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Job outlook for government relations interns in the United States
Government relations internship job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected government relations internship job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 22,300 new jobs for government relations interns are projected over the next decade.
Government relations internship salaries have increased 8% for government relations interns in the last 5 years.
There are over 3,662 government relations interns currently employed in the United States.
There are 58,470 active government relations internship job openings in the US.
The average government relations internship salary is $34,678.
Are government relations internship jobs in demand?
Government relations internship job and salary trends over time
Government relations internship jobs over time
Government relations internship job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,662 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 3,689 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 3,692 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,606 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,526 | 0.00% |
Average government relations internship salary over time
Government relations internship salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,678 | $16.67 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $33,761 | $16.23 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $33,126 | $15.93 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $32,740 | $15.74 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $32,033 | $15.40 | +2.2% |
Government relations internship jobs by state
Most common states for government relations interns
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 289 | 42% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 176 | 28% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 135 | 23% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 206 | 21% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 178 | 20% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 138 | 18% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 124 | 17% |
| 8 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 220 | 16% |
| 9 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 168 | 16% |
| 10 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 259 | 15% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 206 | 15% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 161 | 15% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 222 | 12% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 300 | 10% |
| 15 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 627 | 9% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 527 | 9% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 353 | 9% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 338 | 9% |
| 19 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 276 | 9% |
| 20 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 257 | 9% |
Most common cities for government relations interns
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paramus | 1 | 4% | $41,123 |
| 2 | Belleville | 1 | 3% | $41,081 |
| 3 | Fair Lawn | 1 | 3% | $41,112 |
| 4 | Mamaroneck | 1 | 3% | $39,051 |
| 5 | Washington | 6 | 1% | $43,276 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $28,973 |
| 7 | Champaign | 1 | 1% | $30,146 |
| 8 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $35,864 |
| 9 | Paterson | 1 | 1% | $41,101 |
| 10 | Peoria | 1 | 1% | $30,385 |
| 11 | Portland | 1 | 1% | $28,972 |
| 12 | New York | 4 | 0% | $38,975 |
| 13 | Arlington | 1 | 0% | $41,837 |
| 14 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $39,784 |
| 15 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $35,910 |
| 16 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $28,737 |
Government Relations Internship job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of government relations internship experts
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Colorado Mesa University
Syracuse University
California State University, Fresno
Henderson State University
Columbia College Chicago
University of Minnesota
University of San Diego
Hannibal-LaGrange University
Widener University
University of Minnesota
Carson-Newman University
Northern Kentucky University
University of Notre Dame
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Wisconsin School of Business
Dordt University
Bethel University
Dr. Lacey Fulton
Department ChairClarion University of Pennsylvania
Department of Communication
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Government Relations Interns?
Dr. Lacey Fulton: There will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on everyone--graduates included. Recent graduates have the experience learning virtually and working independently on their assignments in a virtual environment. If they can adapt to virtual learning, virtual gradation, virtual everything- I have no worries that they can adapt to an in-person or remote work place after graduation. The flexibility our students have shown is inspiring.
What will help Government Relations Interns increase their earning potential?
Dr. Lacey Fulton: Being flexible is key. Enjoying the weird things that are a little out of the ordinary in your field. I've always been the single person who is obsessed with spreadsheets anywhere I have been employed. Be the person who isn't afraid to work within their boundaries but also be able to say no when it's needed or delegate the task if you're in the position to do so. Keeping current, exploring new options for work-flows and remaining on task with limited supervision. Thinking outside the box, innovating and being kind- be the person people want to work with and you'll see your opportunities expand!
Elaine Venter Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mass CommunicationColorado Mesa University
Communication Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Government Relations Internship job market given the pandemic?
Elaine Venter Ph.D.: In my opinion, we are going to see an increase in remote work. Graduates should be prepared to be able to work effectively independently and collectively in remote situations relying on computer-mediated communication tools like Zoom.
What soft skills should all Government Relations Interns possess?
Elaine Venter Ph.D.: Writing skills are still one of the most sought after skills. Even as graduates are told to strengthen their skills in multimedia production whether a graduate in journalism or PR, written communication skills are still core to a lot of the work that happens. This even more now with remote work that requires the extensive use of email and other texting apps beyond Zoom for efficient and quick communication between teams. Graduates should also possess good verbal communication skills and especially be comfortable in both in-person and virtual communication situations - learn to be comfortable and capable speaking to people in person and over a mic and camera. Flexibility is another key skill graduates should possess. This was already a skill prior to the pandemic, but even more so now. Graduates should learn how to deal with situations when they don't go there way, especially with technology situations, and be flexible and adaptable on the fly rather than getting lost in frustration that can lead to situations getting worse.
