Internships and youth programs

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. Internships start at $21/hour. In addition to paid work experience, the county offers career exploration, developmental workshops, networking, and mentoring opportunities.

Internship eligibility

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 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 $21.50.
  • Employee Career Center (ECC): The ECC offers 1-on-1 meetings and workshops focused on your professional growth.
  • Earned sick and safe time (ESST).
  • Online learning: Explore a variety of free trainings and development opportunities in our learning catalog, from leadership theory to business writing. 
  • Intern workshops: The county encourages all interns to participate in career exploration and skill building workshops.
  • Informational interviews: With 10,000+ individuals in 50+ departments to connect with, learn about another employee’s career pathway.
  • Hennepin County Intern Network: Get updated on job alerts, career building tips, networking opportunities, and engage with other interns in the LinkedIn group.

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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.

Apply to Hennepin County Internships

Hennepin County's 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!

Face-To-Face