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Job outlook for political interns in the United States
Are political internship jobs in demand?
Political internship job and salary trends over time
Political internship jobs over time
Political internship job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,183 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,192 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,193 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,165 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,139 | 0.00% |
Average political internship salary over time
Political internship salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $43,860 | $21.09 | +2.7% |
| 2025 | $42,701 | $20.53 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $41,898 | $20.14 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $41,409 | $19.91 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $40,516 | $19.48 | +2.2% |
Political internship jobs by state
Most common states for political interns
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 98 | 14% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 89 | 14% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 73 | 13% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 109 | 11% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 80 | 9% |
| 6 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 129 | 8% |
| 7 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 110 | 8% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 60 | 8% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 59 | 8% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 92 | 7% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 74 | 7% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 72 | 7% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 100 | 5% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 216 | 4% |
| 15 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 109 | 4% |
| 16 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 78 | 4% |
| 17 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 57 | 4% |
| 18 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 180 | 3% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 123 | 3% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 73 | 3% |
Most common cities for political interns
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $46,926 |
Political Internship job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of political internship experts
Montclair State University
Lehman College
University of Miami
Kennesaw State University
Colorado Mesa University
Columbia College Chicago
American University
Calvin University
University of Cincinnati
Saint Xavier University
Wright State University
East Tennessee State University
Michigan State University
Bradley University
University of Maryland
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Political Internship job market given the pandemic?
Tony Spanakos Ph.D.: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of people to be able to be flexible and to transition towards doing more or all of their work digitally. These changes, I believe, highlight the importance of written and oral communication skills since these skills help overcome many of the challenges associated with the move to more remote/virtual work.
What soft skills should all Political Interns possess?
Tony Spanakos Ph.D.: To be able to speak and write clearly and accurately.
To be able to distinguish good information and to be able to incorporate it to support arguments, claims, and proposals.
To be fluent in more than one language.
To know how to listen to others in a deep way and to be able to lead others who do not always agree with some or much of what you think.
How have salaries changed over time for Political Interns?
Tony Spanakos Ph.D.: I think salaries have not moved much but the availability and stability of jobs has been reduced.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Political Interns?
Robert Valentine: Most of our undergraduate History majors either become social studies teachers or enter a graduate program. If they are certified to teach social studies in middle or high school, the Middle & High School Education Department helps them with certification and job placement. Their minor is in Middle & High School Education, their major is in History. Some of our majors decide to pursue social studies teacher certification after they receive their bachelor's degree in History. In this case, they enroll in a graduate program to receive a master's degree in Social Studies Education, administered by the Middle & High School Education Department. Part of their curriculum involves taking about half their coursework in master's-level History courses.
Other graduating History majors apply for our own master's program in History. From there, they could apply to doctoral programs either at the Graduate Center or elsewhere if they want to become History professors. As far as the impact of the pandemic goes, the hiring of social studies teachers depends upon whether or not the public schools are hiring at all at this time. There has been no effect on enrollment into graduate programs, however. In fact, I believe there has been a slight increase, since the job market is frozen.
Jonathan West Ph.D.
Professor and MPA DirectorUniversity of Miami
Political Science Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Political Internship job market given the pandemic?
Jonathan West Ph.D.: There are more than 89,000 governments in the United States. With high percentages of the public sector workforce nearing retirement age, there will be ample opportunities for new hires. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the public administration field to experience slow and steady job growth in coming years, especially in state and local government where a majority of all public administration jobs are found. The explosive job growth in outsourcing of government work to nonprofit and private organizations has created a demand for students who want to "make an impact" and who have the skills that come with an MPA. Related fields, education services, health care and social assistance are projected to have the highest job growth rates through 2029.
Despite the pandemic, there are quality jobs in government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector. Employers appreciate the diverse skills of MPA graduates with their understanding of public policy and management. Many graduates earn dual degrees such as MPA/MPH, MPA/JD, MPA/CJ giving them a professional edge in a specialization as well as big picture understanding of leadership and management. Government service at all levels often offer competitive salaries and benefits, including affordable health insurance premiums, annual raises, paid time off, and employer matched pension plans. Nonprofit organizations and the corporate sector are increasing looking for the competencies developed in MPA and MPP programs.
In all three sectors, changes in the workplace after the pandemic will make remote work more normalized. There is a decline in the stigma associated with working from home and virtual work is likely to continue as an attractive alternative for those who can do it.
