Public Policy & Advocacy Internship – Fall 2026

U.S. Chamber of Commerce•Washington, DC

20h•$18 - $20•Hybrid

About The Position

We are pleased to offer an outstanding and substantive internship program for the nation’s best and brightest young leaders. At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, you will obtain a hands-on, meaningful work experience designed to meet your academic and career goals. Our internships offer opportunities in research, writing, database management, policy, communications, and event preparation. During the internship, you will network with colleagues and senior executives while participating in educational and professional activities designed to enhance your experience. The Chamber Internship Program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn at the world’s largest business organization. In addition to directly supporting a team in the organization, interns have an opportunity to participate in a variety of programming that will help build professional skills and networks. The Chamber also offers robust programming each semester to support professional development and networking for interns. These opportunities include company-wide meetings and social events, intern-exclusive discussions with senior executives such as the CEO, the Chief Policy Officer, and the President of the Foundation, as well as a resume review and interview preparation workshop. The internship is expected to run from September 14 through November 20. Interns work a part-time hybrid schedule and are expected to be in the office at least three days a week at our U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in downtown Washington, D.C. Fully remote applicants will not be considered. Interns will be responsible for making their own housing accommodations if needed. This is a paid internship, and students may also receive academic credit if they meet the criteria set by their school. The hourly rate for this position is between $18.00 and $20.00 per hour. This internship is open to current college or graduate students, as well as individuals who have graduated within the past six months. The Public Policy & Advocacy teams shape U.S. and global policy on critical issues including economic growth, energy, cybersecurity, employment, healthcare, and strategic advocacy. Interns will support policy research, legislative tracking, stakeholder engagement, and communications efforts that advance the Chamber’s pro-business priorities across public and private sectors. After you submit your resume, our Talent Acquisition team will review it. If your skills match what we are looking for, the relevant department will reach out for an interview. Please review the departments below closely. In the application, please indicate your top two department preferences. The Housing Policy team leads the Chamber’s new national initiative to address the housing shortage through a pro-growth, supply-side lens. Interns will support work across three strategic pillars: land use and permitting reform, housing finance and capital access, and workforce and immigration. Responsibilities include policy research, legislative tracking, stakeholder engagement, and communications support. The purpose of the U.S. Chamber's Global Energy Institute is to unify energy stakeholders and policymakers behind a common strategy to ensure that America's supply of fuel and power is adequate, stable, and affordable, while protecting national security, and improving the environment. The National Security Policy division advocates on behalf of the Chamber’s members who have a direct stake in cybersecurity, defense, space, and supply chain security policy. The Government Affairs division is the Chamber’s lobbying team headquartered in Washington with regional offices across the country. We champion the Chamber’s pro-business priorities and advocate for America’s free enterprise system on Capitol Hill. The Employment Policy division regularly interacts with Congressional staff, numerous Federal agencies and many national coalitions (some of which are chaired by the Chamber) to help define and shape national labor, immigration and employee benefit policy. Applications are accepted until Friday, July 10. Interviews will be conducted in late July & early August. This internship requires U.S. work authorization and is open to candidates with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and/or Optional Practical Training (OPT). We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Requirements

Current college or graduate student, or graduated within the past six months
U.S. work authorization
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and/or Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility

Nice To Haves

Skills match what we are looking for

Responsibilities

Support policy research
Drafting memos
Event planning and coordination
Legislative tracking
Stakeholder engagement
Communications efforts
Support work across three strategic pillars: land use and permitting reform, housing finance and capital access, and workforce and immigration (Housing Policy)
Support policy research, legislative tracking, stakeholder engagement, and communications support (Housing Policy)
Advocate on behalf of the Chamber’s members who have a direct stake in cybersecurity, defense, space, and supply chain security policy (Cyber, Space, & National Security Policy)
Champion the Chamber’s pro-business priorities and advocate for America’s free enterprise system on Capitol Hill (Government Affairs)
Help define and shape national labor, immigration and employee benefit policy (Employment Policy)