State Law, Politics, & Government Internships!
- Jessie Zheng
- Nov 2, 2023
- 1 min read
Written by Jessie Zheng
As fall ends and spring approaches, you may want to consider applying for internships within your field. Internships can be a great way for you to explore your interests, gain direct experience, and network with important professionals for your future career.
Whether you're in college, high school, or graduate school, there are internships available for everyone. CT Youth Advocacy Political Center (CYPAC) has created this resource with all state internships related to law, politics, and government. Use this resource to guide your applications as the internship sessions approach!
Legal Internships
Constitutional Office Internships
State Legislative Branch Internships
U.S. Congressional Internships
Public Health Internships
State Departmental Internships
State Offices Internships
Legal Internships
Office of the State Attorney General
The Office of the State Attorney General is a great opportunity to work with the CT Attorney General, William Tong. In this internship, you'll learn more about the importance and role of the attorney general in state affairs.
They have a large variety of 16 different departments that work together to address key cases. They offer three sessions: Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Apply Here: https://portal.ct.gov/AG/Employment/Internship-Opportunities
Connecticut Judicial Branch
The Judicial Branch Experiential Learning Programs offer students from high school to law school a variety of meaningful placement opportunities to gain valuable experience as well as develop skills appropriate to their career path.
This would be a great opportunity to get experience in the court field!
Link: https://jud.ct.gov/elp/
Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services
The CT Division of Public Defender Services offers a variety of flexible opportunities for law students and undergraduate legal students.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/OCPD/Training/CT-Public-Defender-Internship-Information
Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice
The Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice Law Student Internship Program is a great opportunity for law students who are interested in criminal justice and public service to gain real-time/first-hand experience with the responsibilities and duties of a Connecticut prosecutor.
Office of the State’s Attorney: Ansonia-Milford Judicial District
The Ansonia-Milford Judicial District utilizes both college undergraduate and law school students as interns in both the Milford and Derby State’s Attorney’s Offices. Internships are usually for the fall or spring semester or the summer.
Undergraduate interns observe the legal process, assist staff in routine office duties and assist Investigators and prosecutors in the preparation of cases for trial. Law students who are certified legal interns may also appear in court on behalf of the State in certain circumstances based on their level of experience.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/DCJ/States-Attorneys/AnsoniaMilford2/Ansonia-Milford-Internships
Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection
The Legal office provides in-house legal support services to the Department of Consumer Protection through administrative actions such as hearings, agreements containing consent orders, assurances of voluntary compliance, civil investigative demands and subpoenas.
This is an unpaid internship, for college credit only. Candidate must be in law school.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/Agency-Administration/AA-Student-Internships/Legal-Internships
Connecticut Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities
The Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, one of the oldest civil rights enforcement agencies in the United States, has openings for law student interns in its Legal Division and in its Executive Office. The Commission also has limited openings for college and motivated high school students in the Legal Division, in the Contract Compliance Unit, and in our Executive Office.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/CHRO/Volunteers/Notice/Internship-Opportunities
Constitutional Office Internships
CT Office of the Governor
This Governor's Internship Program provides an opportunity to learn the inner workings and be a part of the daily operations of state government. It seeks to supplement classroom instruction by offering exposure to different facets of state government while performing a variety of assignments. Internship opportunities are available within the constituent services, legislative affairs, and legal offices.
Must be 18, enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program or recent college graduates.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/Contact/Intern-at-the-Governors-Office
Office of the Lt. Governor
This Internship Program provides an opportunity to learn the inner workings of state government. It seeks to supplement classroom instruction by offering exposure to different facets of state government while performing a variety of assignments.
Must be 18, enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program or recent college graduates.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Lt-Governor/Contact/Intern-at-the-Lt-Governors-Office
Office of the Secretary of the State
Placement Opportunities are available all year round for undergraduate and graduate students who want experience in a professional government organization. While majors such as political science, law and communication are most common among our applicants, they encourage other disciplines such as design, writing, business, and management students to apply as well.
Must be enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning. Students have the option to receive credits by consulting with their college advisors or internship directors but may also choose to complete the internship for the work experience alone.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Education/Internships/Internship-Opportunities
Office of the Treasurer
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/OTT/About-the-Treasury/Internship-Opportunities
Office of the Comptroller
Link: https://osc.ct.gov/public/oscjobs/internships/program.htm
State Legislative Branch Internships
Connecticut General Assembly Program
The General Assembly established the Legislative Internship Program in 1969 to acquaint students with both the formal and informal aspects of the legislative process. The program seeks to offer Connecticut college students the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge about how state government works, through direct experience in the legislative offices. While serving within the Connecticut General Assembly, interns gain exclusive insight and access to legislators, aides, lobbyists, advocacy groups and the policy making process.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Link: https://cga.ct.gov/isc/internship.asp
Connecticut State Auditor of Public Accounts
The Auditors of Public Accounts operates a paid internship program for students from public and private universities who want real world auditing experience. Our office interviews prospective interns twice a year (in April and November). Interns are employed for a 6-month term beginning each January and July.
