Internships
The Hennepin internship experience
Hennepin County hosts paid internships year-round in over 50 departments. Students gain valuable work experience with Minnesota's largest county. In addition to paid work experience, the county offers career exploration, developmental workshops, networking, and mentoring opportunities.
Internship eligibility
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 Students: Hennepin 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.
Why intern with us?
Your time at Hennepin County is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to develop your skills, explore different career paths, and network with industry professionals.
Benefits and resources:
- Earn a competitive wage: all paid interns’ minimum wage at Hennepin County is $22.00.
- Hennepin County's Employee Career Center offers interns one-on-one career conversations and classes focused on professional growth.
- Earned sick and safe time (ESST).
- Intern workshops focusing on Strengths Finders, resume building, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and professional development.
- Career exploration and informational interviews: Connect with employees and learn about their department and the work they do.
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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
Brooklyn Center & Brooklyn Park
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.
Hear from Hennepin County interns
Apply to Hennepin County Internships