How have salaries changed over time for Government Relations Interns?
Elaine Venter Ph.D.: Mass Communication is a broad field that covers anything from journalists, social media managers, camera operators, video editors, PR specialists, copy edits, etc. While salaries are higher for some of these jobs than others, overall, general salaries over the years have been rising in all job sectors of Mass Communication and projections have noted growth especially from 2019 to 2029. The national average for graduates in with a Mass Communication degree falls between $55,000 to $60,000, but early grads can expect to come in on the lower side before moving into positions that can pay even higher than the national averages.
Les Rose
Professor of PracticeSyracuse University
Broadcast and Digital Journalism Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Government Relations Internship job market given the pandemic?
Les Rose: I always thought that journalism isn't a career, but a calling. Good journalists are frustrated social workers. They truly want to change the world!
There have been thousands of journalism jobs lost in recent years, but the losses are often medium specific. What is a decline in one segment (ie smaller newspapers) has given a rise in others (reputable websites and cable news). The problem of course is one "type" of coverage cannot be replaced to many consumers, especially without internet access.
The career of a journalist has never been a more valuable one. A journalist's "product" is seeking truths in another era of falsehoods. The pandemic shows how falsehoods and published lies can contribute to the deaths of thousands of people. Whether it comes from the highest government offices or a conspiracy-oriented website, lies can kill. And never forget that the withholding of truths can be as bad as publishing falsehoods. Journalism is a constant and is a career protected by the US constitution. Truth as a commodity has never been more valuable, it saves lives. It was journalism great Edward R. Murrow who gave light on Joeseph McCarthy during the Red Scare, Woodward and Bernstein who discovered Watergate that led to Nixon's resignation, and now a legion of journos seeking truths on a worldwide pandemic.
How have salaries changed over time for Government Relations Interns?
Les Rose: Starting salaries are abysmal, but better pay is on the horizon. Think of your first job as a "paid internship", and sometimes it actually is. Don't forget if you wrote something libelous by mistake, your employer can and will be sued by your inexperience. But you want this because every day you don't know who you are going to meet, where you are going to go, or what you are going to learn and discover.
Betsy Hays
ChairCalifornia State University, Fresno
Department of Media, Communications and Journalism
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Government Relations Interns?
Betsy Hays: Definitely. Most industries will keep a component of remote work -- some to a large degree and others not as much, but the impact will be lasting. The way a lot of companies do business has changed forever, so be good at self-direction and communicating through email and videoconferencing.
What will help Government Relations Interns increase their earning potential?
Betsy Hays: The more experience you can get -- by volunteering, via class projects, through internships, by being entrepreneurial, etc. -- the better, as this will help you get or negotiate a higher salary.
Michael Ray Taylor
Professor and ChairHenderson State University
Communication and Theatre Arts department
What's a good job out of college for Government Relations Interns?
Michael Ray Taylor: Reporter for a local newspaper or broadcast outlet--no matter how low-paying or demanding of your time. The daily grind of reporting and producing accurate local news to deadline is an essential skill for a wide variety of more desirable jobs, which is something I've heard echoed over the years by successful network anchors, documentary producers, investigative journalists, web designers, directors of communication and marketing for large corporations, and even novelists.
What will help Government Relations Interns increase their earning potential?
Michael Ray Taylor: Try to become a master of everything: writing, editing, video production, photography audio recording, social media promotion, website creation, and other media-related skills. The future belongs to generalists. While very few people can truly excel in all of these areas, if you become really good in one or two, and can at least get by in all the others, your skills will always be in demand. Also spend time every day on Twitter, no matter how much you might hate it--that's where journalists network, at least for now.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Government Relations Internship job market given the pandemic?
Curtis Lawrence: The pandemic has many aspects-medical, political and the emotional narrative of so many Americans losing their lives in the span of a year. All of these have heightened the need for and interest in solid journalism and I see this continuing for at least the next several years. One trend to keep an eye on will be an emergence in reporting on science and environment, based not only on the pandemic, but also on the global climate crisis that has impacted weather patterns across the globe.
Another aspect to watch will be the impact of science, environment and medical developments on marginalized communities. These types of stories will take on a much larger space in news coverage in the near future.
What's a good job out of college for Government Relations Interns?