Interns are assigned to audit groups in the same manner as new employees and are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of audit work. Audit internships count towards the experience requirement for becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). Experience gained through this program has been extremely beneficial to past participants.
Link: https://wp.cga.ct.gov/apa/employment/internship-program/
U.S. Congressional Internships
Office of U.S. Representative John Larson (CT-01)
The Hartford District office accepts interns for the fall and spring semesters, as well as for the summer. Priority will be given to college students who are majoring in areas related to government and communications and who are from the First District. All applicants must be currently enrolled in college for consideration.
Link: https://larson.house.gov/services/internships
Office of U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT-02)
This office is always accepting resumes from college students interested in interning for academic credit.
By assisting the Congressman’s district staff, interns have the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about how a Congressional office provides constituent services and interacts with the community.
Link: https://courtney.house.gov/internships
Office of U.S. Representative Rosa DeLaura (CT-03):
Responsibilities: Interns in the New Haven District Office work closely with the assigned supervisory staff performing a full range of tasks including but not limited to: data entry, word processing, gathering and recording constituent information, casework research, generating correspondence, initiating and receiving telephonic contacts, special projects, general office administrative work (typing, filing, copying, mailings, answering telephones) and staff support.
Qualifications: the New Haven District Office internship is open to current undergraduate students, recent college graduates, and students currently enrolled in graduate school. Applicants should have an ability to work in a fast-paced environment, have basic computer skills, possess excellent writing skills, and have an enthusiastic attitude. Interning in Congresswoman DeLauro's district office is a great opportunity to help your neighbors in the Third District.
Link: https://delauro.house.gov/services/internships
Office of U.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-04):
Working in a Congressional office can be a rewarding and exciting experience. An internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable political insight and observe first-hand how our government operates. Interns cultivate a strong workplace skillset by undertaking a variety of administrative and legislative responsibilities in the office.
Interns are accepted throughout the year on both a full- and part-time basis. Priority is given to applicants from Connecticut's 4th Congressional District, although all interested persons are encouraged to apply. In my Washington, D.C. office, further preference is given to college students with Junior or Senior standing, and recent graduates.
Link: https://himes.house.gov/internships
Office of U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05)
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) is pleased to announce paid internship opportunities in her office. Internships are designed to offer college students and recent graduates opportunities for direct participation in public service through supporting our offices' constituent engagement and services, administrative responsibilities, and research. Interns' responsibilities will vary depending on the office in which they work. They may be asked to answer phones, assist with correspondence, coordinate and conduct tours, research legislation, assist with constituent casework, develop the Congresswoman’s community outreach, and attend hearings and briefings on various issues.
Internships are available with start and end dates tailored to accommodate an academic calendar year. Internship hours run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays in our Waterbury and Washington offices.
Link: https://hayes.house.gov/internships
Office of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal
Other than an internship, they are also seeking a law fellow and offer law clerkships!
Senator Blumenthal’s Senate Internship Program provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn and serve through first-hand participation in government services and the legislative process in both our Hartford and Washington, D.C. offices.
We welcome all applicants who have demonstrated academic excellence and have displayed a commitment to public service. While preference is given to Connecticut residents, students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Link: https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/services/internship-and-clerkship-applications
Office of U.S. Senator Chris Murphy
I am seeking hard-working and detail-oriented college students with outstanding communication and time management skills. An ardent desire to help others is required. Interns will work closely with my staff and constituents to attain a broad understanding of the interaction between citizens and their government. Interns assist my staff with various administrative tasks, including answering phones and sorting mail, and also participate in more substantive activities, including drafting responses to constituent inquiries, conducting legislative research, attending briefings, hearings, meetings, press conferences, and other events, and drafting memos for the staff and me.
Public Health Internship
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Job shadowing or internships may be available to undergraduates, graduate, and post-graduate students at colleges and universities, with first consideration given to those in programs in public health, allied health, medicine, and related fields in Connecticut schools. Interns must be enrolled in a degree program. Internships are highly competitive and based on preceptor availability and therefore DPH cannot guarantee placements.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Workforce--Professional-Development/WPD-Home/Student-Internships
Connecticut State Department of Aging & Disability Services
The Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) makes every effort to provide internship opportunities within our agency for graduate and undergraduate students and to place the students based on area of study and availability of supervisors in their area of interest.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/AgingandDisability/Content-Pages/Main/Internship-Opportunities
Connecticut Department of Social Services
DSS seeks graduate students with an interest in public service. An emphasis on social services is preferred, but we welcome applicants from a variety of academic disciplines and majors.
Connecticut Office of Health Strategy
The Connecticut Office of Health Strategy (OHS) is accepting applications for graduate-level interns.
