For nearly 90 years, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) has represented North America’s freight rail industry. We support the nation’s Class I railroads, Amtrak, commuter railroads, and short lines by advancing safety, efficiency, and service. In addition to advocating on legislative and regulatory issues, AAR develops industry standards, certifies railcar manufacturing and repair facilities, and audits compliance across the rail network. AAR’s subsidiaries extend that mission. MxV Rail, based in Pueblo, Colorado, is a global leader in rail research, testing, and innovation. Railinc, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, delivers the technology and data services that help power the freight rail industry.
About the Internship
This internship offers a unique opportunity to work alongside the team that represents the legislative and policy interests of North America’s freight rail industry. Interns gain hands-on experience in policy research, professional writing, stakeholder engagement, and the policymaking process. Whether you’re interested in government, public policy, transportation, or advocacy, you’ll build valuable professional connections through work with member railroads, industry events, and government offices. Many former interns have gone on to careers at leading law firms, federal agencies, graduate programs, and freight rail companies.
We’re a small but highly collaborative team looking for someone who brings curiosity, professionalism, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn. Interns work on meaningful projects across multiple business functions—including policy, economics, communications, and finance—and engage with a wide range of government stakeholders. This is not a coffee-run internship; it’s real work with real impact and an opportunity to help launch your career. You will work with the following Congressional Committees:
- House
- Agriculture
- Appropriations
- Energy and Commerce
- Homeland Security
- Transportation and Infrastructure
- Senate
- Agriculture
- Appropriations
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Environment and Public Works
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email their resume and cover letter to Emma McDowall at emcdowall@aar.org with the subject line “[Season] Internship Application – [Your Name].” Applications are accepted on a rolling basis:
Preferred Qualifications
- Undergraduates (preferably with at least 60 credit hours completed) working toward a degree in Political Science, Government, Communications or any Business-related field
- Knowledgeable in US government affairs.
- Outstanding attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Curiosity and strong desire to learn.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Eligibility Requirements & Program Information
- This internship is unpaid, but academic credit hours may be available.
- Must have the ability to work 30-40 hours/week. If you are a student or part of a program, we accommodate all class and development learning sessions that are typically included in such programs.
- Approximate Timelines: Winter Internships: September – December; Spring Internships: January – April
- Interns must be able to work on-site in Washington, D.C. and provide own housing and transportation.