FAQ

Who can apply?

Applicants must be 18 years of age on or before the first day of the internship and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college, or university (two-to-four year institution). It is highly recommended that applicants complete at least one full term prior to submitting an application.
• Graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college, or university (two-to-four year institution) no more than two years before the first day of the internship.
• A veteran of the United States Armed Forces who possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent and has served on active duty, for any length of time, in the two years preceding the first day of the internship.

Applicants interested in the Voter Protection Internship Program must have a Bachelor’s Degree and be enrolled in a postsecondary higher education institution. J.D. students are preferred. Please see the DNC Voter Protection website for more information.

What is the DNC’s role in Democratic politics?

The DNC performs many roles within Democratic politics, the most important of which is working to elect Democrats to all levels of government, from school board to the Oval Office.

As a DNC intern what will I be doing on a daily basis?

Intern responsibilities and tasks vary depending on department, but all interns play an important role in their departments. While all interns will perform some administrative tasks (making copies, filing, etc.) the work you do is vital to the day-to-day functions and department projects DNC staff are working on. For example:

• Communication interns work closely with the media, collect daily news clips, format press releases, and monitor television appearances by Democratic surrogates.

What is the dress code at the DNC?

The dress code is business casual.

Do I need to be a Democrat to intern at the DNC?

The DNC expects all interns to be Democrats and registered voters.

How many hours per week should I expect to work?

Are DNC internships paid?

The DNC Internship program provides a stipend of $3,000 per term.

Are there commuter/housing benefits?

No, there are no commuter/housing benefits.

Can I receive another form of financial aid or a scholarship to participate?

Interns can receive scholarships from their college or university. However, scholarships must be approved by the DNC before an intern starts their internship.

Can I get college credit for participating in the DNC internship program?

Yes. College credit varies by your institution’s protocols – confirm the requirements with your academic field. The Internship Program Coordinator will complete initial forms required, and once the interns begin all other required forms will be the responsibility of their assigned supervisor.

Will I receive additional training outside of my department?

Yes, there are opportunities to work with professional staff on resume building, voter outreach and field organizing. With a large team of working professionals at your fingertips, you are welcome to work with your supervisor on networking and in other departments of interest.

How should I respond to the essay question?

The response to the essay question should be no more than 500 words in length. Do not exceed the word limit.

My school is on the quarter system. Can I still participate?

Yes, you are welcome to apply. Please note the official dates for the program above.

How is my placement in a department determined?

Placement in a department is determined by a number of factors, including the needs of the departments, the applicant’s skills set and availability, and noted preferences. Applicants have the opportunity to list their top three department choices as part of their application; however, there is no guarantee that selected interns will be placed in a preferred department.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The Democratic National Committee (DNC), is committed to diversity among its staff and interns, and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse team that provides the best quality services to supporters and constituents. The DNC is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or disability, or any other legally protected basis. The DNC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the hiring and internship application process and on the job, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The DNC will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination and any such conduct is strictly prohibited.