Name: Rebecca McIntosh
School: University of Saint Thomas
Major: Business Communications
What did you enjoy most about interning for Senator Franken?Being a veteran and a college student, I enjoyed working in the communications field and in the Veteran Affairs Outreach Programs. I was able to assist the staff in military casework based off my prior experience and sharpen my communications skills within the workplace.

Internships in Washington

The intern program in Senator Franken’s office strives to fully immerse the interns in the legislative process. Interns will be paired with a legislative assistant who matches their issue area of interest, and will assist this staffer with policy research, as well as attend committee hearings and other Senate events. They will be a vital component of keeping the office functional, by assisting with the constituent mail process and managing the front desk.

In addition to assisting the office, interns will receive unique career development opportunities. Through working with legislative staff and meeting with senior staff and the Senator, interns will be able to make an informed decision about what areas of political work interest them. By making full use of the career development courses offered in the Senate, interns will know how best to succeed in a political career in the area that they enjoy the most.

Communications Intern (Washington Based)

The communications intern is actively involved in translating Senate policy and legislation into Minnesota news. The intern will learn how a communications shop operates and interacts with the other departments to create a succinct message. The position entails attending daily communications department meetings, being responsible for aggregating news articles into daily clips for staff, media monitoring, helping with research projects, some writing of news advisories and press releases, and assisting with the daily operations of a press office. Strong writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a high-pressure environment are a must. Minnesotans will be given priority. Applicants must be available early in the morning to compile daily news clips. Preference will be given to applicants with full-time availability, however applicants with regularly scheduled part-time availability (at least 15 hours per week) will be considered.

Name: Nick Elger
School: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Major: Environmental Science, Policy and Management
What sorts of projects did you work on during your time here?All sorts. My favorite was attending a roundtable meeting with the Senator discussing the propane shortage crisis. I was able to apply what I learned from the meeting to a project where I identified renewable energy solutions that can help mitigate the risk of future propane shortages.

Internships in Minnesota

The internship role in Senator Franken's Minnesota offices requires individuals who are professional, articulate, and responsible with an interest in government service. Based on the individual's availability, interests, and skills, interns will work with outreach staff, case workers, communications staff, and administrative staff. Interns will serve as a vital component of keeping the office functional by assisting with the constituent mail process and managing the front desk. Senator Franken offers internships in the following Minnesota offices: Saint Paul and Duluth.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Answering phones and assisting constituents with requests
• Assisting constituent and field staff with casework and related tasks
• Assisting outreach staff with research, event planning and other work
• Attending meetings with and for field and outreach staff
• Assisting the scheduling and communications staff
• Other assigned tasks based on the needs of the staff and office

In addition to assisting the office, interns will receive unique career development opportunities. Through working with field, casework, and other state staff, and meeting with the Senator, interns will be able to make an informed decision about what areas of political work interest them and gain valuable skills that will prepare them to succeed in a political and professional career.

Name: Maher Mahmood
School: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Major: Human Resources
How do you think this internship will help you in future jobs or careers? It has provided me with a different perspective on legislative issues and how they are impacting constituents all across the state. Additionally, it made me aware of the crucial role that the Senator plays and what services are provided to help constituents.

Application Process

If you are interested in an internship in Senator Franken's offices please send the following materials:

• resume
• cover letter indicating weekly availability
• three references

Washington, D.C. applicants please send information to: interns@franken.senate.gov.

Minnesota applicants please send information to: mninterns@franken.senate.gov, and indicate which Minnesota office you are applying for: Saint Paul or Duluth.

Please do not mail any applications because of the Senate’s mail delivery delay.
Applications must be received by the deadline, depending on which term you are applying for.

• Fall Internship – July 15th
• Spring Internship – November 15th
• Summer Internship – March 15th

If you have any questions concerning either program, please do not hesitate to contact the intern coordinator in Washington at interns@franken.senate.gov or by phone at (202) 224-5641, or the intern coordinator in Minnesota at  (651) 221-1016, or by emailing mninterns@franken.senate.gov.

If you are applying for the fall or spring session, please include the days and hours you are able to work. In the summer session, interns are expected to work full time unless enrolled in summer courses. We will work with universities that offer academic credit.

Senator Franken accepts all applications for internships; however Minnesotans will be given preference. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All internships are unpaid.