Executive Pathways Internship Program

2027 opportunities coming soon

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) offers paid internship opportunities for college students to explore a rewarding career in public service. DHS, in collaboration with community and partners including Tribes, counties, non-profit and for-profit providers, supports people to thrive in community and live their healthiest and fullest lives.

The Executive Pathways Internship Program focuses on a diverse workforce by developing the talents of students as they prepare for professional employment. Graduate and undergraduate students majoring in public policy, statistics, psychology, social work, law, public health, sociology and other human services-related fields are encouraged to apply and have the opportunity to learn how public policy is developed and implemented in a large and complex government organization.

Through this internship program, students have the chance to be part of many well-publicized and highly visible policy decisions that impact Minnesotans' quality of life.

Each placement is designed to provide in-depth learning opportunities in a state government setting. The Executive Pathways Internship Program is a paid internship program and students will work 30 to 40 hours per week between June to August. Due to the pandemic, all internship positions will be remote.

Learn more about the application process.;

Executive Pathways Internship application process

Legal Externship Program

Program overview

The department provides essential services to Minnesotans in all 87 counties and 11 Tribal Nations. In this dynamic and complex setting, the Legal Externship Program provides challenging opportunities to law school students and an up-close view into law in the public sector, in a professional and supportive environment. Gain real-world legal experience practicing your writing, analytical thinking and advocacy skills in state government, with a focus on human services delivery, public benefits and healthcare, while earning law school credit!

Legal externship schedule

• Fall term: Sept. 1 – Dec. 31
• Spring term: Jan. 20 – May 15
• Summer term: June 1 – Aug. 1

Note: Dates are flexible, this internship is unpaid.

Eligibility and requirements

• Enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school.
• Completed 1L year by start date.
• Earning a minimum of two academic credits through a law school externship class.
• Can commit at least 10 hours/week, aligned with school calendar.
• Ability to perform in a hybrid work environment in Saint Paul (mix of in-person and teleworking).

Practice areas available

DHS has a wide variety of legal practice areas. Our goal is to offer our externs meaningful opportunities to practice and enhance their writing, analytical thinking, and advocacy skills. Available experiences are subject to change, but generally include:

• Operations. Includes communications, compliance, fraud prevention, equal opportunity and access, records management and litigation support.
• Health Care. Medicaid law, litigation support and healthcare services law.
• Privacy Office. Data privacy advising, and privacy and security incident analysis.
• Public Benefits. Issues related to public assistance, eligibility, appeal hearings, data privacy.

How to apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Send the following application materials by email to: dhs.internships@state.mn.us.

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample
• Transcript

dhs.internships@state.mn.us

Questions?

Email the program coordinators:

• Sarah Steenhoek, Senior Associate General Counsel
• Paul Ziezulewicz, Senior Associate General Counsel

Internship programs the department supports

The department participates in additional internship programs listed below. These internships connect DHS with the next generation of talented and diverse workers, and provide critical job training for students and hands-on experience for young people who are interested in pursuing an internship with the agency. Our past interns have made valuable contributions across different agency departments and were eager to bring their skills, ideas and energy to our workplace and they are always appreciative for the opportunity. 

See more information about each internship program supported by DHS.

• Step-Up Achieve is the city of Minneapolis’ summer program that serves youth ages 16 to 21 who are seeking challenging opportunities by training and placing young people in professional positions. The goal is to offer a variety of career-readiness opportunities that help interns connect their interest with post-secondary education and career planning. More information about the Step-Up Achieve program:
  
  View the Step-up Achieve video    Active Twin Cities - Step Up Youth website
  
  
• Right Track is the city of Saint Paul’s summer career development initiative for youth providing motivated, low-income teenagers with work-readiness training and professional internship placements with St. Paul employers. More about the Right Track program:
  
  View the Right Track video     Right Tracks - St. Paul Park and Recreation website
  
  
• Urban Scholars is a 12-week (summer) internship that includes formal leadership and professional development training. Urban Scholars are graduate- and undergraduate-level students. Urban Scholars spend four days a week working on meaningful projects and work assignments alongside organizational leaders. One day a week, scholars come together as a cohort to learn and practice skills in leadership, professional development, small groups and public speaking. More information about the Urban Scholars program:
  
  View Minneapolis Urban Scholars video     Minneapolis Urban Scholars program website  

If you have questions about these programs, contact Evelyn Witherspoon:

Executive Pathways Internship Coordinator
Human Resources Division
Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64997
St. Paul, MN 55164-0997
Voice: 651-431-6579

dhs.internships@state.mn.us

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