The Office of Rep. Dean Phillips offers paid internships in our Washington and Minnesota offices throughout the fall, spring and summer terms. Our hands-on internship program offers students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain real-world experience in government and politics. Over the course of their service, interns will gain a deeper knowledge of the federal government and strengthen their communications, writing, problem-solving, and time-management skills. We do our best to accommodate requirements for college credit.

Sound like you?

• Radical hospitality is your personal brand.
• Let’s face it, you’re a policy wonk or a political junkie — or both.
• You’re quick on your feet and here to learn. Every challenge is an opportunity to innovate.
• You’re a natural communicator with a knack for problem-solving.
• You’re curious and inspired with a whatever-it-takes attitude.
• You’re a methodically-organized professional, you set goals and make a plan to achieve them.
• You’re okay asking for help and being a team player. 
• You know how to pronounce "Wayzata" and "Edina," and while we’re at it, you know it's "duck-duck-gray-duck," not "duck-duck-goose."
• Rep. Phillips's mission speaks to you. You're ready to do good work for Minnesota’s Third District and inspire a new era of collaboration in Congress.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. interns will gain first hand experience with the legislative process and other functions of a congressional office. You’ll work closely with our legislative, communications or scheduling staff depending on your track and interests. All interns will be paired with a staff mentor and participate in professional development, networking, and resume building activities. Responsibilities will vary but may include:

• Showing accessibility through radical hospitality 
• Communicating with Minnesotans in person, mail, email, and over the phone
• Conducting research to be used for floor speeches, memos, committee hearings, and other legislative business
• Monitoring press coverage, current events, and House business 
• Attending briefings and hearings
• Assisting with tours of the U.S. Capitol
• Administrative tasks as assigned

Full- and part-time internships are available. During the fall and spring sessions, interns are expected to work at least 30 hours per week; with at least two full days. During the summer session, interns are expected to work full-time unless enrolled in summer courses. Hours are flexible to accommodate students' course schedules, but generally run 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. when Congress is in session, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. when not in session.

Applicants who can work full time, or close to full time, will be given preference.

Still have questions? Call Caroline: (202) 225-2871

Minnesota

The Minnesota office of Rep. Dean Phillips is the bridge between legislative work and the communities, businesses, and constituents that make up Minnesota’s Third District. All interns will be paired with a staff mentor and participate in professional development, networking, and resume building activities. Responsibilities will vary but may include:

• Showing accessibility through radical hospitality
• Communicating with Minnesotans in person, mail, email, and over the phone
• Research and outreach
• Assisting with casework and acting as a liaison between constituents and federal agencies
• Communications, media relations, and digital content creation
• Event planning and attendance 
• Administrative tasks as assigned 

Part-time internships are available in the spring, summer and fall. Interns are expected to work approximately 20 hours per week, with some flexibility to accommodate schedules. The district office operates from 9am-6pm Monday-Friday with occasional opportunities for weekend events.

Still have questions? Call David: (952) 656-5176
 

How to Apply: 

Summer Internships: June through August (application deadline: March 15)
Fall Internships: September through December (application deadline: July 15)
Spring Internships: January through May (application deadline November 2)

Click here to upload your resume and apply for an internship with the Office of Congressman Dean Phillips.

All individuals are encouraged to apply. Applicants with ties to Minnesota will be given preference. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.