The Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) Internship Program helps students from the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences obtain policy-related internships in Washington, D.C.; Austin, Texas; an internationally with the FAO. Students may engage in internships in a variety of settings which match their academic goals.
ANRP interns are expected to work full-time at their internship placement within our program. During their internship, students learn new skills unique to their field, gain valuable inside knowledge about their professional future, and meet the people who will someday become their co-workers and professional network.
Washington, DC
Spending a semester in our nation’s capital is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where students learn new skills and create professional networks. ANRP interns can explore their future career path and fulfill their potential, all while enjoying everything the East Coast has to offer.
If your schedule allows, consider a full semester DC internship rather than summer. A fall or spring internship in DC has the added benefits of a smaller intern pool and more congressional sessions, plus game watching events with the DC Aggie Club.
- Program Details
- Eligibility
- Working in Washington, DC
- Living in Washington, DC
- Training and Support
- Hosting Offices
- Internship duration: Fall/Spring Semester (15 weeks) or Summer (10 weeks)
- Semesters available: Fall, Spring, or Summer
- Tuition and Fees: $75 co-op fee plus semester tuition, if applicable
- Stipend: $500 monthly stipend provided by hosting office.
- Housing: Housing and basic utilities are provided to ANRP interns participating in the Washington, D.C. program. These intern apartments are located in Crystal City (Arlington, Virginia). All D.C. interns are responsible for providing a housing fee of $350.
- Health Insurance: All ANRP interns are required to possess valid health insurance for the duration of the internship semester.
All ANRP interns are required to enroll in the program’s AGLS 492 course during the internship semester and complete the course assignments via Canvas. AGLS 492 is a university-approved co-op that allows for variable credit (0-3 hours). Students should work with their academic departments to determine how many hours for AGLS 492 are the most appropriate for their individual degree plans.
A day in the life of an intern in Washington, D.C., ranges from answering phones and making copies, to attending hearings and briefings, to working directly with a member of Congress on an issue. From day to day, week to week, your role can fluctuate with the changing demands of office staff and congressional objectives.
Possible Legislative Duties:
- Attend hearings and briefings.
- Track current legislation.
- Research agricultural/natural resources and/or other public policy issues.
- Draft policy briefs and write issue memos for office staff.
- Sit in on meetings with special interest groups, constituents, and the congressperson.
- Give staff weekly updates on agricultural/natural resources or other assigned issues.
Possible Office Duties:
- Receive and reply to public inquiries.
- Interact with and serve office visitors.
- Give tours of the Capitol Building.
- Compile and distribute important office documents/briefings.
- Work with individual staff members on projects.
- Track phone calls, emails, and office visits.
- Assist in editing correspondence and press releases.
- Draft and send issue letters to constituents.
- Complete other basic administrative duties.
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for an ANRP internship in Washington, D.C.:
- Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18-years-old; permanent residents are not eligible for this program.
- Must be classified as a degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at Texas A&M University.
- Must have a cumulative college GPR of 2.5. First-semester freshmen are not eligible to apply.
- Must be in good-standing with Texas A&M University, pursuant to the university’s Academic and Student Life rules.
- Must obtain valid health insurance for the duration of the internship.
- Must be able to attend all in-person pre-departure events held in College Station.
Graduating seniors are allowed to participate in the Washington, D.C. program during the long semester after they graduate. For example, December graduates can participate the following spring, August graduates can participate the following fall, and May graduates can participate the following summer or fall. Interested graduating seniors should contact the ANRP staff for more information. Affected students will be classified as U5 “post-baccalaureate undergraduate” during the internship semester.
Graduate and/or professional students cannot intern with ANRP after graduation.
All ANRP interns in Washington, DC live in fully-furnished apartments just a short 20-25 minute Metro ride to Capitol Hill. Interns are housed in 3 bedroom apartments, typically 2 students per bedroom. Each apartment is a massive 1,700 square feet with a balcony.
All apartments include:
- Pots, pans, and kitchen utensils
- Kitchen appliances
- Front desk/concierge service
- On-site program staff
- In-unit washer and dryer
- Apartment balcony
- 24-hour fitness center
- Accessible walking/running trails
- Walkable to the Metro (subway system)
- Garage parking
Washington, DC is conveniently located close to other major cities on the East Coast, like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York City.
Students accepted into ANRP must attend all training sessions and pre-departure events in College Station. There are typically once a month required weeknight trainings the semester before departure that include sessions and activities with several Texas A&M administrators and special guests.
