Presidential Department Descriptions

Interns will be placed in a departmental office for their internship. Below is a list of departments. Interns will be asked to list their top ten preferred offices in their application.

White House Department of Scheduling and Advance

The Office of Appointments and Scheduling, the Office of Advance, and the Travel Office compose the White House Office of Scheduling and Advance, which coordinates the travel itineraries for President Obama and the White House Press Corps, as well as the planning and preparation that go into supporting the President at events around the country and world. Interns can expect to work within all three components of the department and will contribute to the coordination of Presidential travel, the execution of events, and the review and consideration of scheduling invitations addressed to President Obama. Preparing the President's schedule and ensuring a successful Presidential visit requires frequent interaction with the full range of White House offices, federal agencies, and local, state, and media entities. Interns for the Office of Scheduling and Advance join a committed and efficient team that plays an immediate role in the functioning of the Presidency.

"I am responsible for responding to invitations and requests addressed to the President, sent by foreign dignitaries and everyday Americans alike. I play an integral part in preparing Presidential events and in executing his message successfully by coordinating with federal and local agencies, White House staff, and the media. Although working with the amazing staff at Scheduling and Advance is enough of an incentive, when I watch the President address the world, I am constantly reminded that I helped make this possible."

—Department of Scheduling and Advance Intern

The Office of Cabinet Affairs

This office is the primary liaison between the President and his Cabinet. The office coordinates communications, policy, and logistics between the White House and the Cabinet, as well as managing issues that affect multiple federal agencies. Staff in the Cabinet Affairs office are in daily communication with members of the Cabinet and senior agency staff. The staff includes the Cabinet Secretary, the Deputy Cabinet Secretary, three Deputy Directors, and a Special Assistant. Interns will work with staff to facilitate office operations and implement all activities.

"The White House Office of Cabinet Affairs acts as a liaison between the White House and President Obama's Cabinet. The office is very fast-paced and offers interns an incredible opportunity to work on a wide range of policy areas, research issue areas relevant to federal agencies, and provide support at meetings."

—Office of Cabinet Affairs Intern

The White House Communications Department

The Communications Department crafts the message that the President delivers to the country. Through speeches, web videos, and even newspaper articles in your hometown paper, the Communications Department keeps the country informed. You will learn about and work with different areas of the media – speechwriting, new media, regional press, surrogate press, and message/event planning. Interns should possess an interest in media, website editing, speechwriting and researching, or communications. The work in the department is fast-paced, challenging, and diverse, and it is an exciting place to learn!

"Since we deal with the media, which runs 24/7, we are constantly keeping up-to-date with the latest news surrounding the President and the Administration. It is a fun fast-paced office that overlaps with every office in the White House. I have loved my time here in the media affairs office; even though it’s long hours!"

—Communications Department Intern

The White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs

This office is responsible for building relationships with advocacy groups, non-governmental organizations, and all currently elected state officials. The Office of Public Engagement is also the primary channel through which the general public relates to the White House. Staffers in OPE/IGA consistently work with elected officials and advocates to ensure the President's agenda is supported and continually pushed not only inside the Beltway but in all areas of the country. Interns with this office will work alongside staff members to build new and maintain current relationships with state elected officials and national advocacy leaders, prepare for presidential trips around the country, prepare for elected and advocacy group briefings in the White House, and assist in all other facets of advancing the President's agenda.

"The White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs serves as the official link between the President and the people, as well as the center of communication for all state and local governments nationwide. We work tirelessly to ensure that governments are informed and included from White House brainstorming sessions to decision making, by managing a myriad of outreach efforts. My experience here has given me significant insight and appreciation of how government prepares, communicates and ultimately influences change in America."

—Office of Public Engagement Intern

The Office of the First Lady

The Office of the First Lady aids Mrs. Obama in all aspects of her public life. The staff is divided into six departments: Chief of Staff, Policy, Communications, Scheduling, Correspondence, and the Social Office. As an intern you could work with staff to develop Mrs. Obama's role in important policy issues, help manage the First Lady's hectic schedule, respond to the many letters she receives, or assist in planning the many events hosted by the First Lady, ranging from musical events to State Dinners. Interns should look forward to policy research, managing and executing events or projects, and assisting a team of correspondence volunteers.

"On my first day, no one in the First Lady’s office said, ‘Welcome to the office,’ or ‘Let me introduce you to the staff.’ Instead, I heard ‘Welcome to our team, we’re glad to have you!’ and ‘Come meet your team!’ As an intern in the First Lady’s office, it is a joy to come into work to help my team in any way possible!"

