Public Relations & Communications Interns and Fellows

Internships & Fellowships at Lot Sixteen
 

Are you looking to get your start preparing for a career in public affairs and government relations?

Do you thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced environment?

Are you interested in working at a growing firm that prides itself on its honesty, creativity, and bipartisan work?

Read on to learn how to kick-start your career at Lot Sixteen.

 

About our Internships & Fellowships

We look for internship and fellowship candidates from diverse backgrounds with strong writing capabilities, intellectual curiosity, impeccable multitasking abilities, an eye for detail, and a willingness to work hard. Internship and fellowship candidates should be eager to learn and willing to go above and beyond, for the client and for each other. We offer summer internships to current students as well as summer and longer-term fellowships to recent graduates.

Why Lot Sixteen?

Lot Sixteen interns and fellows receive hands-on experience in all the work that happens at the firm. From press releases to policy research, interns will support both our communications and government relations teams. The work is substantive and you’ll be a part of our team approach, working collaboratively to serve every client.

Our firm has a growing client list featuring some of the largest corporations and trade associations in the United States. We are growing fast and are in need of high-energy, creative interns who will relish the opportunity to grow and learn under the direct guidance and mentorship of Lot Sixteen’s founders and staff.

“We want our interns to feel engaged and excited about their part in our process.

Our internships are not studies in errand-running. We task our interns with actual client work, and we expect real effort with tangible results.”

Josh Lahey, Co-Founder

Located in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., our paid internships and fellowships offer other benefits, including flexible weekday hours, academic credit (where appropriate) and reimbursement of work-related public transportation expenses. Lot Sixteen does not provide housing for interns or fellows. We are currently working both in-person and virtually, with the expectation that all employees work in the office at least three days per week.

FAQ

Am I qualified to be an intern or Fellow?

Suggested qualifications for Lot Sixteen’s Public Relations & Communications Interns and Fellows:

• Rising college juniors and seniors are preferred for the internship program, and recent college graduates are considered for fellowships
• College-level coursework or a degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, Public Policy and related fields a plus
• 0-2 years of experience in marketing or business communications, public relations, community relations, publicity management, event planning, event marketing and associated fields are a plus, but not required
• A background on energy policy and related issues is not a prerequisite, but an interest in learning is
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal. Knowledge of AP style guidelines and proficiency in writing press releases is a plus, but not required.
• Strong organization and time management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Canva, and Slack a plus
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite or Promo is a plus, but not required

How long does an internship last?

Internship terms vary, but on average our summer interns are with us for 10-12 weeks. The program begins around June 1st and runs through mid-to-late August, with the end date dependent on individual school schedules. Fellowships begin around June 1st and generally run through late September. Lot Sixteen also offers limited internships during the school year.

Will I receive academic credits or a paid internship?

Our programs are paid. Interns receive $20/hour and Fellows receive $22/hour. Lot Sixteen will work with students to arrange for academic credit where appropriate. Work-related public transportation expenses will also be reimbursed during the internship term. 

Note: Lot Sixteen does not provide housing for interns or fellows.

How do I apply for an internship or fellowship at Lot Sixteen?

Please use our application form to enter your information, answer a few questions, and submit your resume. The application period opens in mid-December and applications are due by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, January 31, 2025.

What is the interview process?

All applicants should apply online by following the directions listed above. We do our best to get back to candidates in a timely fashion. You will be contacted by e-mail only if your application is being considered. Once contacted, you will be advised on the next steps, which will include interviews and a writing exercise. Interviews will be conducted from the middle of February through March and decisions can be expected around March 31.

What kind of work will I be doing?

Day-to-day responsibilities will vary depending on whether you’re a communications intern/fellow or a government relations intern/fellow. Interns are regularly tasked with independently completing assignments or discrete portions of assignments; additionally, the most successful interns will identify opportunities, proactively creating new projects for themselves that benefit the firm or its clients.

GR Interns & Fellows

Interns and fellows work daily with clients and account leads. Each client team consists of junior and senior staff that regularly meet internally and with clients on a weekly or biweekly basis. Interns work within client teams to assist in tracking deliverables and completing projects. Projects can include research memos, election tracking, and assisting in building presentations. 

A typical day may consist of attending client and internal team meetings, tracking congressional hearings, and writing draft memos. Interns work closely with members of the GR team and can expect a realistic, up-close look at what it means to work in government relations.

Communications Interns & Fellows

Communications interns and fellows support the day-to-day needs of our client teams and long-term communications projects. Each client team consists of junior and senior staff that regularly meet internally and with clients to determine strategy, deliverables, and work plans. Interns and fellows can expect to join internal and external calls, as well as support recurring tasks such as monitoring headlines, assembling media reports, summarizing congressional hearings, and compiling research to support message and strategy development on a range of corporate and policy-related communications objectives. 

Whether drafting a tweet, participating in brainstorming sessions or pulling together research to support long-term objectives, communications interns and fellows can expect to play a valuable role at the firm in a variety of capacities that support our clients’ needs as well as their own professional development.

Can I work remotely?

Lot Sixteen operates a hybrid format. While remote work is permitted, the most fulfilling internship experience at Lot Sixteen is one that offers in-person, hands-on experience in our collaborative environment whenever possible. We will, of course, remain flexible and will continue to offer remote work opportunities when necessary.