’re in luck. The following list contains the top 100 government internships for college students in 2023 (listed in order of popularity).
These internships cover areas:
- Criminal Justice
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Legal
- Public Policy
- Science & Technology
- Social Work
- Youth Development & Leadership
- Urban Planning & Community Development
| S/N | Top 100 Government Internships for College Students | Offered By | Internship Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CIA Undergraduate Internship Program | The Central Intelligence Agency | Intelligence |
| 2 | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Summer Internship | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | Consumer Finance & Accounting |
| 3 | Defense Intelligence Agency Internship | Defense Intelligence Agency | Military |
| 4 | National Institutes of Health Internship | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences | Public Health |
| 5 | Federal Bureau of Investigation Internship Program | Federal Bureau of Investigation | Criminal Justice |
| 6 | Federal Reserve Board Internship Program | Federal Reserve Board | Accounting & Financial data analysis |
| 7 | Library of Congress Internship Program | Library of Congress | American Cultural History |
| 8 | U.S. Trade Representative Internship Program | U.S. Trade Representative | International Trade, Administrative |
| 9 | National Security Agency Internship Program | National Security Agency | Global & Cyber Security |
| 10 | National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Internship Program | National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency | National Security & Disaster Relief |
| 11 | U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program | U.S. Department of State | Administrative, Foreign Policy |
| 12 | U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program | U.S. Department of State | Federal Service |
| 13 | U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program | U.S. Department of State | Foreign Service |
| 14 | Virtual Student Federal Service | U.S. Department of State | Data Visualization and Political Analysis |
| 15 | Colin Powell Leadership Program | U.S. Department of State | Leadership |
| 16 | The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program | U.S. Department of State | Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs |
| 17 | Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship (FAIT) | U.S. Department of State | Foreign Affairs |
| 18 | Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program | U.S. Department of State | Foreign Affairs |
| 19 | The William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security (Clarke DS) Fellowship | U.S. Department of State | Foreign Service, Diplomatic Affairs, Secret Service, Military |
| 20 | The MBA Special Advisor Fellowship | U.S. Department of State | Special Advisory, Administrative |
| 21 | The Pamela Harriman Foreign Service Fellowships | U.S. Department of State | Foreign Service |
| 22 | The Council of American Ambassadors Fellowship | U.S. Department of State in cooperation with The Fund for American Studies | International Affairs |
| 23 | 2L Internships | U.S. Department of State via the Office of the Legal Adviser | Law |
| 24 | Workforce Recruitment Program | U.S. Department of State in partnership with the Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment and Policy, and the U.S. Department of Defense | Internship for students with disability |
| 25 | Internships at the Smithsonian Institution | Smithsonian Institution | Art History and Musuem |
| 26 | White House Internship Program | White House | Public Service, Leadership, and Development |
| 27 | The U.S. House of Representatives Internship Program | The U.S. House of Representatives | Administrative |
| 28 | Senate Foreign Relations Committee Internship | The U.S. Senate | Foreign Policy, Legislative |
| 29 | U.S. Department of Treasury Internships | U.S. Department of Treasury | Law, International Affairs, Treasury, Finance, Administrative, National Security |
| 30 | U.S. Department of Justice Internship Program | U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs | Communications, Legal Affairs |
| 31 | The Department of Housing & Urban Development Pathways Program | The Department of Housing & Urban Development | Housing and National Policy, Urban Development |
| 32 | The Department of Defense Internship | The U.S. Department of Defense & the U.S. Department of Energy via ORISE | Science & Technology |
| 33 | The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Internships | The U.S. Department of Homeland Security | Intelligence & Analysis, Cybersecurity |
| 34 | The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Internships | The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) | Transportation |
| 35 | The U.S. Department of Education Internship | The U.S. Department of Education | Education |
| 36 | The DOI Pathways Program | U.S. Department of the Interior | Environmental protections, Environmental justice |
| 37 | U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Internship Program | U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | Public health |
| 38 | United States Department of Agriculture Student Intern Program (SIP) | United States Department of Agriculture | Agriculture |
| 39 | The United States Department of Veteran Affairs Pathways Internship Program | The United States Department of Veteran Affairs | Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, Human Resources, Leadership |
| 40 | The U.S. Department of Commerce Internship Program | U.S. Department of Commerce | Public Service, Commerce |
| 42 | U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Internships | The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) | Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy |
| 42 | U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Internship Program | U.S. Department of Labor | Labor Rights and Activism, General |
| 43 | The Department of Environmental Protection Agency Internship Program | The Department of Environmental Protection Agency | Environmental Protection |
| 44 | NASA Internship Programs | NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration | Space Administration, Space Technology, Aeronautics, STEM |
| 45 | The U.S. National Science Foundation's Summer Scholars Internship Program | The U.S. National Science Foundation | STEM |
| 46 | Federal Communications Commission Internships | Federal Communications Commission | Media Relations, Engineering and Technology, Economics and Analysis, Wireless Telecommunications |
| 47 | Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Summer Legal Internship Program | Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via the Bureau of Competition | Legal Internship |
| 48 | Federal Trade Commission (FTC)-OPA Digital Media Internship Program | Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via the Office of Public Affairs | Digital Media Communications |
| 49 | Office of Management and Budget Internships | Office of Management and Budget via the White House | Administrative, Budget Development and Execution, Financial Management |
| 50 | Social Security Administration Internship | Social Security Administration | Federal Service |
