Internships

Senator Smith offers paid internships in her Washington, D.C. and St. Paul offices for qualified college students and recent college graduates. Interns will be selected based on the quality of their application and demonstrated commitment to public service. Sen. Smith accepts all applications for internships; however Minnesotans will be given preference. Unfortunately, we are not able to hire interns who are not US citizens or Permanent Residents. Our office offers a stipend for the internship. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Washington D.C. Office

Interning in Washington D.C. is a unique and exciting experience. Capitol Hill interns are given the opportunity to get a close-up look at the legislative processes of the United States Senate. In Senator Smith’s Washington D.C. office, we offer two types of internships—legislative and press.

  • Legislative interns are paired with a legislative staff member who matches their policy issue of interest, and will assist this staffer with policy research as well as attend committee hearings and other Senate events.
  • Press interns are paired with the communications team where they will assist with compiling daily news clips, developing social media content, helping prepare online content, and other projects. 


In addition to their legislative or press duties, interns will assist with administrative tasks in the office. Interns are an integral part of keeping the office functional by assisting with the constituent mail process, guiding tours of the Capitol, and managing the front desk.

If you are interested in an internship in Sen. Smith’s D.C. office, please send your resume, cover letter (indicating weekly availability), and three references (name and contact information including email and phone numbers) in a single PDF to interns@smith.senate.govPlease format the subject line of your email “First Name Last Name – Press OR Legislative – Spring/Summer/Fall Year”

Fall Internship Application Deadline – July 15

Spring Internship Application Deadline – November 15

Summer Internship Application Deadline – March 15

St. Paul Office

Similar to the D.C. office, interns will get an up-close look at the inner workings of a Senate office while also learning how an elected official’s office serves its constituents. You’ll learn how our staff help Minnesotans navigate federal agencies and see how they act as the “eyes and ears” of the Senator in the state.

During your time in the St. Paul office you’ll have the opportunity to attend events and meetings, as well as assist the office with administrative duties by helping process the mail, manage the front desk, and speaking to constituents both on the phone and in-person.

In addition, you will be paired with more than one staff member, some who match your interest areas and some that don’t. This way, you’ll have the ability to learn about topics you’re less familiar with and have a full understanding of how our St. Paul staff operate. You’ll assist your assigned staff with conducting research, writing letters and memos, as well as helping complete other projects based on the needs of the office. 

If you are interested in an internship in Sen. Smith’s St. Paul office, please send your resume, cover letter (indicating weekly availability), and three references (name and contact information including email and phone numbers) to mninterns@smith.senate.gov, or fax to (651) 221-1078.

Fall Internship Application Deadline – July 15

Spring Internship Application Deadline – November 15

Summer Internship Application Deadline – March 15

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