What soft skills should all Political Interns possess?
Jonathan West Ph.D.: While hard skills might help you get the job, soft skills are more likely to help you succeed in the job. Emotional intelligence, or a set of soft skills, involves the ability to use one's own emotional maturity to relate to and communicate with others. It includes being aware of others, understanding their interests and motivations, listening to their concerns, and fostering teamwork. Those with soft skills are adept at balancing flexibility and resolve, reconciling ambition with ethical standards and leading by example. They help create a productive work environment
How have salaries changed over time for Political Interns?
Jonathan West Ph.D.: The most recent national survey data collected from MPA graduates by the Network of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) shows that in their current job most (53 percent) were making more than $65,000 in 2018. This was up from comparable data (43%) for 2015. Keep in mind that government jobs typically have high job security and generous benefits compared to the private sector.
Barbara Neuby Ph.D.
Professor of Political ScienceKennesaw State University
Political Science Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Political Internship job market given the pandemic?
Barbara Neuby Ph.D.: Here in the Atl metro area we have already seen governments and nonprofits redefine their job positions and duties due to covid. It seems many more positions will be remote, many others will not be filled at this time. A couple of local governments told me personally they are going to put holds on all new hiring likely for the remainder of the year. However, the governments that are hiring, are hiring at good salary levels. Some entry jobs are bringing more than I make (which isn't all that much).
What technical skills for a Political Internship stand out to employers?
Barbara Neuby Ph.D.: Data analytics, presentation, and cognitive skills raise a candidate's profile making it more likely a student will get the job. Having a portfolio of documents showing what the student has done/can do puts the student in a good light and when a student can present concrete suggestions for how to succeed, employers look more favorably on that candidate.
How have salaries changed over time for Political Interns?
Barbara Neuby Ph.D.: Like all fields, some have gone up and some down in the last 2 years. I have noticed a change in public administration jobs during that time. Those that have stayed the same or decreased are lower-level, labor-intensive jobs in data entry, maintenance, public works, and social services. Positions in finance, e-government, and information systems are bringing six figures.
Elaine Venter Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mass CommunicationColorado Mesa University
Communication Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Political 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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Political 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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Political Internship job market given the pandemic?
Erica Bondarev Rapach: As we learn to live alongside COVID-19, I hope the biggest trend we will see in the job market will be a more holistic and human approach to both employers and employees. If we have learned anything from the pandemic, it is that our community is only as strong and as healthy as the individuals who make it up. This means that the job market will need to offer greater flexibility and tolerance around work/life integration. Over the past year, both employers and employees have grown more accustomed to working remotely, adjusting their schedules to accommodate the demands of life, and taking into consideration individuals' strengths, while respecting the challenges they are facing, both in and outside of the job. I think the job market has a lot to gain from acknowledging that we are all humans who are seeking productive, equitable, and thriving relationships in our professions and in our lives.
Another trend I expect to see is an expectation from both employees and employers around competency in being anti-racist. I expect candidates for positions to be inquiring about the presence and authenticity of organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and I believe employers will be assessing candidates based on the training and experience in those practices.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Political Internship job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Karie Cross Riddle: Unfortunately, one trend is going to be fewer available jobs! Job losses have hit everyone, and some of our 2020 graduates had job offers that got canceled as organizations were dealing with the financial fall-out from the pandemic. I think another trend will be more recent college graduates entering graduate programs, because there aren't as many available jobs. Among political science students, we'll see higher rates of applications to law school, public policy and public administration schools, and graduate programs in political science. Finally, as in every industry, more jobs will be open to remote work. Some of our students were studying at Calvin University's off-campus program in Washington, DC, in the spring of 2020 when everyone first went into lockdown. All of them had been engaging in internships in the city, but these all went online in March. Since then, many of our students have enjoyed the ability to intern with organizations in cities that they do not currently reside in, because of everyone's increased flexibility and familiarity with platforms like Zoom or Teams. I think the remote work trend will stick around for a while.
What technical skills for a Political Internship stand out to employers?
Dr. Karie Cross Riddle: Our recent graduates have gone into political campaigns and other government work, law, business, education, and more. Across these different industries, I think employers highly value the ability to think critically and to write well. For example, government is all about communicating effectively-- writing clear policies, getting messaging out to constituents, and public deliberation. Similar skills are necessary for success in law and in the business world. Some employers also really value more technical skills, like data analysis and GIS (geographic information system) mapping.
