The Office of Senator Al Franken is now accepting applications for the Fall 2013 Internship Program
Internships in Washington
The intern program in Senator Franken’s office strives to fully immerse the interns in the legislative process. Interns will be paired with a legislative assistant who matches their issue area of interest, and will assist this staffer with policy research, as well as attend committee hearings and other Senate events. They will be a vital component of keeping the office functional, by assisting with the constituent mail process and managing the front desk.
In addition to assisting the office, interns will receive unique career development opportunities. Through working with legislative staff and meeting with senior staff and the Senator, interns will be able to make an informed decision about what areas of political work interest them. By making full use of the career development courses offered in the Senate, interns will know how best to succeed in a political career in the area that they enjoy the most.
Communications Intern (Washington Based)
The communications intern is actively involved in translating Senate policy and legislation into Minnesota news. The intern will learn how a communications shop operates and interacts with the other departments to create a succinct message. The position entails attending daily communications department meetings, being responsible for aggregating news articles into daily clips for staff, media monitoring, helping with research projects, and some writing of news advisories and press releases. Minnesotans will be given priority. Strong writing skills and ability to work in a high-pressure environment are a must. Early risers are encouraged to apply.
Internships in Minnesota
The internship role in Senator Franken’s Minnesota offices requires individuals who are professional, articulate, and responsible with an interest in government service. Based on the individual’s availability, interests, and skills, interns will work with outreach staff, case workers, communications staff, and administrative staff. Interns will serve as a vital component of keeping the office functional by assisting with the constituent mail process and managing the front desk. Senator Franken offers internships in the following Minnesota offices: Saint Paul, Duluth and Saint Cloud.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Answering phones and assisting constituents with requests
- Assisting constituent and field staff with casework and related tasks
- Assisting outreach staff with research, event planning and other work
- Attending meetings with and for field and outreach staff
- Assisting the scheduling and communications staff
Other assigned tasks based on the needs of the staff and office
In addition to assisting the office, interns will receive unique career development opportunities. Through working with field, casework, and other state staff, and meeting with the Senator, interns will be able to make an informed decision about what areas of political work interest them and gain valuable skills that will prepare them to succeed in a political and professional career.
Application Process
If you are interested in an internship in Senator Franken’s offices please send the following materials:
- Resume
- cover letter indicating weekly availability
- three references
Washington, D.C. applicants please send information to: interns@franken.senate.gov.
Minnesota applicants please send information to: mninterns@franken.senate.gov, and indicate which Minnesota office you are applying for: Saint Paul, Duluth or Saint Cloud.
Please do not mail any applications because of the Senate’s mail delivery delay.
Applications must be received by the deadline, depending on which term you are applying for.
- Fall Internship – July 15th
- Spring Internship – November 15th
- Summer Internship – March 15th
If you have any questions concerning either program, please do not hesitate to contact the intern coordinator in Washington at interns@franken.senate.gov or by phone at (202) 224-5641, or the intern coordinator in Minnesota at (651) 221-1016, or by emailing mninterns@franken.senate.gov.
If you are applying for the fall or spring session, please include the days and hours you are able to work. In the summer session, interns are expected to work full time unless enrolled in summer courses. We will work with universities that offer academic credit.
Senator Franken accepts all applications for internships; however Minnesotans will be given preference. All internships are unpaid.