Before leaving campus:
- Meet the other Aggie interns in your cohort, get to know the program staff, and receive help in preparing for your internship.
- Participate in training sessions with program staff, campus administrators, and other knowledgeable speakers to learn about what to expect in and out of a professional office environment.
- Work with program staff to enhance your cover letter and resume, and to prepare for the final interview at your internship site.
Once in your internship:
- Participate in guest speaker events and connect with the Aggie Network to learn more about how to make the most of your internship semester.
- Attend check-in meetings with the program staff throughout the semester.
Following your internship:
- Interns who return to campus have many opportunities to share their experience with other students at Texas A&M University at career fairs and other social events. Former interns also assist with recruiting efforts.
- Interns who move on to take a job in D.C. or elsewhere, or go on to professional school, can still rely on the ANRP network as a valuable resource.
The ANRP Internship Program is privileged to have the support of many offices and organizations around the Washington, DC area. Below is a list of recent placements highlighting offices we’ve historically partnered with. These are not the only opportunities available—students selected for the program may apply to any Washington, D.C. internships that align with their interests.
- American Seed Trade Association
- Farm Credit Bank of Texas
- Global Cold Chain Alliance
- National Association of State Departments of Agriculture – International Trade Programs
- National Association of State Departments of Agriculture – Policy Team
- National Association of Wheat Growers
- National Cattleman’s Beef Association / Public Lands Council
- National Council of Farmers Cooperatives
- National Farmers Union
- National Milk Producers Federation
- Texas A&M University System – AgriLife Federal Relations
- The Fertilizer Institute
- U.S.A. Rice Federation
- U.S. Beet Sugar Association
- U.S. Senator Ted Cruz
- U.S. Senator John Cornyn
- Congressman Jodey Arrington
- Congressman Brian Babin
- Congressman John Carter
- Congressman Michael Cloud
- Congressman Dan Crenshaw
- Congressman Henry Cuellar
- Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz
- Congressman Jake Ellzey
- Congressman Tony Gonzales
- Congressman Vicente Gonzalez
- Congressman Al Green
- Congressman Ronny Jackson
- Congresswoman Julie Johnson
- Congressman Morgan Luttrell
- Congressman Michael McCaul
- Congressman Nathaniel Moran
- Congressman Troy Nehls
- Congressman August Pfluger
- Congressman Chip Roy
- Congressman Keith Self
- Congressman Pete Sessions
- Congressman Randy Weber
- House Ag Committee – majority and minority offices
Austin, TX
Living and working in Austin, Texas, is a unique, educational, and fun experience that is only offered when the Texas State Legislature is in session, spring of odd years.
As an ANRP intern, you can count on acquiring a set of transferable skills in the dynamic work environment of Texas policy making. Interning in our state capitol or a state agency is sure to be an exciting semester that will change your life, focus your career goals, and build your professional network.
- Program Details
- Eligibility
- Working in Austin
- Living in Austin
- Training and Support
- Internship duration: 140-day Texas Legislative session (early January through late May)
- Semesters available: Spring of odd years during the Texas Legislative Session
- Tuition and Fees: $75 co-op fee plus semester tuition, if applicable
- Stipend: $1000 monthly stipend provided by hosting office during the legislative session
- Housing: Housing is not provided
- Health Insurance: All ANRP interns are required to possess valid health insurance for the duration of the internship semester.
All ANRP interns are required to enroll in the program’s AGLS 492 course during the internship semester and complete the course assignments via Canvas. AGLS 492 is a university-approved co-op that allows for variable credit (0-3 hours). Students should work with their academic departments to determine how many hours for AGLS 492 are the most appropriate for their individual degree plans.
ANRP interns in Austin will gain an understanding of how policy affects absolutely everything. Every day is a learning experience and a chance to help shape the direction of Texas. From day to day, week to week, your role can fluctuate with the changing demands of office staff and legislative objectives.
Potential hosting offices for our Austin program change each legislative session. Interns can pursue positions with the current members of the Texas Senate or the current members of the Texas House.
Possible Legislative Duties:
- Attend hearings and briefings.
- Track and assist with current legislation.
- Work with legislative committees.
- Research public policy issues.
- Draft policy briefs and issue memos for office staff.
- Sit in on meetings with special interest. groups, constituents, and legislators.
- Give weekly updates on public policy issues to supervisors.
Possible Office Duties:
- Receive and reply to public inquiries.
