Government & Politics Internships

Overview

Governments and public institutions play a vital role in shaping policy, delivering public services and responding to the social, economic and political challenges facing communities around the world. While academic study provides a strong understanding of political systems and governance, practical experience is essential for developing the analytical and professional skills employers value.

Our International Government & Politics Internships connect students, graduates and aspiring public sector professionals with carefully selected host organizations around the world. Every internship placement is tailored to your interests, experience and career aspirations, giving you the opportunity to contribute to meaningful policy, research and community-focused projects while learning from experienced professionals.

If you're considering a career in government, politics, public policy, diplomacy or international affairs, we'll help you find an internship that supports your professional development and prepares you for the next stage of your career.

Why choose this industry

Government and politics influence almost every aspect of society, from public services and economic policy to international relations and community development. Professionals in this field help shape legislation, develop public policy, engage with communities and support evidence-based decision-making that creates lasting social impact.

A government internship allows you to experience how public institutions and policy-focused organizations operate while developing practical skills in research, communication and stakeholder engagement. Working alongside experienced professionals provides valuable insight into how policies are developed, how public initiatives are delivered and how governments respond to complex challenges.

If your ambition is to work in public policy, government administration, diplomacy, political communications or international development, practical experience can help you build the confidence, professional network and workplace skills needed to launch your career.

Responsibilities

Many of our Government & Politics interns contribute to projects such as:

• Conducting policy, legislative and political research

• Collecting and analyzing demographic, economic and social data

• Preparing briefing papers, reports and presentations

• Supporting policy development and public sector initiatives

• Monitoring political, legislative and regulatory developments

• Assisting with project coordination and public administration activities

• Supporting public awareness campaigns and community outreach initiatives

• Assisting with stakeholder engagement and public consultations

• Writing blogs, newsletters, speeches and communications materials

• Supporting event planning and public engagement activities

• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on community initiatives

Throughout your internship, you'll work alongside experienced professionals while developing the research, communication, analytical and project management skills valued across government, politics and the wider public sector.

Typical roles

Every internship placement is tailored to your interests, experience and host organization. Previous interns have contributed to policy, research and public sector projects in a variety of organizations in roles such as:

• Policy Research Intern
• Policy & Communications Intern
• Policy Analysis Fellow
• Climate Policy Analyst
• International Relations Intern
• Campaign Strategy Intern
• Political Communications Intern
• Community Impact Intern
• Global Projects Coordinator
• Social Justice Communications Fellow

Whether you're interested in public policy, international relations, advocacy or community development, we'll match you with an internship that aligns with your interests while helping you develop valuable professional experience.

Explore more example Government internship roles >

Why choose The Intern Group

Choosing the right internship is about more than finding a placement, it's about finding an experience that helps you achieve your long-term career goals. When you join The Intern Group's award-winning internship program, you'll benefit from:

A personalised internship matching process
One-to-one career coaching
Professional development workshops
Ongoing support throughout your program
Access to our 15,000+ global alumni community

From your first conversation with our team through to completing your internship, we're here to support your personal and professional development.

Learn more about why The Intern Group is the best choice for a politics internship >

Hear from our politics alumni

Hear directly from previous interns who have gained first-hand experience in government, policy and advocacy roles around the world. Their stories offer valuable insight into the projects they supported, the professional skills they developed and the impact their internships had on their future careers.

Mathias Hunziker

Princeton | Interned in Medellín, Colombia

"For my role, I was assigned two projects. One had more to do with the international relations side of things, helping my host organization identify new cooperation mechanisms and new actors that aligned with their purposes for cooperation. For my second project, I was helping identify the new dynamics arising in the Urabá region... It was a very lucky opportunity to see this ecosystem while things were happening."

Shivali Bhatt

Plymouth University | Interned in Hong Kong

"I found that working in my host organization really made me realize that I'd want to be in this position one day in the future. It helped me identify my skill sets, and these experiences have definitely made me more confident in who I am... It gives you so much confidence and passion and drive to go out there and do much more in the world."

Available destinations

Government and public policy are shaped by different political systems, cultures and institutions around the world. Depending on your career goals, you can complete your internship in destinations including:

• London
• New York
• Medellín
• Online

Each destination offers unique opportunities to gain practical experience in government, politics and public affairs while building your international professional network.

Program options

In-person International Government and Politics Internship
Combine first-class professional experience and cultural immersion with a government and politics internship abroad in one of our destinations around the world. Each year, 2,000+ talented participants advance their careers with us while gaining hands-on experience in exciting global cities.

Remote Government and Politics Internship

Make your resume shine and grow your network from wherever you are with a remote government and politics internship. The greatest advantage of a remote internship is the flexibility to gain real-world experience in policy, research, communications, and public affairs while working from anywhere in the world. All you need is your laptop and an internet connection!

Digital Nomad Government and Politics Internship
Working as an intern in government and politics through our digital nomad program allows you to travel to an exciting international destination while working remotely, giving you the best of both worlds. Live and work like a local while gaining valuable global experience in political and public sector environments and exploring a new culture.

Career advancement training

Government and politics interns on our programs benefit from career advancement tools before, during, and after their program. These resources are designed to help you prepare for your internship experience, make the most of your time interning internationally (either in-person or remotely), and confidently present your experience to future employers.

You’ll receive training through videos, podcasts, articles, quizzes, and projects, and earn a certificate upon completion. Topics include critical thinking, oral and written communication, teamwork, digital fluency, leadership, professionalism, career management, and global awareness, which are valuable skills in government, politics, policy, and public affairs roles.

You’ll also gain access to our CV improvement tool and exclusive tailor-made workshops, including interview preparation sessions, CV review workshops, and LinkedIn optimization workshops.

Once you’ve completed your international government and politics internship with us, you’ll have the opportunity to receive guidance on your next career steps from experienced career coaches. Our network of partnered experts can support you with topics such as presenting your international internship experience, LinkedIn branding, salary negotiations, interview strategies, and broader career development within political, policy, and public sector fields.

Example host organizations

Governments, think tanks, advocacy groups and public sector organizations all play an important role in shaping policy and improving communities. Through our global network of host organizations, interns gain practical experience supporting research, policy development, stakeholder engagement and community initiatives while learning from experienced professionals.

Previous interns have gained experience with organizations such as:

These organizations represent the type of government, policy and public affairs experience available through our program. Whilst we can't guarantee placement with a specific organization, we do guarantee an internship offer within your primary or secondary career field, ensuring you'll gain relevant professional experience aligned with your career goals.

Explore more of our host organizations >

Career outcomes

The impact of our government & politics internship program extends well beyond the internship itself. According to our alumni outcomes survey, 82% of respondents secured their first full-time role in the same career field as their international internship, while 98% said the experience strengthened their CV or gave them a competitive advantage in job applications. Learn more about the value of our international internship programs on our alumni stories page.

Ready to make an impact in public service?

An international Government & Politics internship is an opportunity to develop practical experience, strengthen your research and communication skills, and gain first-hand insight into how public institutions and policy-focused organizations create positive change.

If you're interested in public policy, politics, international relations or government administration, we'll help you find an internship that aligns with your interests and supports your long-term career goals