Internship Resources
While not a comprehensive list, these resources have been collected to help you on your internship search. Be sure to conduct your own research as well.
Local & County Resources
The World Affairs Council is a non-partisan, non-profit grassroots movement to foster understanding and citizen engagement in international affairs as well as involving citizens in an exchange of ideas, knowledge, and understanding of global issues. WAC Austin serves Central Texas residents of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in the world at large.
San Antonio World Affairs Council
The World Affairs Council is a non-partisan, non-profit grassroots movement to foster understanding and citizen engagement in international affairs as well as involving citizens in an exchange of ideas, knowledge, and understanding of global issues. World Affairs Council of San Antonio offers career development opportunity with a unique perspective on current geopolitical events, how they impact San Antonio and the United States, as well as valuable insight and exposure to the workings within our international community.
Texas House of Representatives
The Texas State House of Representatives offers policy and legislative internships as positions open. Positions are available to both graduate and undergraduate students on a full-time basis during legislative sessions. The internship lasts for one academic semester, and interns are responsible for their academic admissions and enrollment in the necessary courses. Students are also encouraged to apply directly to representatives’ offices.
The Texas Senate website does not list open internship positions. When a Senate office has a vacant position, they contact the Senate Human Resources Office for applications that meet the qualifications specific to their needs. Applications should be submitted to this office in order to be placed into the applicant pool. In addition, students seeking legislative internships should apply directly to senators’ offices.
Texas Legislative Internship Program
The Texas Legislative Internship Program (TLIP) is an educational internship program sponsored by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and administered by the Mickey Leland Center on World Hunger and Peace at Texas Southern University. TLIP provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students attending Texas colleges and universities to serve as interns in the Texas Legislature, in various state agencies, and in local government. Students receive a minimum of six and maximum of fifteen academic credit hours for participating in TLIP, which combines academic study and research with supervised practical training. The internship lasts for one academic semester, and interns are responsible for their academic admissions and enrollment in the necessary courses.
Texas Hispanic Research Council, Senator Gregory Luna Scholars and Fellows Program
The Senator Gregory Luna Scholars and Fellows Program is an educational program offered by the Texas Hispanic Research Council dedicated to strengthening young leaders with experience and exposure to the Texas Senate. Each participant is assigned to the office of a State Senator or the Lieutenant Governor to perform a variety of legislative tasks. Complementing the work experience, participants will meet with local and state leaders for weekly sessions to discuss leadership development and public policies that shape the community. Undergraduate and graduate opportunities are available full-time and involve students in the day-to-day workings of Senate offices. The opportunity culminates in the development and implementation of a community service project during the legislative session and the presentation of individual policy research projects at the session’s end. The internship qualifies for course credit and interns are responsible for their academic admissions and enrollment in the necessary courses.
Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute, Clements Legislative Study Program
The Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute’s Clements Legislative Study Program allows students to participate in Texas state government as full-time legislative assistants to members of the Texas Conservative Coalition. Each Clements Scholar will be assigned to the office of a state legislator and assist with bill research and tracking, constituent correspondence, press releases, and other office assignments, as directed by their immediate supervisor. Clements Scholars will also work directly with TCCRI during the legislative session. There will be additional opportunities to meet with conservative leaders and activists who are working to shape public policy. Those accepted as Clements Scholars will receive a $1,200 monthly stipend to assist with living expenses.
The Texas House Republican Caucus offers unpaid internships in policy to undergraduate students. Policy interns help the Caucus staff with daily policy development and support the operations of the Caucus’ policy committee. Daily tasks include maintaining the bill tracking system, assisting with the compilation of the daily floor report recommendations, and conducting legislative research. Interested students should contact the Caucus through their website.
The House Democratic Caucus meets throughout the legislative session and interim to discuss public policy opportunities for Texas families, businesses, and individuals. The website does not list specific volunteer or internship opportunities, but those interested should contact the Caucus through their website.
University of Texas, Texas Politics Project Internship Listings
The Texas Politics Project Internship Listings site is designed and maintained by the University of Texas at Austin for college students seeking political and government internships and for employers seeking to locate student interns. Students do not need to be enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin to use the site.