Zhirong Zhao Ph.D.: Many of our students aim for a career in public or nonprofit organizations to address issues of social inequality and power imbalance. These are great jobs that align well with the skill sets of our students and their future career goals.
How have salaries changed over time for Government Relations Interns?
Leslie Boozer: For education positions, we still see that some salaries are lagging behind corporate competitors. Educators are often rewarded for longevity with a pension. However, we see many people want more flexibility and a greater emphasis on competitive salaries in the short term.
Louis Riggs
Associate Professor of English, Pre-Law Advisor, Director of Community EngagementHannibal-LaGrange University
Department of English
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Government Relations Interns?
Louis Riggs: The long-range impact of coronavirus will be hard to calculate. Older students who were already familiar with online learning will be fine. High school students who did not have good experiences for whatever reasons will struggle to make up for lost instruction time. I have a colleague in the legislature who retired from secondary teaching after Spring Semester 2020. His AP students were logging in at 25% rates by May, down from 80-85% in March. There is no way to measure the learning deficits through conventional means (excepting ACT/SAT scores, perhaps), but nearly every student lost significant instruction time over the last year.
I have also discussed this with school superintendents whose students were enabled to enroll in online-only courses due to coronavirus concerns. Failure rates approaching 50% are not uncommon. Remediation for those students will have to take place over summers, or will likely not happen at all. Many school districts do not have that capacity.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Government Relations Interns?
Louis Riggs: The courses students can take to improve job prospects involve critical thinking and communication. As a member of the Workforce Development and Economic Development Committees over the last two years, I have seen alarming data about Gen Z's prospects, much of which revolves around disturbing gaps in problem solving skills and an inability to relate to those outside their peer groups. Digital natives grew up with cell phones that do the thinking for them-or so they believe. My department dropped the Statement of Assumed Prior Knowledge regarding research papers a decade ago because so many students have never completed a research paper before. I wrote research papers in grade school. Many of my students have no clue about the difference between a response paper and a research paper. After telling them a dozen times "There is no "I" in research," their default switch remains nothing but opinion. Fifteen years ago, we started research papers the last month of the semester. Today, we start research papers the first month. My students hit the library at least five times per semester out of necessity: otherwise, they will not go, despite the fact that librarians today are trained on how to navigate search terminology and have evolved with the information revolution.
Students also have a hard time communicating plain English because they speak "textese" with their peers. I literally send students out of class when caught texting and forbid laptops unless a student has an IEP because I have caught so many students checking social media accounts during instruction time.
Employers expect their workers to interact intelligently and courteously with their customers and fellow employees. They complain bitterly about horrible work ethics-Gen Z students have problems with showing up on time, staying on task and executing simple instructions. They have learned so much from their peers that is wrong, but are unwilling to entertain other points of view, including those who are paying them to theoretically follow simple instructions.
Taking speech courses helps students to more clearly organize their thoughts and interact more extensively with others.
What will help Government Relations Interns increase their earning potential?
Louis Riggs: Potential earnings increases for English majors will come to those who are able to capitalize on their ability to critically think, research systematically and thoroughly, and most importantly, write and speak intelligently. English majors are well represented in law schools as well as graduate schools. We are a diverse and adaptable lot because we think and express ourselves clearly. One of the best economic developers in the state started professional life as an English major. These revelations are not uncommon.
Jeremy Backstrom Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorWidener University
Department of Political Science and International Relations
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Government Relations Internship job market given the pandemic?
Jeremy Backstrom Ph.D.: It is still fairly difficult to assess how the job market will evolve in the coming year with the pandemic. The true answer resides with science and the ability of politicians to distribute the vaccine to the greater population. Regarding trends in the job market, I think opportunities regarding research in public health and global health will be in greater demand. Of course, medical practitioners will always be in demand but there is also a need for research on public and international health. Even more, research is needed on how politics and society can negotiate global pandemics and other health issues. With developments and new strains of the coronavirus throughout the world, it does not seem that the pandemic is going away any time soon. Thus, researchers with an interest in global health will likely be in high demand.
I also foresee that once the world gains a better handle on how to deal with the pandemic, there will likely be significant opportunities for the job market with international business, international trade, and finance. The overall world economy including international trade, international finance, and foreign investment desperately needs a resurgence to overcome the serious decline experienced during the pandemic. Thus, I would anticipate greater prospects and opportunities for job seekers with a background in international relations and international business with interests in international political economy.
What technical skills for a Government Relations Internship stand out to employers?