—Office of the First Lady Intern

The Office of the Chief of Staff

The Office of the Chief of Staff oversees White House staff and works with others to develop and pursue the President’s agenda. This includes being the final "stop" where issues are vetted and positions taken before being presented to the President. Interns in this office will work alongside staff members in matters concerning policy and research, building and maintaining relationships with officials and advocacy leaders, and general administrative work.

"The Office of the Chief of Staff is sometimes described as the ‘nerve center’ of the White House. Any component of the Executive Office of the President may need our help on any given day. The intense breadth of exposure I receive from working in this office has helped me to better understand the inner workings of federal government."

—Office of the Chief of Staff Intern

The White House Office of Legislative Affairs

The Office of Management and Administration

White House Management and Administration offers important operational and administrative support for the President of the United States and the White House Office and administrative oversight to components of the Executive Office of the President. An internship in White House Management and Administration presents unique insights and learning experiences for future public service executives. Interns in this department will have the unique opportunity to perform a function or supporting role that touches a wide range of offices and staff. Management and Administration interns are assigned to a specific office within the department. Because each office provides a distinct opportunity, we encourage applicants to note interest in a particular office. 

• White House Photo Office: Programming in the White House Photo Office is geared toward candidates who are looking to build leadership skills in photography and photo journalism. This office is responsible for photographically documenting and capturing the history of the Presidency. Specific intern responsibilities include photographing open press events, editing photos, maintaining the photo database, and assisting with various logistical and administrative tasks.
• White House Visitors Office: The Visitors Office is driven, motivated, and inspired by the core principle of carrying out President Obama and Mrs. Obama’s vision of making the White House the "most open and accessible in history" and truly making it the People’s House. This office hosts events that are open to families across the country and heads up all tours inside the Residence. Interns in the Visitors Office will play a key role in seasonal events, Garden Tours, and sporting events on the lawn, as well as aiding in the day-to-day functions of the office. Candidates with great organizational skills and event experience are encouraged to apply.
• White House Operations: Also known as "Room One," White House Operations facilitates the needs of staff members and departments from the President on down. From organizing programming, to answering questions generated by staff, to improving on existing processes such as recycling and renovation, we help the White House run! As an intern in White House Operations, you will gain an excellent understanding of what goes on within the White House on a day-to-day basis as well as the role each department plays.
• White House Personnel: The White House Personnel Office strives to foster connectivity, communication, leadership, and development at the White House. This office also works with new hires, other government employees, and interns at the White House to ensure they have a successful experience when they arrive, while they’re here, and as they leave. Interns who are placed in the White House Personnel Office will have the opportunity to work with many departments and employees in the White House on projects related to these goals.
• White House Management and Administration Front Office: The Management and Administration Front Office is the hub of the department. This office fosters the growth of the other offices within Management and Administration and throughout the White House by facilitating modernization, assisting with special projects, conducting research, setting and communicating policies, and implementing programs that foster connectivity and community. The Front Office also houses White House Services, which oversees security and access to the complex, as well as the management of the White House telecommunication system. Programming in the Front Office is geared towards building leadership skills in project and program management.

"If you are looking for a unique opportunity to perform a supporting role that touches a wide range of offices and staff, the Office of Management and Administration is for you! The M&A team members are dedicated to the success of those who serve the President. As a member of the M&A team, you might photograph open press events, assist the social office with planning and carrying out special events, organize programming, work with newly hired staff, or conduct research."

—Office of Management and Administration Intern

The Office of White House Counsel

This office advises the President, the Office of the President, and the White House staff on all legal issues pertaining to the President and the White House. It is often said that the office sits at the intersection of law, policy, and politics. The office advises on investigations, litigation, legislative and administrative proposals, policy initiatives, and judicial nominations, as well as providing legal advice on the myriad of questions that arise in the day-to-day work of the Executive Office of the President.

"White House Counsel is a unique type of office; they deal with legal issues regarding national security and nominations, but also White House issues such as ethics and employment policies. It is an experience where you learn the law in the context of today’s … and tomorrow’s questions."

—Office of White House Counsel Intern

The Office of Political Affairs

The Office of Political Affairs serves the President by providing him with an accurate assessment of the political dynamics affecting the work of his administration, supporting the advancement of his agenda, and ensuring that the White House understands the priorities of and remains in close contact with Americans across the nation.

In practice, the Office of Political Affairs’ staff is assigned by region and other areas of focus and is responsible for staying in close communication with constituents and stakeholders, tracking and assessing developments in their areas, and creating and supporting opportunities to advance the President’s agenda and implement his policies.

"The office is staffed by amazing individuals who work with interns that are looking to learn and grow during their short time at the White House."