Texas Public Policy Foundation
The Texas Public Policy Foundation offers internships aimed at young conservatives seeking opportunities to work with experts in a wide range of policy areas. The Foundation hires interns in a wide variety of areas – fundraising, communications, film, events, and law. Staff members and invited guests share their time, knowledge, and experience with each intern class through a series of discussions that illustrate the range of ways that policy changes the world. Full-time interns are given a $1000 stipend over the course of the semester. Part-time internships are available during the fall and spring semesters and are paid a $500 stipend.
Every Texan is an organization that promotes policies designed to measurably improve equity in and access to health care, food security, education, and financial security. Internships with Every Texan are available on a semesterly basis. Current internship opportunities will be listed on their website.
Texas Values is a religious organization, focused on “standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas.” The organization offers internships to undergraduate, graduate, and law school students at their Austin office, where they will be a part of the staff’s daily business, help with policy research, do data entry/social media outreach, and deliver documents to Capitol offices. The unpaid internships are available for 10-20 hours/week and may be available remotely. Flexibility with class schedules is guaranteed.
Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest. It offers full-time internships year-round for undergraduate students in Austin and Washington D.C. Available are unpaid internships (credit can be arranged) and a small number of paid internships ($15 an hour). Flexibility in hours and weeks during the summer sessions is available.
MOVE Texas is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, grassroots organization dedicated to civic education, leadership development, and issues advocacy in underrepresented youth communities. MOVE’s Civic Leadership Program is a paid, semester-long opportunity for fellows to learn and develop civic leadership skills while directly supporting the administrative needs of the organization. Fellows work directly with staff across MOVE’s departments to develop the necessary skills to work in the social impact sector.
The program requires a 25 hours/week commitment, 15 of which are for training programs and 10 of which are dedicated to field teamwork. Course credit may be available through a student’s institution.
Annie’s List is an organization dedicated to aiding and electing progressive women in Texas. They offer four to six internships to undergraduate students every semester. Interns will work in areas such as operations, programs and events, political campaigns and research, fundraising and communications. Interns are required to work remotely at least 10 hours/week and are paid bi-monthly. Course credit is available.
The Children’s Defense Fund of Texas is an organization focused on the rights, protection, and wellbeing of children in America. Their Texas office offers dozens of undergraduate and graduate student internships where students get firsthand experience in advocating policy change to benefit children. Internships at CDF-Texas offer a chance to experience child-advocacy work, health outreach and enrollment, scholarship administration, event planning, and more.
There are four internships available in the Austin office: youth civic engagement, health care policy, communications and policy, and immigration policy. Internships are available in the spring, fall, and summer and a small stipend is provided. Course credit must be arranged through one’s home institution.
State Climate Policy Network Fellows-Summer Internship
The State Climate Policy Network’s (SCPN) Climate Xchange program provides a unique professional opportunity to all fellows while empowering individuals to advance the work of climate action in a substantial way. In addition to the responsibilities listed below, the SCPN encourages fellows to proactively suggest new projects that advance the Climate Xchange goals and create opportunities for their professional growth. Climate Xchange’s summer fellows will conduct research, provide media coverage, and bring new stakeholders into the climate conversation. Each fellow is assigned a US state and helps spearhead research in that state.
Axiom Political Consulting Apprenticeships
Axiom Strategies is a political consulting and public relations firm based in Austin, Texas. Their Political Consulting Apprenticeship program is designed to encourage and educate graduates and near-graduates who are interested in conservative politics with real-world experience. Each intern will participate in crafting political strategy for Axiom’s client campaigns and will support various projects. Axiom’s Political Consulting Apprenticeship program gives students of all backgrounds the opportunity and resources to learn from the ground floor what it takes to run a successful campaign in the highly contested world of politics.
Students will be vetted and temporarily relocated to the site of their assigned campaign and mentor for the duration of the program. Axiom Apprentices will be pushed beyond their comfort zone and work beyond typical 40-hour weeks but will gain invaluable knowledge and experience. Students will receive a monthly stipend and will gain class credit as arranged through their institution.
Texas Governor’s Internship Program
The Governor’s Internship Program offers college students and recent graduates valuable experience and exposure to state government by providing opportunities to work in a variety of different fields. Interns will learn about state government operations and policy making at the highest level by working closely with staff in the Office of the Governor. Opportunities are on an unpaid basis only and the Office is committed to working with students who are seeking course credit for their internship time.