- Interact with and serve office visitors.
- Compile and distribute important office documents/briefings.
- Work with individual staff members on projects.
- Track and respond to constituent phone calls, emails, and office visits.
- Assist in editing correspondence and press releases.
- Draft and send issue letters to constituents.
- Complete other basic administrative duties.
Applicants for the Austin, Texas program must be able to serve the entire 140-day Texas Legislative session (early January through late May), which exceeds the Texas A&M spring semester. Applicants must also meet all of the following criteria for this program location:
- Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18-years-old; permanent residents are not eligible for this program.
- Must be classified as a degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at Texas A&M University.
- Must have a cumulative college GPR of 2.5. First-semester freshmen are not eligible to apply.
- Must be in good-standing with Texas A&M University, pursuant to the university’s Academic and Student Life rules.
- Must obtain valid health insurance for the duration of the internship.
- Must be able to attend all in-person pre-departure events held in College Station.
Seniors that graduate in December are allowed to participate in the Austin, Texas program the following spring. Affected students will be classified as U5 “post-baccalaureate undergraduate” during the internship semester.
Graduate and/or professional students cannot intern with ANRP after graduation.
Austin interns not only benefit from gaining professional work experience, but also have the unique opportunity to live in our state capital! An exciting and unique city, Austin is known for its rich culture, originality, and innovative spirit.
Students accepted into ANRP must attend all training sessions and pre-departure events in College Station. There are typically once a month required weeknight trainings the semester before departure that include sessions and activities with several Texas A&M administrators and special guests.
Before leaving campus:
- Meet the other Aggie interns in your cohort, get to know the program staff, and receive help in preparing for your internship.
- Participate in training sessions with program staff, campus administrators, and other knowledgeable speakers to learn about what to expect in and out of a professional office environment.
- Work with program staff to enhance your cover letter and resume, and to prepare for the final interview at your internship site.
Once in your internship:
- Participate in guest speaker events and connect with the Aggie Network to learn more about how to make the most of your internship semester.
- Attend check-in meetings with the program staff throughout the semester.
Following your internship:
- Interns who return to campus have many opportunities to share their experience with other students at Texas A&M University at career fairs and other social events. Former interns also assist with recruiting efforts.
- Interns who move on to take a job in Austin or elsewhere, or go on to professional school, can still rely on the ANRP network as a valuable resource.
International Placements
Each semester, one student from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is chosen to intern internationally with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
FAO is a specialized Agency of the United Nations system, with a vision for a world free from hunger and malnutrition.
The selected student will work closely with program staff in securing an internship with the FAO that aligns with their career interests.
- Program Details
- Eligibility
- Working with the FAO
- Living Abroad
- Training and Support
- Internship duration: 6-month contract, which exceeds the Texas A&M semester
- Semesters available: Fall, Spring, or Summer
- Tuition and Fees: $75 co-op fee plus semester tuition, if applicable
- Stipend: $2500 program scholarship (Fall or Spring), $2000 program scholarship (Summer)
- Housing: Housing is not provided
- Health Insurance: All ANRP interns are required to possess valid health insurance for the duration of the internship semester.
All ANRP interns are required to enroll in the program’s AGLS 492 course during the internship semester and complete the course assignments via Canvas. AGLS 492 is a university-approved co-op that allows for variable credit (1-3 hours). Students should work with their academic departments to determine how many hours for AGLS 492 are the most appropriate for their individual degree plans.
As an intern for the FAO students will be privileged to meetings of heads of states, handling confidential information, and doing work that impacts other humans’ daily lives. FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy is located across from Circo Massimo (Circis Maximus), next to the Palantino (Palatine Hill) and Colosseo (Coliseum). With this location, FAO interns find themselves in the middle of the action! From the top level of FAO one can see several landmarks including the Vatican.
ANRP interns are typically assigned to an FAO officer and assist with a particular project during their semester in Rome. Typical intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Collecting background literature and cases studies.
- Attending daily briefings on disease intelligence.
- Assisting with the preparation of guidelines and project proposals.
The program cannot guarantee selection into the FAO division of choice as this is entirely up to the hosting organization. Applicants should review the FAO website prior to beginning their application and articulate specific interest areas in their application materials as they relate to the type of work th
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for an ANRP internship with the Food & Agricluture Organization (FAO):
- Must be willing to accept a 6-month contract with the FAO, which exceeds the Texas A&M semester
- Must be classified as a degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, including the College Station and McAllen campuses.