How have salaries changed over time for Political Interns?
Dr. Jeffrey Layne Blevins Ph.D.: To be honest, I don't know that salaries have changed negatively over the past 20 years. However, I think there is more competition for fewer jobs, and those journalists with the broadest set of hard and soft skills are the most competitive. What I would say, is there are more part-time opportunities now than ever before as journalism has been more in line with the so-called "gig economy."
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Political Interns?
Matthew Costello Ph.D.: The pandemic has accelerated the trend to remote work, which will become increasingly common even after the pandemic recedes.
Political Science graduates often find work in areas such as public policy analysis, journalism, organizational communication, and legal research, all of which can often be done remotely, and sometimes are necessarily done remotely. This process was ongoing anyway—national and global institutions want employees who can be as geographically diverse as their interests and flexible about time and location. The pandemic accelerated these trends and probably extended them into areas that had not yet been affected.
There are also likely to be long-term social, political, and economic effects of the pandemic that need addressing. Long term impacts on employment, immigration, education, public health, and myriad other potential areas are going to need addressing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics had already projected that jobs for political science graduates would grow more than average of over the next decade—the lingering effects of the pandemic are likely to increase the demand for policy analysts and public managers who are going to be facing a much more complex set of problems than pre-pandemic. Companies and public agencies will be seeking people who are adaptable, articulate, and task-oriented—all traits that are developed in students of political science.
What type of skills will young Political Interns need?
Matthew Costello Ph.D.: Problem-solving and communication skills are going to be at the top of everyone's agenda. Expanding remote employment and an increasingly international market will lead companies and public agencies to look for people who can articulate complex problems clearly, work together in teams, and bridge cultural divides. Writing for digital environments including social media will be an important and marketable skill for people seeking work in journalism, politics, and policy areas.
Candidates who are multilingual will be sought after in increasing numbers.
These communication skills will be sought because what needs to be communicated will be complex. Addressing these complex issues will require people who are skilled in problem-solving. The skills of the political scientist, analyzing complex data to identify causal patterns, evaluating competing proposals and building evidence-based recommendations, extrapolating current trends to anticipate emergent issues and concerns, all are uniquely suited to meet this need.
Data skills will be important-particularly working with large data. Training in the use of statistical software programs such as SPSS or Stata will probably stand out.
What experience really stands out on Political Internship resumes?
Matthew Costello Ph.D.: Experience beyond the classroom is probably very important. Internships in the area of interest—journalism, policy, law, campaigning, international affairs—give both practical experience and permits the opportunity to start to build a network of connections. I am told by my students that the internship experience always comes up in job interviews.
Other kinds of experiences that help probably include the demonstrating specific skills, such as data analysis or policy evaluation. Having produced an independent project in one of these areas gives an example to offer as evidence of the kind of work a job applicant can do. Foreign study travel and multilingual abilities will also stand out for employers who inhabit a global environment and serve a diverse clientele.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Political Interns?
Mary Rucker Ph.D.: Digital analytics certifications (Google Analytics, Hootsuite, etc.); any grammar and writing courses that strengthen core skills.
Wesley Wehde Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorEast Tennessee State University
Department of Political Science, International Affairs, & Public Admin.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Political Internship job market given the pandemic?
Wesley Wehde Ph.D.: Regarding the pandemic, we've seen evidence of declines in employment in public administration jobs, specifically at the local level. Hopefully, this trend will turn around and local governments will be able to hire many of those who have been laid off. If not, it would not be unreasonable to expect to see at least some of those individuals moving into the private sector.
What technical skills for a Political Internship stand out to employers?
Wesley Wehde Ph.D.: For students in public administration, courses in data analysis, budgeting, and human resources will have the most impact on job chances. These courses, and others like them, that convey applied skills and leave students with a portfolio of work for employers to evaluate.
What's a good job out of college for Political Interns?
Wesley Wehde Ph.D.: Any job can be a good job after college if the person is satisfied. Some things that can increase that satisfaction is finding a job in the specific field the student's degree is in. In public administration, a good job is one that allows students to enact their public service motivation and values - the aspects that may have drawn them to the field in the first place.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Political Interns?