| 51 | General Services Administration Internship Program | General Services Administration | Administration, Public Service, Management |
| 52 | Nuclear Regulatory Commission Student Internship | Nuclear Regulatory Commission | Public Health, Nuclear Safety, Public Safety |
| 53 | United States Postal Service Internships | United States Postal Service | Business Administration, Postal Service |
| 54 | United States Army Corps of Engineers Student Internship Program | United States Army Corps of Engineers | Engineering, Military Construction, Civil Works |
| 55 | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Internships | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives | Law Enforcement |
| 56 | Amtrak Internships and Co-ops | Amtrak | HR, Engineering, and more |
| 57 | U.S. Agency for Global Media Internship | U.S. Agency for Global Media | Transmissions and Broadcasting, Media Communications, Media Development |
| 58 | United Nations Internship Program | United Nations | Administrative, International Diplomacy, Leadership |
| 59 | The Bank Internship Program (BIP) | World Bank | Human Resources, Communications, Accounting |
| 60 | International Monetary Fund Internship Program | The International Monetary Fund | Research, Data & Financial Analytics |
| 61 | World Trade Organization Internships | World Trade Organization | Administration (procurement, finance, human resources), Information, communication and external relations, Information management |
| 62 | National Security Education Programs-Boren Scholarships | National Security Education | Various options |
| 63 | USAID Internship Program | United States Agency for International Development | Foreign Aid & Diplomacy |
| 64 | Traineeships in the EU institutions, bodies and agencies | The European Union Institutions | Foreign Diplomacy |
| 65 | UNESCO Internship Program | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) | Leadership |
| 66 | ILO Internship Program | The International Labor Organization (ILO) | Social Justice, Administrative, Human Rights Activism for Labor |
| 67 | WHO Internship Program | World Health Organization (WHO) | Public Health |
| 68 | United Nations Development Program Internships | United Nations Development Program (UNDP) | Leadership, Global Development |
| 69 | UNODC Full Time Internship Program | The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) | Administrative, Drug and Health Education |
| 70 | UNHCR Internships | The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) | Refugee Rights, Activism, Administrative |
| 71 | OECD Internship Program | The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) | Economic Development |
| 72 | INTERNSHIP Program at UNFPA Headquarters | The United Nations Population Fund | Human Rights |
| 73 | FAO Internship Program | Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) | World Hunger elimination, Activism, Agriculture |
| 74 | The International Criminal Court (ICC) Internships | The International Criminal Court (ICC) | Legal |
| 75 | The American Civil Liberties Union Internships | American Civil Liberties Union | Human Rights Activism |
| 76 | Center for Community Change Summer Internship | Center for Community Change | Research and Community Development |
| 77 | Center for Democracy and Technology Internship | Center for Democracy and Technology | IT |
| 78 | The Center for Public Integrity Internship Program | The Center for Public Integrity | Investigative Journalism |
| 79 | Clean Water Action Internships | Clean Water Action | Community Development |
| 80 | Common Cause Internships | Common Cause | Campaign Finance, Election Reform, Web Development, and Online Activism |
| 81 | Creative Commons Internships | Creative Commons | Education and Research |
| 82 | EarthJustice Internships | EarthJustice | Environmental Protection & Preservation |
| 83 | EarthRights International Internships | EarthRights International | Human Rights Activism |
| 84 | Environmental Defense Fund Internships | Environmental Defense Fund | Scientific, Political, and Legal Action |
| 85 | FAIR Internships | Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting | Media Integrity and Communications |
| 86 | NARAL Pro-Choice America Spring 2023 Communications Internship | NARAL Pro-Choice America | Women Rights Activism, Media and Communications |
| 87 | National Organization for Women Internships | National Organization for Women | Government Policy and Public Relations, Fundraising, and Political Action |
| 88 | PBS Internship | PBS | Public Media |
| 89 | Pesticide Action Network North America Volunteer Programs | Pesticide Action Network North America | Environmental Protection |
| 90 | World Policy Institute Internship | World Policy Institute | Research |
| 91 | Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom Internship | Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom | Women Rights Activism |
| 92 | Student Conservation Association Internships | Student Conservation Association | Environmental Issues |
| 93 | Rainformationrest Action Network Internship | Rainformationrest Action Network | Climate Action |
| 94 | Project on Government Oversight Internship | Project on Government Oversight | Non-partisan Politics, Government Reforms |
| 95 | Public Citizen Internship | Public Citizen | Public Health & Safety |
| 96 | Planned Parenthood Internship and Volunteer Programs | Planned Parenthood | Adolescent Sex Education |
| 97 | MADRE Internships | MADRE | Women Rights |
| 98 | Woods Hole Internship in USA Internship | Woods Hole Internship in USA | Ocean Sciences, Oceanographic Engineering, or Marine Policy |
| 99 | RIPS Summer Internship in USA Internship | RIPS Summer Internship in USA Internship | Research and Industrial Education |
| 100 | LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science | Lunar and Planetary Institute | Planetary Science and Research |
FAQs
How do I find a government internship?
The best way to find a government internship is to research agencies and departments that are looking for interns. You can use LinkedIn or Google searches to find open positions, or search by location through an agency’s website.
Can you intern at the CIA?
Yes, you can. The CIA is looking for students who are passionate about their field of study and who have completed at least one semester of college-level coursework in their major. You may be wondering what exactly an internship with the CIA would entail. Well, as an intern with the agency, you'll get to work alongside some of America's best minds as they tackle some of our country's most pressing problems. You'll also have access to cutting-edge technology that will allow you to learn more about different cultures and languages while helping other countries improve their own security efforts.
Which internship is best for CSE students?
CSE students are well-suited to internships in the government sector, as they can apply their knowledge of computer science to a variety of interesting and challenging projects. If you're interested in pursuing a government internship for your CSE degree, consider these options: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Transport, and NASA.
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Wrapping It Up
We hope this list has given you some great ideas for your future internship. If you have any more questions about how to land an internship with the government, feel free to comment below and we’ll be happy to help.
