Public Affairs Fellowship - Winter/Spring '26

APCO—a leading global advocacy and advisory firm—is hiring a Graduate Fellow for its Public Affairs practice.  We are looking for individuals with strong expertise and interest in public affairs, policy and regulation, stakeholder positions, project management and client service. 

APCO’s Public Affairs team helps clients anticipate and navigate today’s most complex and rapidly evolving policy challenges. Drawing on decades of experience across Congress, the Executive Branch, and state legislatures, we deliver strategic insights, policy analysis, and tailored engagement plans that drive meaningful impact.

You will participate in high-stakes client projects, supporting key business relationships, developing and supporting client and internal deliverables, and participate in a diverse, multinational team.

Our full-time, paid Graduate Fellowship is designed for individuals in their final semester or recent graduates of a master’s program. Fellows are treated as professional staff, participate in client meetings and actively contribute ideas, and support the overall management and growth of client work and the firm.

This fellowship will be based in APCO's Washington D.C. office. 

Responsibilities:

• Monitor and research policies and news related to public affairs 
• Assist in drafting analytical pieces on current events, congressional developments, and business trends
• Identify relevant stakeholders and potential influencers 
• Actively participate in brainstorming and team discussions
• Support new business and market-level research 
• Other similar duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• A demonstrated interest in communications, journalism, and/or political science
• Comfort in a fast-paced environment collaborating with a distributed team
• Excellent written and oral communication and research skills
• Entrepreneurial with strong critical thinking abilities
• Organized and attentive to detail
• Able to multi-task and approach assignments independently
• Strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite
• Available to work 40 hours per week
• Requires US Work Authorization, unable to consider candidates with OPT/Post-OPT status

What are the core working hours and will I need to be in an office? 

Our fellows work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. 

We are committed to a hybrid and flexible working environment, and there may be days that you wish to work from home and days that we come together so that you get to explore more of our culture and meet other colleagues. You will be provided with a company laptop so that you are able to work from home and in the office easily.

• Compensation: This is a paid fellowship at a fixed hourly rate of $24.04.
• When is the closing date for applications? 
• Applications will close on Friday, October 10th. 
• When does the fellowship commence? 
• Our program begins on Monday, January 12th and ends on Friday, May 15th 2025.  

Careers At Apco

With our commitment to recruit, hire, promote and retain people who reflect the diverse communities in which we operate, APCO Worldwide ensures our teams bring the best possible expertise and diverse perspectives to our clients. We embrace diversity of identity, experience and thought, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law.

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About Apco

APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact.  

Founded in 1984, with one woman’s vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world. 

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political and societal issues.  

APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation and global solutions services.  

APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients’ interests and permission to operate, build their reputation and strengthen their standing. APCO’s integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact. 

By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made.