Internship: Summer 2022 Internship with Vanderbilt University Office of Federal Relations
The summer intern will support our office’s efforts to promote a number of Vanderbilt University’s priorities, which include research policy and higher education policy. The ideal candidate would have a strong interest in the federal policy process and issues of interest to the university. Strong writing and critical thinking skills are a must! The summer internship is a full-time commitment that lasts eight weeks, typically beginning in early June and concluding at the end of July. We are hopeful that we will be able to invite the successful applicant to physically join us in our Washington, DC, office this summer; however, this will depend on the public health situation.
Applicants can find details about the internship on our website.
The deadline for applications is February 4, 2022. Applications can be submitted directly to Heather Bloemhard (heather.bloemhard@vanderbilt.edu) via email.
Any questions about the internship opportunity can be directed to (heather.bloemhard@vanderbilt.edu).
Heather Bloemhard, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Federal Relations
Government and Community Relations | Vanderbilt University
202-216-4368 | heather.bloemhard@vanderbilt.edu | https://www.vanderbilt.edu/federalrelations/
750 First St, N.E. Suite 1110
Washington, D.C. 20002
Details:
The Office of Federal Relations invites undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent graduates from Vanderbilt University or the Washington, D.C.-area with ties to Tennessee who are interested in higher education or science public policy issues to apply for our summer, fall, or spring internships.
This internship will provide you with a firsthand look at the federal policymaking process and the role that advocates play in influencing public policy. As one of the nation’s leading research universities, Vanderbilt University plays an important role in the federal process. Both as a recipient of federal grant money and an expert provider of cutting-edge research and analysis, Vanderbilt’s voice is vital to the consideration of national policy issues. Among the many topics on which the Office of Federal Relations focuses are funding for research in science, engineering, social sciences, education, and the humanities; higher education policy; student aid; tax issues; and policies related to international students and scholars.
As an intern, your responsibilities may include:
- Researching public policy initiatives related to the university’s federal policy priorities
- Tracking legislation related to the university’s priorities
- Attending hearings and briefings on and off Capitol Hill
- Publishing a weekly e-newsletter that is sent to Capitol Hill staff
- Drafting social media content to support our advocacy efforts
- Contributing to a daily round-up of federal news items sent to Vanderbilt faculty and staff
- Updating communications tools
- Delivering campus publications to staff on Capitol Hill
The ideal candidate would have a strong interest in the role advocacy plays in the federal policy process and the issues of interest to the university. Strong writing and critical thinking skills are a must!
Internships may be paid or for academic credit, depending on the opportunities offered through your academic institution.
Internships may be virtual or in-person, at the discretion of the Office of Federal Relations.
Summer Internship:
The summer internship is typically a full time (40 hours per week) commitment. The internship lasts eight weeks, beginning in early June and concluding at the end of July.
Fall and Spring Internships:
The fall and spring semester internships can be a full or part time commitment. We will work with you to coordinate an appropriate start and end date and weekly schedule based around your classes.
Application:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Contact information for two references – for example, a professor, supervisor, or peer with whom you have worked closely on a project
- 400-word policy memo on a policy topic of your choice
Please submit your application to Heather Bloemhard at heather.bloemhard@vanderbilt.edu.
Please direct questions about the internship opportunity to Heather Bloemhard.
Deadlines:
- Summer 2022 internship: February 4, 2022
- Fall 2022 internship: June 3, 2022
- Spring 2023 internship: November 4, 2022