How to apply for Public Affairs Intern

About Bantamcommunications

Bantamcommunications is a remote-first public affairs firm that focuses on renewable energy and progressive advocacy. The company emphasizes innovation, including the integration of AI tools, and offers interns hands-on experience across research, campaigns, and communications.

About the role

As a Public Affairs Intern, you'll support multiple teams (Research, Campaigns, Advocacy, Communications) by conducting stakeholder and policy research, drafting communications materials, and coordinating client tasks. This role offers a unique chance to contribute to meaningful projects in renewable energy and advocacy while developing core public affairs skills.

A typical day

A typical day might start with a team check-in via Slack or Zoom, then you'll dive into research on a policy issue or stakeholder, synthesize findings into a memo, and draft social media content for a campaign. You'll also update task trackers and coordinate with team members on deadlines, using AI tools to streamline research and drafting.

Who Bantamcommunications is looking for

• Has emerging experience in public affairs, campaigns, policy, or renewable energy – even if through academic projects or volunteering.
• Demonstrates strong writing skills with ability to draft memos, talking points, or social content (provide samples).
• Is highly organized and can juggle multiple tasks with remote coordination (mention tools like Asana or Trello).
• Actively uses AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) and is eager to adapt as technology evolves.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume to highlight research, writing, and organizational skills – use specific examples from coursework, internships, or volunteer work.
• In your cover letter, explicitly mention your comfort with AI tools and give an example of how you've used them to improve efficiency.
• Submit a writing sample (e.g., a memo, op-ed, or social media plan) that demonstrates your ability to communicate complex issues clearly.
• Research Bantamcommunications' recent campaigns or clients in renewable energy and reference them in your application.
• Since it's remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and communicate proactively across time zones.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your interest in public affairs and renewable energy, with specific mention of Bantamcommunications' work.", 'Your experience with research and drafting communications materials (memos, talking points, social content).', 'Your organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in a remote environment.', "Your openness to using AI tools and how you've leveraged them to enhance your work."]

Research before applying

• Review Bantamcommunications' website and blog to understand their recent campaigns and client work in renewable energy.
• Look up their team members on LinkedIn to see their backgrounds and areas of expertise.
• Research current policy debates in renewable energy (e.g., IRA implementation, state-level clean energy targets) to show informed interest.
• Check if they have any case studies or press releases about successful advocacy efforts.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Describe a time you conducted research on a policy issue or stakeholder. How did you gather and synthesize information?
• How would you prioritize tasks if you were supporting multiple teams with conflicting deadlines?
• Give an example of a communication piece you drafted (e.g., a memo or social post). What was your process?
• How have you used AI tools in your work or studies? Can you provide a specific example?
• Why are you interested in public affairs, and what do you know about Bantamcommunications' focus areas?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic application without mentioning the company's focus on renewable energy or AI tools.
• Failing to provide a writing sample or giving one that is irrelevant to public affairs (e.g., academic essay on unrelated topic).
• Overlooking the remote aspect – not demonstrating how you stay organized and communicate effectively without in-person supervision.