University Career Services
Northwestern University
Internship Search: Government Insider Advice
Because federal agencies are not required to post their opportunities in one central place, use specific office and department websites to find opportunities.
In addition to government internships, consider opportunities not technically in government (i.e., lobbying groups, non-profit interest groups, and think tanks).
Hiring Cycle In general, if you are interested in a government internship, apply early as these have very competitive opportunities. Be advised that some governmental organizations have a November application deadline (based on competitiveness and /or the need for security clearance). If you are applying to a non-government organization, it is more common to see application deadlines throughout the winter quarter.
Market Your Skills
Administrative
Multitasking
Communication
Leadership
Foreign Language (based on organiza-
Prioritizing
It is acceptable and common for resumes being submitted for federal positions to exceed the typical onepage limit.
Application materials may consist of more than a cover letter and resume. Be prepared to write essay responses and provide letters of reference and/or writing samples.
Professional Associations Utilize Professional Associations for industry research, identifying potential employers, and developing your network. as a student member
American Society for Public Administration American League of Lobbyists Young Government Leaders Young Professionals at State
NU students have worked @ Australian Institute of International Affairs
Illinois Dept of Human Rights
City of Chicago
Metropolitan Planning Council
Congressional Budget Office
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Congressman’s Offices
Search Tools
Mayor’s Offices
Democratic National Committee Senator’s Offices Department of Defense
The Strategy Group
Congressional Internship Directory * www.internships-usa.com
Department of State
Supreme Court of the US
Idealist www.idealist.org Making the Difference www.makingthedifference.org
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Studentjobs.gov www.studentsjobs.gov
Governor’s Offices
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Washington Internships in Law & Policy* www.internshipsusa.com * contact UCS for username and password information University Career Services Main Location: 620 Lincoln Street Career Lab: Main Library, Core Reserves, 2nd Flr Phone: 847-491-3700
Website: www.northwestern.edu/careers Fan UCS @ www.facebook.com/northwesternUCS Follow UCS @ twitter.com/northwesternUCS Join UCS @ www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=1926036