—Office of Political Affairs Intern

White House Office of Energy and Climate Change

The Office of Energy and Climate Change is a newly-created office within The Executive Office of the President that works to support President Obama’s agenda on energy and climate change. The Office of Energy and Climate Change coordinates and works closely with a host of government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation, the Department of the Interior, and others. In addition, the Office of Energy and Climate Change works closely with a broad array of stakeholders to identify new opportunities to create green jobs and transition to a new clean energy economy.

"The White House Office of Energy and Climate Change provides an incredible opportunity to interact with staff in the White House and across the executive branch. Interns will observe the numerous federal and legislative actors involved in coordinating the energy and climate change policy of the administration and learn the workings of the legislative and interagency processes. The topics worked on are as diverse and relevant as the purview of the office: green-jobs creation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, and transmission and power generation. The interns’ roles are similar to any support staff."

—Office of Energy and Climate Change Intern

The Domestic Policy Council

The Domestic Policy Council supervises the development, coordination, and execution of domestic policy in the White House. The Domestic Policy Council also offers advice to the President and represents his priorities to Congress. Policy teams within the Domestic Policy Council include:

• Mobility and Opportunity: This team focuses on improving the lives of disadvantaged Americans, including those currently living in poverty; specific issues include workforce development, poverty alleviation, child nutrition, work/family issues, immigration, criminal justice, and civil rights.
• Urban Policy: This team coordinates federal policy with respect to urban and metropolitan areas; leads the Domestic Policy Council’s work on housing, transportation, and economic development; and is a clearinghouse for new policy ideas that help reinvigorate the federal-local partnership, including bottom-up and innovative approaches to the nation’s urban and metropolitan challenges.
• Social Innovation and Civic Participation: This team helps catalyze action by citizens, non-profits, foundations, and the private sector to lead change in communities across America and make progress on several key priority areas, including health care, education, poverty, and energy conservation. Social Innovation and Civic Participation does this through a social innovation fund and partnerships with federal agencies, public-private partnerships that catalyze action, and new media tools that increase civic participation, and by expanding national service.
• Education: This team helps formulate and implement the President’s education agenda with the goal of realizing his commitment to providing every child access to a complete and competitive education, from cradle through career.
• Office of National AIDS Policy: This team coordinates the continuing efforts of the government to reduce the number of HIV infections across the United States. The Office of National AIDS Policy emphasizes prevention through wide-ranging education initiatives and helps coordinate the care and treatment of citizens with HIV/AIDS.
• Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships: This office works with 12 affiliated centers in federal agencies to address four priority areas: making community groups an integral part of our economic recovery; supporting women and children, addressing teenage pregnancy, and reducing the need for abortion; supporting fathers and encouraging responsible fatherhood; and fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Domestic Policy Council interns are assigned to a specific policy team or office. Interns complete daily substantive research projects on current policy and legislation. Interns write background briefings, policy memos, and fact sheets for senior policy staff. Interns collect and analyze news clips and track websites relevant to the team to which they report. Domestic Policy Council interns also assist with administrative functions, including responding to outside inquiries, managing meeting requests and invitations, assisting in the drafting of correspondence, and helping plan and organize logistics for meetings and events.

Domestic Policy Council interns come from a variety of backgrounds with many skill sets. Excellent writing, research, and interpersonal skills are essential. Previous policy experience and quantitative analysis experience are pluses. Candidates with organizing and outreach experience are also encouraged to apply.

"Working in the Domestic Policy Council has been a wonderful experience! We’ve been able to learn a lot about both the office and the workings of the DPC, work on the United We Serve initiative, and help with numerous civic engagement and social innovation-related projects. It’s a wonderful experience for anyone interested in both domestic policy, and particularly the various roles of government in working with multiple sectors of society, including communities, businesses, foundations, and, of course, government."

—Domestic Policy Council Intern

The White House Office of Health Reform

The White House Office of Health Reform provides leadership to the executive branch in its work with Congress to pass comprehensive health reform that controls rising health care costs, guarantees choice of doctor, and assures high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans. The White House Office of Health Reform also coordinates the executive branch activities on health reform with the American public, stakeholder groups, and state and local governments.

"The White House Office of Health Reform provides guidance to the executive branch as it works with Congress to enact comprehensive health reform. We coordinate the activities of the executive branch with stakeholder groups, state and local governments, and other federal government entities, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Management and Budget, the National Economic Council, and the Domestic Policy Council. As a student of health policy dedicated to helping to advance the reform process in any way that I can, it’s an amazing experience to be right in the middle of it all."

