Government Relations Intern
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is seeking a full-time Government Relations Intern from June to August to support the Government Relations & Infrastructure Initiatives (GRII) team in Washington, DC. This position is ideal for a student interested in public policy, legislative research, infrastructure, and government affairs who is looking to gain hands‑on experience in a professional advocacy and policy environment.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct policy and legislative research on infrastructure, transportation, water, energy, resilience, and related federal and state issues
- Track and summarize legislation, regulations, hearings, and agency actions relevant to ASCE policy priorities
- Prepare issue briefs, background memos, one‑pagers, and summaries for internal staff and member leaders
- Assist with drafting talking points, meeting materials, and briefing packets for congressional and agency meetings
- Support data collection and analysis related to policy trends, funding programs, and federal and state infrastructure initiatives
- Attend and take notes at congressional hearings, briefings, and stakeholder meetings, as appropriate
- Collaborate with GRII staff on research projects supporting advocacy campaigns and member engagement
- Provide general support for government relations activities, including internal coordination and reporting
What You’ll Learn
- How federal policy is developed and influenced across Congress and executive agencies
- Practical research and writing skills used in government relations and advocacy work
- How technical and engineering expertise is translated into effective public policy
- Exposure to ASCE’s role as a trusted, nonpartisan technical resource for policymakers
Who Should Apply
- Students who have completed at least two years of undergraduate study (graduate students welcome)
- Strong interest in public policy, government affairs, political science, engineering policy, or related fields
- Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills
- Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise summaries
- Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Teams; familiarity with legislative research tools a plus
- Prior coursework or experience in policy research, government, or advocacy is helpful but not required
This is a paid full-time internship (June to August) working in the ASCE DC office near Union Station at least three (3) days a week, with the option for additional hours being worked remotely. Candidates must be able to get to our DC office at 25 Massachusetts Avenue. Please visit metro trip planner for details.
For consideration, submissions of interest must contain a resume and cover letter.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is a leading nonprofit professional membership association dedicated to the advancement of civil engineering to protect the health, safety, and welfare. To accomplish ASCE's mission, ASCE staff works together as a team, based on a foundation of trust, striving for individual and organizational excellence. To achieve our shared goals, we maintain a relentless focus on members and a commitment to continuously grow and improve individually and collectively. We cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team - one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better business results. All qualified candidates including historically excluded individuals, protected veterans, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.