The Texas Secretary of State Internship Program is a program designed to give students and recent graduates the opportunity to experience state government firsthand. Interns are assigned to work directly with Office of the Secretary of State staff on daily business. This program will give students experience in working at the Capitol and enhance their appreciation of public service. Internships with the Office of the Secretary of State are available every semester and may be counted for course credit if arranged with your home institution.
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts is the state’s chief financial officer and administers a wide array of programs. The office offers unpaid and paid internships to undergraduate and graduate students. Within flexible hours/schedules, both paid and unpaid interns may work up to 40 hours per week. Interns will get to experience day-to-day business in a specific area of the Comptroller’s office and offers interns an opportunity to gain practical skills, contribute to solving real-work problems and expand their network. Students should check the agency's current job opportunities page for paid internship postings.
Texas Office of the Attorney General
The Office of the Attorney General provides unpaid internships for motivated undergraduate students and individuals. Interns are selected based on factors such as scholastic achievement, grade-point average, demonstrated leadership skills, participation in extracurricular activities, and communication skills. Internships are unique and tailored to each intern's needs, interests, and schedule. The agency has three internship terms: spring (January through April), summer (May through August), and fall (September through December). Interns are chosen on a rolling basis.
The State Preservation Board Internship Program is designed to provide undergraduate and graduate level students unpaid internships within a selected department at the agency. Internships offer students an opportunity to gain practical experience in areas such as public administration, museum operations, historical collections/curatorial, visitor services, and/or facilities management. Students will gain experience relevant to their coursework by working closely with staff at the State Preservation Board. Course credit must be organized through your institution.
Department of Family and Protective Services
The Department of Family and Protective Services offers internships in a variety of special areas across the state. Interns will be given the opportunity to gain meaningful experience in their career field; be matched with various departments based on specific career interests; and receive hands-on experience out in the field or in an office setting. Internships in Austin are available year-round on a part and full-time basis. For more information, please email the Office of Volunteer and Community Engagement at: comenga@dfps.state.tx.us.
The Texas Water Development Board offers an unpaid internship program aimed at providing students with real-world training and skill development. The goal is to provide current college students or recent graduates with useful skills to complement their education and help them gain future employment opportunities. Interns are afforded opportunities to interact with and learn from agency management while working closely with subject matter experts in their intended field. TWDB requests that interns make a 3-month commitment, volunteering for a minimum of 10 hours a week. Start dates are flexible and typically coincide with school calendars.
The Railroad Commission of Texas offers unpaid internships. Interns assist in Commission projects related to permitting and regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission offers interns the chance to work directly with engineers, geologists, GIS mapping technicians and professionals in other areas with the goal of enhancing interns' knowledge of Commission rules and regulations. Interns must be able to review and organize technical information and have the ability to pay attention to detail. Successful interns will gain working knowledge of how applications and reports for oil and gas related activities are reviewed, processed, and otherwise managed. Interns must be enrolled in a course that provides academic credit for the internship.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program (MLEIP)
The Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program is a one-of-a-kind experience through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that offers college students an unparalleled glimpse into the future of environmental science and conservation, helping them launch their careers. MLEIP’s mission is to heighten the awareness and encourage the participation of minorities, women, and economically disadvantaged college/university students regarding environmental-related issues and policies. Both undergraduate and graduate students learn about environmental issues and gain professional work experience through a paid, full-time summer internship, either at the TCEQ, other state agencies, or in the private sector. MLEIP internship assignments are only available in the summer.
Teacher Retirement System of Texas (various internships)
The Teacher Retirement System of Texas offers paid internships for undergraduate and graduate students where they will develop their knowledge and skills while gaining practical experience for personal development. Students will also have multiple opportunities to showcase initiative and adaptability, independence and teamwork, respect, and accountability. Internships are available on a full-time basis and may be taken for course credit if arranged with your institution. The summer internship application process usually begins in January, and the program lasts from June through August. Interns may work up to 40 hours per week.
Texas Department of Health and Human Services
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) offers unpaid internships and practicums to enrolled college students. Internship opportunities are available in Austin, at local community services offices around the state, or state supported living centers. To volunteer or become an intern at an HHS office, state supported living center or state hospital you must complete the HHS volunteer application.