—Office of Health Reform Intern

The Office of Presidential Correspondence

Supporting the President’s effort to maintain a mutually beneficial dialogue with the American people, the Presidential Correspondence Office handles official correspondence on behalf of the President. From private citizens to civic organizations and elected officials, this office receives and responds to the spectrum of sundry letters the President receives. The Office of Presidential Correspondence drafts and produces presidential proclamations, messages, and greetings, and operates the White House Comment Line, which provides the President with rapid-fire feedback from the American people. Within Presidential Correspondence, the Gift Office documents and catalogues gifts sent to the First Family while the Agency Liaison Office works with constituents and federal agencies to facilitate a resolution to their problems. The office provides the President with daily samples of constituent mail to keep him apprised of the concerns and ideas of the American people.

"The Office of Presidential Correspondence responds to the thousands of letters, e-mail, and phone calls that President Obama receives every day. At the front lines of communication with citizens, this office provides interns with a unique view of the thoughts, hopes, and concerns of the American people."

—Office of Presidential Correspondence Intern

White House Fellows Office

The White House Fellows Office offers leaders who have excelled early in their careers first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the federal government. Interns in the White House Fellows office will help support the education program, which schedules high-level seminars with individuals including Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet Secretaries, senior White House officials, Members of Congress, military leaders, journalists, historians, business executives, and foreign heads of state. Interns will also support the Fellows selection process, which includes outreach and evaluation of potential fellows from across the country, and help with community service projects involving the Fellows class.

"Working with the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships is an amazing experience. Dedication, respect, and encouragement are the norm, and the consistent exertion of excellence by every employee inspires and challenges me to be worthy of representing this paradigm of excellence. It is where leaders come to be shaped, molded, honed, confronted, enlivened, and enlightened. We lead, we serve, and we love what we do."

—White House Fellows Office Intern

National Economic Council

The National Economic Council was established in 1993 to advise the President on U.S. and global economic policy. The National Economic Council has four principal functions: to coordinate policymaking for domestic and international economic issues, to coordinate economic policy advice for the President, to ensure that policy decisions and programs are consistent with the President's economic goals, and to monitor implementation of the President's economic policy agenda. The work of the National Economic Council covers various fields including healthcare, energy, housing, agriculture, commerce, financial markets, fiscal policy, labor, and Social Security. Interns will help with research, scheduling requests, administrative support, and meeting coordination. Interns will enjoy the opportunity to work closely with staff doing in-depth research and logistics.

"An internship at NEC provided me the opportunity to research a variety of issues, ranging from finance to education. I also organized and attended policy meetings and was able to interact with staff from different departments. Interns get a lot of responsibility and learn a lot from the experience."

—National Economic Council Intern

The White House Office of Presidential Personnel

The Office of Presidential Personnel oversees the selection process for Presidential appointments. Presidential Personnel staff members work to recruit qualified candidates to serve the President in departments and agencies across the government. Interns in Presidential Personnel will work with staff to respond to candidates, communicate with departments and agencies on personnel matters, and ensure that the personnel priorities of the administration are being addressed. Long-term projects will involve recruiting and researching potential candidates.

"At Presidential Personnel, we help with analyzing different executive-department posts, searching for appropriate candidates, and triple-checking that our choices reflect the highest standards of ethics and aptitude. We extend the President’s priorities through the executive branch and help to ensure that his agenda is executed effectively and honorably."

—Office of Presidential Personnel Intern

Office of the Vice President

Each of the departments housed within the Office of the Vice President supports the Vice President’s work as an advisor to the President, a diplomat, and the President of the Senate. The Office of the Vice President maintains solid relationships with the members of the United States Congress to promote the administration’s legislative priorities on Capitol Hill. The Office of the Vice President also develops policy options on a wide range of issues from foreign policy and national security to economic recovery and housing. Additionally, the Office of the Vice President handles all of the Vice President’s correspondences, speechwriting, events, scheduling, and travel.

Office of the Vice President Departments: 

• Office of Dr. Biden in the Office of the Vice President
• The Office of the Counsel to the Vice President
• National Security Affairs in the Office of the Vice President
• The Vice President's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
• Communications Office in the Office of the Vice President
• Advance Office for the Vice President
• Department of Legislative Affairs in the Office of the Vice President
• The Office of Scheduling for the Vice President
• Economic Policy Department in the Office of the Vice President
• Domestic Policy Department in the Office of the Vice President
• Office of Administration in the Office of the Vice President
• Office of the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice President

"As our nation is going through economic hardships, it’s fascinating to know the news before it becomes the news. Working in Vice President Biden’s Economic Policy Office, I get a chance to look from the inside-out rather than the outside-in about the Recovery Act and the Middle Class Task Force. Every task is a learning experience from the small to the more substantial."

—Office of the Vice President Intern