Jeremy Backstrom Ph.D.: With international relations, there are certain skillsets that should be highlighted. First, a proficiency in a foreign language remains a key skill that is always in demand. While the pandemic confined most of the world's population to their homes or to small groups, this has not halted international interactions and it seems that we are now even more interconnected through technology. Therefore, communication is key and the language tools to communicate are ever important. This provides a good segue into the second skillset...
Second, the ability to communicate in an effective written prose will always be in demand; however, many students often overlook this essential skillset in their toolbox. No matter what the future academic or professional goals and endeavors, the ability to write and even more the ability to write effectively is absolutely essential.
Third, critical thinking and analytical skills are a significant feature and asset with any degree in social sciences including international relations. The ability to demonstrate analytical reasoning, communication skills, research and data analysis are attributes that have always been and will continue to be sought after despite the pandemic. Moreover, these are technical skillsets that can be showcased during the pandemic with much of the work conducted remotely.
What will help Government Relations Interns increase their earning potential?
Jeanne Halgren Kilde Ph.D.: Given the religious and cultural diversity that is present in all career paths these days, the fact that our students are comfortable discussing religion, knowledgeable about it, and able to facilitate communication among colleagues of difference traditions, makes them particularly attractive to many employers.
Dr. Tamara Centis
Assistant Professor of Foreign LanguagesCarson-Newman University
World Languages Department
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Government Relations Interns?
Dr. Tamara Centis: Travel abroad and embrace diversity! Students tend to focus on technical skills, having certifications, licenses, which are all great, but let us not forget about the soft skills! When learning about people and culture we develop a broad set of skills like communication, adaptability, motivation, teamwork, and creative thinking, just to mention a few. Mastering these skills with any certification, license or course can have a great impact on your job prospects. Get out of the comfort zone, be humble, and be willing to learn. The sky is the limit.
Yaw Frimpong-Mansoh Ph.D.
Professor of Philosophy and Acting ChairNorthern Kentucky University
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Philosophy
What technical skills for a Government Relations Internship stand out to employers?
Yaw Frimpong-Mansoh Ph.D.: Here is a brief description of the top nine transferable skills that student graduates vitally need to succeed effectively and efficiently in this constantly changing world.
Analytical and Critical Thinking. Employees with these competencies recognize there may be more than one valid point of view or one way of doing things. They evaluate an issue or problem based on multiple perspectives, while accounting for personal biases. They are able to identify when information is missing or if there is a problem, prior to coming to conclusions and making decisions.
Applied Problem Solving. People with this skill recognize constraints and can generate a set of alternative courses of action. They are able to evaluate alternatives using a set of criteria in order to select and implement the most effective solution and monitor the actual outcomes of that solution. They are also able to recognize there may be more than one valid point of view or course of action.
Ethical Reasoning and Decision Making. Workers trained with these competencies can assess their own moral values and perspectives as well as those of others. They are able to integrate those values and perspectives into an ethical framework for decision making. They consider intentions and anticipate the consequences of actions, both at the personal and social levels, and understand the ethical principles that apply to a situation before making decisions.
Innovation and Creativity. People with these competencies challenge existing paradigms and propose alternatives without being constrained by established approaches or anticipated responses of others. They bring their knowledge, skills, abilities, and sense of originality to the work that they do. They are willing to take risks and overcome internal struggle to expose their creative self in order to bring forward new work or ideas.
Digital Literacy. People with this competency have expertise in evaluating sources of information for accuracy, relevance, purpose, and bias. They respond quickly and creatively to emerging communication technologies and to the changing uses of existing technologies. They recognize how the basics of effective communication persist as the technological landscape evolves and changes while also recognizing the opportunities created for new and innovative approaches to get a message across.
Engaging Diversity. This competency makes employees understand that diversity provides a broader perspective, giving an organization a wider range of options toward resolving challenges. Such employees have the ability to see others points of view and recognize that only seeing things through one’s own culture and experiences is an impediment to achieving goals. They possess the cultural humility to acknowledge their own biases and to manage the conflicts that are inevitable in an increasingly diverse world.
Active Citizenship and Community Engagement. Employees with this competency understand that creating change and opening paths to new futures starts with the active participation of citizens in their local communities and even spans globally. They actively engage with their communities, because they know that their contributions impact the community and that their engagement with the community in turn shapes them. Through coursework, participation in service-learning projects, and volunteering, they have developed and fine-tuned their awareness of social and cultural differences, of the dynamics and needs of the local as well as global communities and are active citizens who engage with their communities to find new futures.