- Must be aged between 21 and 30 years at time of application to ANRP and FAO. FAO will consider candidates aged 30 who turn 31 during the internship semester.
- Must be a national of a FAO member country & able to legally travel from and to the United States.
- Must have a working knowledge of at least one FAO official language (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian). Knowledge of a second FAO official language will be considered an asset.
- Cannot be an immediate family member of an individual employed by FAO under any type of contract.
- Must have a cumulative college GPR of 3.0. First-semester freshmen are not eligible to apply.
- Must be in good-standing with Texas A&M University, pursuant to the university’s Academic and Student Life rules.
- Upon selection to ANRP, the student must register with the Education Abroad Office and must obtain valid CISI health insurance for the duration of the internship.
- Upon selection to ANRP, the student must possess a valid U.S. passport (or passport from their home country if an international student) that does not expire within six months after the conclusion of the internship semester. The student must also be able to acquire a visa for Italy. International students will have additional requirements through the International Student Services office.
- Must be able to attend all in-person pre-departure events held in College Station.
Rome is a beautiful, ancient city filled with people from all over the world. With a history that spans more than two and a half thousand years, Rome is certainly one of Europe’s most historical cities. From eating pizza and gelato while sitting at a street side table to exploring the Coliseum, ANRP interns are sure to have the time of their lives in The Eternal City.
With the highest concentration of historical and architectural riches in the world, Rome was certainly not built in one day! The city is broken up into 13 distinct districts, each with its own unique flare, and is comprised of a sophisticated transportation system, making it relatively easy to get around.
International housing is not provided by ANRP. Interns are responsible for securing their own housing for the duration of the internship.
Students accepted into ANRP must attend all training sessions and pre-departure events in College Station.
Before leaving campus:
- Attend multiple training sessions, meet the other Aggie interns in your cohort, get to know the program staff, and receive help in preparing for your internship.
- Receive housing advice passed down from former interns.
- Participate in training sessions with program staff and other guest speakers to learn about what to expect in and out of a professional office environment abroad.
Once abroad:
- Attend check-in meetings with the program staff throughout the semester.
- Utilize the Find an Aggie feature on The Association of Former Student’s website to connect with former students abroad and make the most of your internship semester.
Following your internship abroad:
- Interns who return to campus have many opportunities to share their experience with other students at Texas A&M University at career fairs and other social events. Former interns also assist with recruiting efforts.
- Interns who move on to take a job abroad or elsewhere, or go on to professional school, can still rely on the ANRP network as a valuable resource.
Intern Blog Posts
Read firsthand accounts from ANRP alumni about their daily lives as interns.
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The Secrets of NAWG
Have you ever wondered what its like to work at the National Association of Wheat Growers in Washington, D.C.? If so, let me be the…
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Guide to Your 6 to 9 after the 9 to 6
This is my best advice for making the most out of your time in Washington D.C., outside of work. Before coming, I was worried about…
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What You Should Know about Grocery Shopping in Washington, D.C.
Grocery shopping: an easy, simple task, right? In a large metropolitan area like Washington, D.C., not so much. Living on the fifth floor of a…
Become a Site Supervisor
We invite organizations and offices in Washington, D.C. and in Austin, Texas to consider becoming an internship site supervisor. This is a meaningful opportunity to share your knowledge with Aggie Interns in the ANRP Internship Program at Texas A&M University.
Internship opportunities are to be on-site (an intern physically works at your organization) experiences within public policy organizations based predominately in Washington, D.C. and Austin, Texas. The program does request that interns be compensated for their service to your office.
The site supervisor shall be someone in a professional position (e.g. a volunteer coordinator, office manager, archivist, etc.) at the internship site who is able to make commitments on behalf of the organization and who will work closely with the intern, providing sound, professional judgment and mentoring in the skill areas assigned. Both students and supervisors benefit from this mutual learning experience.
Program staff reserve the right to deny approval or revoke an approved site and their internship opportunity should they feel, at any time, that the professional qualifications of the site supervisor are not sufficient or the internship does not provide learning experiences at a professional level. Student feedback for sites and site supervisors is collected every semester and a review of sites is made as conditions warrant.
To become a site sponsor, contact [email protected].
Have a Question? Contact Us!
[email protected]
979-845-3712
600 John Kimbrough Blvd. Suite 515
College Station, TX 77843
Instagram: @tamupolicyinterns