We are a state agency charged with coordinating state health policy planning and developing policies that improve health outcomes, ensure better access to healthcare, and address health inequities. Our office is located in Hartford.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/OHS/About/OHS-Internship-Opportunity
State Departmental Internships
Connecticut Department of Correction
The VIP Services Unit continuously seeks Volunteers, Interns and Professional Partners (VIPs) to supplement or augment opportunities for offenders to participate in recovery, restorative and re-entry preparation activities while incarcerated or participating in a continuum of care through parole. The VIP Services Unit currently offers a wide variety of opportunities for approved Volunteers, Interns and Professional Partners to support agency staff in the provision of Addiction Treatment, Chaplaincy Services and Education/Programming Services.
Intern must be a college or graduate student fulfilling an Internship Program requirement. Documentation must be provided from the course professor or academic advisor detailing the course/ program requirements. The intern must be in good standing academically. Intern must be available for a minimum of 6-10 hours per week or as required by the school’s academic program Completed applications must submit a cover letter and a transcript by deadline dates.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DOC/Pdf/Volunteer/Internship_Application_Form.pdf
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
DEEP seeks college students who have completed their sophomore year of academic courses and earned a minimum of 60 academic credits. Students must be currently enrolled in either an accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree Program. Additionally, we are now accepting students who are enrolled in an Associate Degree program.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Human-Resources/Volunteers-and-Interns/College-Internship-Program
Connecticut State Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection
The Scientific Services field (Computer Crime and Electronic Evidence Laboratory, Forensic Science Laboratory, Toxicology and Controlled Substances Laboratory) offers internships for college students.
The Commission on Fire Prevention and Control field also provides internships for college students.
Connecticut State Department of Veteran Affairs
Internships and Externships for course credit (with authorization by student’s college or university). Interns have an opportunity to learn about the legal and legislative processes engaged in by a State Agency which includes reviewing and drafting of contracts, memorandums of agreement, agency policies and regulations. Processing of Freedom of Information Act requests and assisting with formal processing and response to administrative petitions, complaints and appeals pursuant to state and federal statute. Legislative duties include assisting in drafting of legislative proposals, identifying, reviewing and tracking of proposed legislation in General Assembly that applies to the DVA, Veterans or service members in Connecticut.
Law or graduate students or undergraduate students with experience in public administration. Military experience preferred but not required.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/DVA/Search-Results?SearchKeyword=internship
Connecticut Department of Transportation
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) offers COOP worker positions at various locations throughout the State of Connecticut. These positions are located at our Newington, New Haven, Norwich, Rocky Hill, Thomaston, Chester-Hadlyme and Rocky Hill-Glastonbury offices. Depending on available funds, positions are filled for a period not to exceed six months. The DOT recruits for positions that include the following work assignments: general/clerical, maintenance, professional engineering, and information technology system analysis. Some of the duties performed by the general/clerical seasonal workers include assisting professional staff with research, training initiatives, records management and report writing.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/COOP-Employment/COOP-Employment/COOP-Employment
State Office Internships
Connecticut Office of Policy & Management
The Office of Policy and Management (OPM) offers unpaid student internship opportunities each semester (Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer) for students in good academic standing who are actively pursuing an advanced or undergraduate degree. Our internship program provides qualified students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the workforce. To be eligible to intern at our agency, participants must be in good standing with their learning institution and actively pursuing an undergraduate or advanced degree (Associate's, Bachelor’s, Master’s, JD or PhD).
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/ADMIN-MAIN/Admin-General/Services/Internship-Opportunities
Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office
Students need relevant work experience not typically available in the traditional academic setting. That's why the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has established an unpaid internship program to acquaint students with our mission. It allows qualified students to obtain academic credit from their institution while also gaining valuable experience.
To be considered for this internship, you must:
be currently enrolled in a four-year institution for a bachelor's degree or in a master's degree program and be in good standing;
have completed your sophomore year of academic courses and earned a minimum of 60 academic credits;
be able to work at least eight hours (in blocks no less than two hours at a time) per week for at least one academic term.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Historic-Preservation/01_Programs_Services/Internships
Connecticut Office of the Arts
Recognizing the need to provide hands-on, practical work experience for students and emerging professionals, the Connecticut Office of the Arts established an unpaid internship program within its own office.
This program may be used by qualified students to obtain academic credit from their institution. It is also open to professional-track individuals not currently enrolled in an academic institution.
Students in the following majors may apply. We also invite professional track applicants looking to gain more experience in these areas.
Arts Administration
Fine Arts
Communications
Business
Political Science
Connecticut Office of Tourism
The Connecticut Office of Tourism offers ongoing non-paid internship opportunities for individuals seeking to gain experience in the travel and tourism industry. Interns can gain experience in a wide array of areas, supporting the office's many marketing programs and outreach initiatives serving tourism and cultural business.
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Tourism/03_Partner_Office/Apply-for-Internship
Internships are a great opportunity, and we wish you all the best of luck when applying!
"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."
We hope this helped you!
Prepared by: Ryan M. Engels, Executive Director
Written by: Jessie Zheng, Media & Outreach Director
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