Government Relations Intern
Content + Source + Freshness • 13 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
Solid internship opportunity with a focus on government relations and public policy. Good for those interested in politics, but less suited for those without relevant academic backgrounds.
- Engage in political and agricultural advocacy.
- Gain hands-on experience in public policy.
- May involve extensive research and administrative tasks.
Pros
- Engagement with agricultural policy and government advocacy.
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders.
- Hands-on experience in legislative processes.
Cons
- May require extensive research and administrative work.
- Possibility of low pay compared to industry standards.
- Internship roles may evade full-time opportunities.
Who it's for
Undergraduate/Entry-level • Hybrid/Remote
Good fit
- Undergraduates interested in government and agriculture.
- Individuals passionate about public policy.
- Candidates looking to build a career in advocacy.
Not recommended for
- Those uninterested in political processes.
- Candidates seeking technical or finance-based internships.
- Individuals who prefer structured corporate environments.
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
Government Relations Intern
When you intern at Land O’Lakes, you're joining a Fortune 250 agribusiness and food production leader with more than 100 years of operations as a farmer-and member-owned cooperative. With business units spanning crop insight and inputs, animal nutrition, dairy foods, and sustainability solutions, you will get a hands-on, purpose-driven internship experience.
You’ll have opportunities to network with industry leaders, view our state-of-the-art facilities, and be challenged with a business-critical project, all while gaining the skills necessary to be successful as you continue your career trajectory. Launch your career with us by applying to an internship with one of the nation’s most well-known cooperatives.
The Land O’Lakes Government Relations team works on behalf of our business and member-owners to develop policy, advocate for the cooperative, and build relationships to achieve results.
Position Purpose
The Government Relations Intern will work with the Land O’Lakes Government Relations team to prepare for and carry out public policy strategy. The Government Relations intern will assist the team in issue research, memo development, stakeholder mapping, meeting preparation, and more.
This position provides opportunities to participate in meetings with key stakeholders, legislative meetings, trade association meetings/events, and advocacy events. This individual will report to the Manager of State Government Affairs and have significant involvement with the entire government relations team and other key corporate functions.
Some likely projects include: preparing materials and attending trade association fly-ins with Land O’Lakes member-owners and staff, monitoring government policies and proposals at the state and federal levels, updating grassroots management systems, drafting issue and hearing summaries, and working to coordinate in-district events.
Other duties as assigned will include participation in other political and legislative events and learning opportunities.
Internship Schedule & Location
This internship will run part-time from January through May and transition to full-time during the summer.
January–May: Virtual, or hybrid format (Arden Hills, MN or Washington, D.C.)
Summer: In-person in Washington, D.C. (Candidates may be eligible for relocation assistance)
Required qualifications:
Currently pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree in Political Science, Communications, Business, Economics, Pre-Law, or a related field.
Demonstrated interest in politics, government, public policy, communications, and agriculture.
General knowledge and awareness of government processes and current affairs.
Interest in food and agriculture industry issues.
Strong business writing and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Compensation: $23/hr
About Land O'Lakes, Inc.
Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.
Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).
Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.