Marty Jordan Ph.D.: Students graduating with degrees in public administration might be negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The reality is that without additional support from the federal government, many state and local governments are going to be facing severe budget crunches and may have to lay off employees and curtail new hiring. It would be unfortunate if the partisan gridlock in Washington DC failed to deliver this essential financial support for local and state officials on the front-line trying to mitigate the pandemic and re-start the economy. The state of Michigan, for example, just lifted its hiring freeze from March 2020; if states and local governments do not receive this support, such hiring freezes may be re-instituted. More government employees and coordination (for vaccine distribution, contact tracing, social services, housing assistance, education, economic development, among other areas) are needed during this prolonged crisis, not fewer.
Nonetheless, despite the many challenges and tragedies related to the pandemic, there are some silver-linings for public administration students. Students have been forced to be flexible, innovative, and persevere in the face of great adversity. They have navigated learning substantive and applied information in online environments, communicating remotely, fostering self-motivation ---all amidst learning about public health issues, persistent racial injustice, and tenuous economic conditions. During these trying times, their tenacity will bode well personally and professionally as they are far more adaptable than prior graduates. Moreover, given the interdependencies of these issues, students are no longer siloing themselves but instead stretching beyond their comfort zones to better understand intersecting public policies and topics. These are some of the positive externalities emerging from the pandemic.
What's a day at work look like for a Political Internship?
Marty Jordan Ph.D.: In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the public health crisis will affect every public administration employee's day-to-day job. Each graduate, whether tasked with assessing an agency's budget, managing a township's property taxes, or overseeing a non-profit organization, will have to understand the pandemic's impact on position and responsibilities. Crisis events typically monopolize resources and attention and pervade other essential areas. Given this, I imagine that recent graduates will have to integrate their knowledge of the pandemic into their responsibilities and duties, regardless of whether they work in public health, taxes, management, economic development, social services, fundraising, etc. Recent graduates will have to leverage their experience to respond to challenges directly or indirectly related to Covid-19 in the short and long-term.
What technical skills for a Political Internship stand out to employers?
Marty Jordan Ph.D.: To be sure, the skills that employers seek in public administration graduates still include critical and analytical thinking, excellent verbal and written communication skills, an understanding of the interdependencies across institutions and networks, ingenuity and tenacity, a commitment to evidence-based decisionmaking, among others. Nonetheless, employers are demanding more and more that students have experience working with, managing, analyzing, and making inferences from data. The "big data" revolution is here to stay, and employers will rely more and more on making decisions using data. Students should seek to enroll in courses that provide them with opportunities to work with and understand data, to simultaneously recognize the power and pitfalls of data. These quantitative and empirical skills will serve students well regardless of the sector they decide to engage.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Political Internship job market given the pandemic?
Craig Curtis: Remote work will acquire more legitimacy -- teleworking will become more common. Those with the skills to work remotely in creative and useful ways will have an advantage. Political campaigns, government agencies, and legislative offices will become reliant on remote workers. Information sharing will grow in importance. The ability to work in groups, but remotely, will be a valued asset. As fewer and fewer new workers have the patience to deal with dense documents, and attend at a high level of detail, that skill will also be in demand.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Political Interns?
Craig Curtis: Remote internships are hard to find right now, but they will be useful going forward. Students wanting to work on campaigns will need excellent computer skills, including web design, graphic design, videography, and app development. That means taking formal programming and computer information systems classes. That also means learning how to use database applications. Students will need to go beyond how to use existing programs and learn how programs and devices actually work. They will also need to take computer based marketing and design courses.
What's a good job out of college for Political Interns?
Craig Curtis: The key for the future is the ability to adapt to changing demands and conditions. Jobs that will allow, or force, the new grad to acquire new skills are the best ones. Even if you stay with a single organization for a long period of time, your work within that organization will evolve over time. Jobs with companies that value information technology competence are good. Working at the entry level in politics does not pay well, but can lead to valuable skill acquisition and networking.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Political Internship job market given the pandemic?
David Cunningham: Some of the biggest trends are increased opportunities for telework/remote work, more flexibility and potentially an increase in alternative work schedules.
What soft skills should all Political Interns possess?
David Cunningham: Graduates should have strong interpersonal communication and time management skills. As more telework options are offered, managers need to be confident that employees can handle their responsibilities with less direct supervision than might have previously occurred for recent graduates.
What's a day at work look like for a Political Internship?
David Cunningham: A day at work for a recent graduate will still be structured similarly to how it would be before the pandemic; however, the location of that work might just take place remotely. I predict a typical day for many of our recent graduates will include research, quantitative/statistical analysis, writing reports, and engaging in public affairs activities.