Higher Education Intern

Higher Education Intern - Spring 2026  

Washington, DC | In-Person 

Every year, students from across the country come to Washington, DC, to experience the city’s dynamic environment of policy, research, and advocacy. A semester in DC can significantly shape a student's career path in fields such as higher education, public service, government relations, consulting, and more. 

McAllister & Quinn is a government relations and grants consulting firm located in the heart of DC. We collaborate closely with colleges, universities, research institutions, healthcare systems, nonprofits, and advanced technology organizations to identify strategic opportunities and secure transformative funding. Our work enables institutions to grow their research portfolios, expand academic programs, launch innovative initiatives, and strengthen the communities they serve. 

We are driven by our desire to create a positive impact. The grants and projects we help advance lead to better outcomes, open doors for students and faculty, and promote more equitable opportunities across the country. Our internship program is designed to introduce students to this important work and the vibrant world of higher education consulting. 

About the Internship 

The M&Q Higher Education Internship offers students a firsthand look at the federal grants landscape and the broader higher education policy environment. Interns gain experience researching federal agency priorities, reviewing funding opportunities, supporting client-focused projects, and learning how a consulting practice operates day-to-day.  
 
This is a paid hourly internship based in our Washington, DC office. The internship runs January - May 2026, with some flexibility based on academic calendars. 

Schedule & Structure 

• Interns work 24–32 hours per week. 
• In-person attendance is required Tuesday–Thursday, 8:30am–5:30pm. 
  (Optional in-person availability on Monday or Friday.) 
• We are happy to work with universities to support academic credit requirements. 
• Interns are responsible for securing their own housing. 

Key Responsibilities 

The intern will work both within the Higher Education practice on targeted initiatives and deliverables, as well as for the firm with administrative tasks. 

Higher Education tasks may include: 

• Research federal agency priorities, higher education trends, and client-specific issue areas. 
• Identify and evaluate federal and foundation funding opportunities that align with client needs. 
• Review historical grant award data and analyze competitive landscapes. 
• Attend federal agency briefings or webinars and summarize key insights for the team. 
• Support the development of client-ready materials, including opportunity summaries, briefing notes, tracking tools, and research briefs. 
• Assist with internal resource development and knowledge-management projects for the practice. 

While the internship is primarily Higher Ed–focused, interns provide the following routine office support: 

• Assisting with team-wide meetings or multi-day retreats. 
• Greeting visitors or supporting front-office logistics. 
• Managing incoming/outgoing mail and maintaining office supplies. 
• Maintaining a professional and organized office environment. 

These tasks help interns understand how a consulting firm functions day-to-day and ensure a well-rounded experience. 

Consulting and Office Culture 

Interns will gain insight into the operations of a consulting firm, focusing on client service interactions and the overall culture of a consulting firm with over 100 employees, operating in a hybrid remote and in-person environment. They will assist in developing internal team resources and infrastructure to support various client service models. Interns will receive guidance and direct feedback on the importance of communication skills, virtual communication etiquette, professionalism, networking, and other essential factors for success in an office setting. 

Professional Development 

Interns have the opportunity to engage in various learning sessions hosted by M&Q, featuring speakers and professionals from the fields of public policy, higher education, and federal funding. Additionally, each intern is paired with a dedicated M&Q mentor who provides guidance on several key areas, including: 

• Career development 
• Networking 
• Resume reviews 
• Exploring opportunities in higher education, consulting, and public policy 

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, proactive, and eager to learn in a fast-paced consulting environment. 

Required / Preferred Qualifications 

• Strong preference for recent bachelor’s degree graduates or students completing their final undergraduate semester (May 2026 graduates). 
• Demonstrated interest in higher education, federal agencies, grants, public policy, or research. 
• Experience with federal grant programs is a plus. 
• Prior office or professional experience is beneficial. 
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with Adobe is preferred. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to synthesize complex information clearly. 
• Organized, adaptable, and comfortable managing both short-term tasks and longer-term research assignments. 

Our Culture 

At McAllister & Quinn, we are committed to fostering an environment where our team members feel valued, supported, and connected to meaningful work. We believe that bringing together diverse perspectives strengthens our client service and fuels innovation. Our internship program reflects these values and offers students a unique opportunity to develop skills that extend well beyond the semester.