Teamwork and Leadership. Employees who possess this ability are able to both lead and be a part of a cohesive group. They understand their roles and responsibilities within a group, and how they may change in differing situations. They are able to influence others as leaders or as contributing members and have the willingness to take action. They leverage the strengths of the group to achieve a shared vision or objective. They effectively acknowledge and manage conflict toward solutions.
Oral and Written Communication. Employees with these vital skills have the ability to intentionally engage with various audiences to inform, persuade, and entertain. They are able to demonstrate their proficiency and expertise in various means of oral and written communication. They can create effective relationships with an audience as they keep in mind the needs, goals, and motivations of all involved. They are able to ensure that the communication they create is functional and clear to achieve a desired outcome.
Warren von Eschenbach Ph.D.
Associate Vice President and Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs (ND International) and Associate Teaching ProfessorUniversity of Notre Dame
ND International and Philosophy
What type of skills will young Government Relations Interns need?
Warren von Eschenbach Ph.D.: Critical thinking and communication skills, information and quantitative literacy, teamwork and problem-solving abilities, ethical reasoning, and intercultural competency-all hallmarks of a liberal arts education-will continue to be essential skills for the future. But because of the rapid pace of technological, economic, and social change, graduates will need to possess an ability to continually learn anew, to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, and to anticipate future trends or issues.
The pandemic has also shown that many of the big issues we are facing are complex, multi-faceted, and interdisciplinary in nature. Graduates who can integrate various paradigms into a larger framework will have a distinct advantage.
Kirstin Wilcox Ph.D.
DirectorUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Humanities Professional Resource Center, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
What skills stand out on Government Relations Internship resumes?
Kirstin Wilcox Ph.D.: The so-called "soft skills" like communication, critical thinking, and the ability to cope with ambiguity are more important than ever listing them in a "skills" section of a resume is less effective than documenting them through thoughtful bullet points in an "experience" section that addresses the specific needs of particular employers.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Government Relations Interns to find work opportunities?
Julie Way: While there are job opportunities for STEM students almost anywhere in the country, certainly large metropolitan areas hire more prolifically than rural and geographically challenging. I found a USAToday article that lists the top 15 cities hiring high tech workers, however, these lists will change year to year.
What skills stand out on Government Relations Internship resumes?
Julie Way: These are the most in-demand attributes year after year...
-Problem-solving skills and experience
-Ability to work on a team
-Industry-related Technical skills
-Analytical and quantitative skills
-Leadership
-Communication skills
-Strong work ethic
What experience really stands out on Government Relations Internship resumes?
Carl Barlett: While good GPAs and relevant majors are all well and good, students put too much focus on them in my experience. When I interviewed potential employees, what stood out for me on resumes was always something that made me want to ask them more questions. This might have been anything from in-depth projects or simulations they had participated in, case competitions they had voluntarily taken part in, or even unique hobbies they pursued in their free time. Anything that showed a spark of intellectual curiosity was paramount to me. In my experience, those with genuine interest and the desire to continue learning about what they do will always outlast those that approach their resume or professional skills as a checklist to complete.
What type of skills will young Government Relations Interns need?
Dr. Timothy Soelen: I was going to say flexibility but I'll choose elasticity instead. The abilty to change and adapt, be stretched and compressed. People capable of pivoting as quickly as our best educators did in March of 2020.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Government Relations Internship job market given the pandemic?
Christopher Gehrz Ph.D.: I'm not sure a historian will be the best predictor of future trends. But I do think the pandemic's dislocation of the economy underscores how unlikely it is that new college graduates will spend their careers on a single track. When not just individual companies but whole sectors of the economy can be thrown into turmoil so quickly, it's important that college students use liberal arts studies to cultivate a breadth of knowledge and skills. Not only because that kind of learning transfers easily from one job to another, but because it prepares people well for the more advanced graduate and professional studies that will help them retool, adapt, and advance.
What Government Relations Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christopher Gehrz Ph.D.: In one sense, almost any gap year activity could be helpful, since one of the skills that Aacu they value most highly is the ability "to work independently." It's hard to make the transition from K-16 education, where so much of your time and work has been structured for you, into a work environment where supervisors will expect you to set priorities, accomplish tasks, and manage time on your own. So a gap year of any sort might give you a chance to hone such skills. COVID permitting, a gap year can also be a time to travel, to develop more of the intercultural competency and facility with languages that are increasingly important in an economy where your bosses, coworkers, customers, and clients might live halfway around the world, or at least come from a very different background than yours.