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The WilDCats at the Capitol internship program provides students with a dynamic opportunity to gain real-world experience and apply classroom learning in a fast-paced, professional environment. Students spend 40 hours per week interning in selected office settings learning firsthand about career opportunities in politics, communications, issue advocacy, research and more. Internship responsibilities vary depending on the needs and opportunities available with individual positions. Interns are responsible for collaborating with their onsite supervisor to identify and define their scope of responsibilities.

WilDCats at the Capitol is open to students of all majors. Participants in this program will remain full-time students earning 12 academic credit hours through their internship and classes taught by UK faculty in Washington, DC. By remaining a full-time student, students can use the scholarships and financial aid they have earned and continue on a timely path towards graduation.

WilDCats meeting President Capilouto

Previous Intern Placement

Don't see one that fits your interests? No problem. Connect with our program steering committee members to talk about your interests and options.

Capitol Hill:

  • Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
  • Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
  • Rep. Jamie Comer (KY-01)
  • Rep. Brett Guthrie (KY-02)
  • Rep. Morgan McGarvey (KY-03)
  • Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-04)
  • Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05)
  • Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06)
  • Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
  • Rep. Steve Scalise (LA-01)
  • Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03)
  • Rep. Greg Lopez (CO-04)
  • Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01)
  • Rep. Yadira Caraveo (CO-08)
  • Rep. James Clyburn (SC-06)
  • Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr. (GA-02)
  • Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV)
  • House Veterans Affairs Committee
  • House Oversight and Accountability Committee
  • House Financial Services Committee
  • House Agriculture Committee
  • House Budget Committee
  • Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12)
  • Rep. Wesley Hunt (TX-38)
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee
  • House Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)
  • Senate Agriculture Committee
  • Senate Foreign Relations Committee
  • Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA)
  • Senator Ed Markey (D-MA)
  • Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
  • Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39)
  • Senate Republican Policy Committee
  • House Education and Workforce Committee
  • And more

Agencies and Executive Departments:

  • Department of Transportation
  • Federal Reserve Board
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • Department of Commerce
  • State Department
  • Department of Defense
  • NASA
  • National Institute of Health
  • Department of Energy
  • Department of Health and Human Services
  • Department of Labor
  • White House Internship Program
  • Department of Treasury
  • Department of Agriculture
  • Government Accountability Office
  • And more!

Think Tanks:

  • Wilson Center
  • Hudson Institute
  • Brookings Institution
  • Heritage Foundation
  • Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
  • National Defense University
  • German Marshall Fund
  • Atlantic Council
  • And more!

Businesses, Trade Associations, and Lobbying Firms:

  • Council of State Governments
  • National League of Cities
  • Association of American Railroads
  • UPS Public Affairs
  • Dow
  • Brown-Forman
  • Cornerstone
  • International Franchise Association
  • National Thoroughbred Racing Association
  • Ford Motor Company
  • Bose Public Affairs
  • Electro
  • Van Scoyoc Associates
  • Seven Letter
  • National Association of Manufacturers
  • Mercury Public Affairs
  • Association of State Departments of Agriculture
  • Carmen Group
  • Novo Nordisk
  • Bank Policy Institute
  • American Bankers Association
  • SIFMA
  • Booz Allen
  • American Farm Bureau
  • Pocket Aces Consulting
  • NRCC
  • DCCC
  • Amplify
  • Association for Federal Employees and Retirees
  • Fannie Mae
  • Bio
  • Williams & Jensen
  • And more!

Possible Intern Duties

  • Receive and reply to public inquiries
  • Interact with and serve office visitors
  • Compile and distribute important office documents/briefings
  • Work with individual staff members on projects
  • Track and respond to constituent phone calls, emails, and office visits
  • Assist in editing correspondence and press releases
  • Draft and send issue letters to constituents
  • Attend hearings and briefings
  • Track and assist with current legislation
  • Draft policy briefs and issue memos for office staff
  • Sit in on meetings with special interest groups, constituents, and legislators
  • Research public policy issues
  • Provide Capitol tours to guests and constituents
  • Complete other administrative duties