Hennepin County hosts paid internships year-round in over 50 departments. Students gain valuable work experience with Minnesota's largest county. Internships start at $21/hour. In addition to paid work experience, the county offers career exploration, developmental workshops, networking, and mentoring opportunities.
Internships are designed to provide work experience that meets the department's needs and complements the student's educational program.
Interns must be currently enrolled (or a recent graduate within six months) in a high school or GED program, college, working towards a diploma, degree or technical/vocational certificate.
International StudentsHennepin County can hire student interns currently enrolled (or a recent graduate within six months) who require Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). All paperwork and eligibility requirements regarding CPT and OPT is the student's responsibility.
Note: Hennepin County cannot hire students with a 24-Month STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) OPT.
Learn more
Community partner summer internship programs
Hennepin County partners with Achieve Twin Cities and the cities of Minneapolis, Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park to offer youth ages 14-24 summer internship opportunities.
These programs offer skill building and professional development training, work readiness coaching, resume-building work experience, and opportunities to grow a professional network.
Learn more and apply
Achieve Twin Cities
Achieve college internships
Step Up
Brooklyn Center & Brooklyn Park
BrookLynk
City of Minneapolis
Urban Scholars
Graduate Fellowship Program
Hennepin County Graduate Fellows is a yearlong internship program for masters and doctoral students. Students have the opportunity to learn practical applications to supplement their educational program. Applications will open in March 2024.
Hear from Hennepin County interns
Apply to Hennepin County Internships
Learn about the Face-To-Face program
Calling all teens! High school students can learn about career paths in Hennepin County from professionals of color. Face-To-Face connects students with professionals of color to expand their career horizons and build a more equitable future through internships, summer jobs, career counseling, training programs and more. Hennepin County staff are solving interesting and important problems for our community, and you could, too!