Texas Department of State Health Services
The Texas Department of State Health Services offers a variety of unpaid internships across all divisions and public health regions. Students of all levels are encouraged to apply for open opportunities. Internships are offered in both fall and spring semesters and are also available during the summer. All internships provide the opportunity to help with DSHS’ daily work, gain practical and research experience, and apply classroom skills. In addition to the project work, the program offers a variety of structured activities to develop professional skills and gain a more comprehensive understanding of DSHS to provide a more in-depth internship experience. Internship projects are offered three times a year, during the fall, spring, and summer semester. New internship postings are added to the website about two months before the start of each semester.
Texas Department of Transportation
The Texas Department of Transportation college internship program introduces college and graduate students to career opportunities at TxDOT. The program integrates academic studies with supervised work experiences or projects. Full-time students of all levels are welcome to apply for internships, which are available year-round. Academic credit for work experience is awarded based on the institution’s internship policy.
Texas Department of Agriculture
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) offers internships for individuals who seek a challenging and rewarding experience. Internships provide an opportunity to network with experienced and dedicated TDA staff. Internships may be based in either the main office in Austin or one of the TDA regional offices. Internships are available each semester and are available on a part or full-time basis. Course credit is available through arrangement with your institution. Internship opportunities are posted each semester if available on their employment website.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) licenses and regulates businesses, individuals, industries, facilities, equipment, and occupations to ensure that Texans are served by qualified professionals. The TDLR Internship program is an opportunity for students of all levels to gain practical and meaningful work experience in this area. Interns will learn and develop marketable skill sets and be exposed to valuable networking opportunities. To apply for an unpaid internship, students should submit a TDLR Internship Application which can be found on the TLDR internship webpage.
The Washington Center is the bridge between higher education and professional careers—leveraging all of what Washington, D.C. has to offer to provide dynamic, experiential learning opportunities to empower and motivate young people to become engaged global citizens.
Washington Internship Institute
The mission of the Washington Internship Institute is to foster students' intellectual, personal, and professional development through individually tailored, quality internships and challenging academic coursework that take full advantage of the opportunities available in the nation's capital and reflect the best practices of experiential learning and liberal education.
The Department of Commerce promotes job creation and economic growth by ensuring fair trade, providing the data necessary to support commerce and constitutional democracy, and fostering innovation by setting standards and conducting foundational research and development. Through our bureaus and 46,608 employees (as of January 31, 2018) located in all 50 states, every U.S. territory, and more than 86 countries, we provide U.S.-based companies and entrepreneurs invaluable tools through programs such as the Decennial Census, the National Weather Service, NOAA Fisheries, and the Foreign Commercial Service. Among many other functions, the Department oversees ocean and coastal navigation, helps negotiate bilateral trade agreements, and enforces laws that ensure a level playing field for American businesses and workers.
Presidential Management Fellows Program
The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program is administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Each year, candidates apply to the program in efforts to be selected as Finalists. Finalists are then eligible for appointment as Presidential Management Fellows (Fellows; PMFs). Since 1977 the PMF Program has matched outstanding graduate students with exciting Federal opportunities.
Vote Smart's mission is to provide free, factual, unbiased information on candidates and elected officials to all Americans.
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California.
DJNF pursues its mission by offering acclaimed professional internship programs for college students in data journalism, digital media, business reporting and news editing plus multimedia training for journalism educators. The Fund is committed to fostering a vibrant press and providing aspiring journalists with the skills required to succeed in today's fast-changing news landscape.
American Institute for Foreign Study
Since 1964, AIFS has been a leading organization providing cultural exchange and educational opportunities to enrich the lives of young people throughout the world.
Council on International Educational Exchange
CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization that transforms lives and builds bridges between individuals and nations by sponsoring a wide variety of opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experiences. CIEE helps people develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world, and contributes to a more peaceful global community by humanizing international relations.
Texas State's Career Services can help you with both your internship and future career, including resume-building, interview preparation, and wardrobe assistance.
Texas State's Education Abroad office offers international internships through affiliated organizations.
A national and international collection of non-profit jobs and internships.