Internship & Job Links for Law, Government & Public Administration

Are you interested in law, politics, advocacy, or public service? Careers in government and public administration offer the opportunity to create change, support communities, and shape policy at the local, state, national, or international level. Whether you’re pre-law, passionate about social justice, or considering public sector leadership, this guide connects you with job and internship boards specifically for college students.

Use these resources to:

• Discover internships in local, state, and federal government
• Find public interest law and legal assistant opportunities
• Explore nonprofit and advocacy roles focused on policy, justice, and equity
• Connect with professional associations offering career development

👉 Don’t forget to check Handshake for exclusive internship and job listings curated for Augustana students!

Government Job Boards & Internships

• USAJobs – Pathways for Students & Recent Grads
  The official job site of the U.S. federal government. The Pathways program offers internships and recent grad positions in nearly every agency.
• State of Illinois – Internships & Careers
  Explore internships and entry-level roles with state agencies, including health, education, transportation, and justice departments.
• Congressional Internship Database
  A go-to source for internships with U.S. Senate and House offices, committees, and Capitol Hill organizations.
• FBI Honors & Collegiate Internship Programs
  Highly competitive programs for students interested in national security, criminal justice, cybercrime, and intelligence.
• Department of State – Student Programs
  Opportunities to intern or fellowship with U.S. embassies and global foreign service offices. Includes the prestigious Pickering and Rangel fellowships.
• [City and County Government Job Portals]
  Search your local government websites for internships in mayor’s offices, city planning, legal departments, and civic engagement programs.

Legal & Pre-Law Opportunities

• PSJD – Public Service Jobs Directory
  A legal job board for public interest law, government roles, and nonprofit legal internships. Especially helpful for pre-law and law school-bound students.
• American Bar Association (ABA) – Student Resources
  Career planning tools, public service opportunities, and internship listings for law students and pre-law undergraduates.
• Idealist.org – Legal & Advocacy Roles
  Search nonprofit and legal advocacy internships related to civil rights, immigration, education, and community justice.
• Brennan Center for Justice Internships
  Paid internships focused on democracy, justice reform, and voting rights advocacy. Located at NYU School of Law.

Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs

• GoGovernment.org
  A resource hub from the Partnership for Public Service that guides students through applying to federal jobs and internships.
• Roll Call Jobs
  Search jobs in public affairs, communications, and government relations—ideal for students interested in lobbying or public policy.
• Tom Manatos Jobs
  A well-known political job board featuring roles in Congress, campaigns, nonprofits, and government affairs firms.
• DemocracyJobs.org
  Job listings focused on civic engagement, voter rights, and democracy-building work—ideal for advocacy-minded students.