Applying for government internships requires planning. Start early, track deadlines, and account for security clearance processing.
Resources for Self-Secured Federal Positions
If interested in internships with federal agencies, committees, or specific representatives, candidates will need to apply directly according to the office’s hiring timeline. Our staff cannot guarantee specific placements with these offices as university-secured opportunities.
Many federal internships have earlier deadlines. Use the resources below to explore opportunities:
- U.S. State Department Student Internship Program
- U.S. House of Representatives College Internships – Members & Committees
- U.S. Senate Internship Opportunities Bulletin
- Search your local, state, or federal representatives
- United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California
Security Clearance Process
Most positions require Live Scan/fingerprinting. Allow sufficient time to complete this step as directed by the host office.
Even when a background check or security clearance is required, the internship must begin no later than early June to ensure ten weeks are completed before the fall semester. Please note: the U.S. State Department clearance process may take as long as 150 days or more (~4-5 months).
A pending security clearance does not automatically disqualify applicants. However, to be selected as a Schaeffer Fellow, candidates must have an active security clearance (if required for the internship) and have a confirmed internship offer. What is a security clearance?
Examples of Previous Internships
2025 University-Secured Internships
- Office of Congressmember David Schweikert (AZ-01)
- Office of U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (NM)
- Office of Expo Park Management
- U.S. Space Force, SpaceWERX
2025 Self-Secured Internships
- California Department of Justice, External Affairs Division
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrative, Lapenta Internship Program
- Office of U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
- U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California
- U.S. Government Accountability Office