By: Rochelle Mallett, Executive Vice President, State Government Affairs & Stacy McBride, Executive Vice President, Federal Government Affairs
Every January, as state legislatures convene for new sessions and Congress returns to Capitol Hill, our team at HBS welcomes legislative interns into our offices across the country – from state capitals to Washington, D.C. Over the course of a session, we watch these bright students transform from observers into professionals who can navigate the complexities of government at both the state and federal levels with confidence. This transformation is not accidental, it is the result of intentional, hands-on experience that only a quality internship can provide.
The data tells a compelling story. Research shows that interns are 85% more likely to secure full-time employment after graduation, with approximately 70% receiving at least one job offer. Former interns report salaries averaging $15,000 higher than non-interns early in their careers, while 80% say their internship experience expanded their professional networks and 74% found it clarified their career paths. But in government affairs, the value extends beyond statistics – this field demands skills that simply cannot be taught in a classroom, whether you are working in a state capitol or navigating the federal bureaucracy.
At HBS, we have built our intern program around genuine, hands-on learning at every level of government. When we post openings for legislative session interns in our state offices, from Kansas to Oklahoma and beyond – or for federal interns working with our Washington team, we are inviting students to work directly alongside our government affairs professionals. Our interns attend committee hearings on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures, conduct policy research across federal agencies and state departments, draft reports on issues ranging from appropriations to regulatory reform, and contribute to real advocacy efforts during fast-paced legislative sessions and agency comment periods. They track multiple bills simultaneously, analyze competing stakeholder positions, and learn how business priorities intersect with public policy whether the issue is being debated in Congress or a state legislature.
This approach reflects our broader philosophy: invest in people, provide meaningful work, and create pathways into the profession. We are committed to offering paid internships because real compensation for real work makes these opportunities accessible and signals that the skills students develop have genuine value in the marketplace. The students who intern with us don’t just gain resume credentials – they build professional networks spanning state capitals and the nation’s capital, and develop career clarity that no amount of academic study alone could provide. Whether they are learning to navigate the federal legislative process or understanding how state regulatory frameworks impact business operations, our interns gain the practical experience that defines successful government affairs professionals.
As we look ahead to the 2026 legislative sessions and the 119th Congress now underway, we are reminded that every intern we hire represents an investment not just in HBS’ future, but in the future of our industry. These are the young professionals who will shape policy debates at every level of government in the years to come, and the experience they gain working alongside seasoned practitioners – whether in a state capitol or in the halls of Congress – will influence how they approach challenges throughout their careers.
Government affairs needs talented, ethical, skilled professionals who understand both the substance of policy and the practice of effective advocacy across all levels of government. Internships remain one of the most powerful tools we have for developing that next generation of leaders – and at HBS, from our state offices to our federal practice in Washington, we are committed to doing our part.
HBS is currently accepting applications for legislative session internships in multiple state offices and federal internships in Washington, D.C. Students interested in hands-on government affairs experience should visit the HBS News page for current openings.
