AFT Public Employees Internships

AFT Public Employees represent more than 100,000 public employees who work in all levels of government, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, state government, county/borough workers and municipal employees. There are approximately 4,000 different job titles represented by local unions that make up the AFT Public Employees division including chemists, auditors, researchers, corrections officers, health inspectors, civil engineers, social workers, and medical and legal professionals.

Interns in the AFT Public Employees department examine public policy issues related to government service.

Fall interns (September – December) with the AFT Public Employees compile statistical information pertaining to the government workforce in the United States and other industrialized nations. The interns are the lead researchers on this project and therefore must have a high level of research skills and knowledge as well as a strong ability to work independently. The data will be prepared for a national report to be presented to AFT leadership.

Spring interns (January – May) work exclusively on the AFT Public Employees Annual Compensation survey. Each year, the AFT surveys all 50 states and the District of Columbia on the compensation of 45 job titles at the state level. This project provides interns with the opportunity to be lead researchers on a unique study. This large scale-survey is the only one of its kind in the United States. The research is published every summer.

Ideal candidates must have an interest in and understanding of public service and labor unions as well as strong research and telephone skills. Computer literacy in Microsoft programs is required. This is a paid internship opportunity.