Education Policy Intern

Sallie Mae is proud to help Americans aspiring to create the life they want--whether that means helping them make college happen, or something more. Our colleagues across departments and across the country are united in our passion and our customer-first approach. Whether you want to join a growing company, be part of an agile workforce, or gain new skills--you're in the right place.

Program Overview:  

The Sallie Mae Internship program seeks to attract and develop exceptional early talent while adding value to our organization. Our goal is to tie academic learning into a practical business setting while fostering professional and personal growth within a student’s area of focus.  

Over the course of the semester, interns will gain exposure to senior leaders, attend meetings, work alongside mentors, and receive valuable performance feedback. 

What You'll Contribute:

The Education Policy Intern will support the Legal, Government Affairs, and Corporate Communications Departments on various initiatives and projects.  The Intern will be tasked with organizing and supporting new and existing primary research performed by Sallie Mae relating to higher education.

What You'll Do:

Higher Education Policy Support

Assist the Government Affairs and Corporate Communications departments in establishing an online policy resource for research and advocacy work relating to higher education financing topics.

Research studies on issues of significance in higher education policy, financial aid, and student lending.

Perform analysis and reporting on emerging issues such as college access, affordability, and completion.

Research legislative and regulatory developments impacting postsecondary education.

Conduct analyses and develop recommendations to address higher education challenges and opportunities.

Internal Communications Support

Assist team with drafting, proofing, and editing content for internal newsletters and company’s Intranet.

Research best practices for internal communications and tools/platforms used to measure success.

Assist with monitoring and measuring the impact and effectiveness of messaging and communications strategies.

External Communications Support

Assist team with drafting and reviewing social copy and news releases highlighting Sallie Mae as an education solutions company.

Help with monitoring and analyzing media trends related to higher education and personal finance.

Research and identify trends surrounding higher education and student lending to support government relations and public policy initiatives.

The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job; it is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this role.

What You Have

Minimum education, skills and experience required.

Education:

Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university

Open to rising Juniors and Seniors

Pursuing a degree in Communications, Creative Writing, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, or similar fields of study

Maintains a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Experience:

Available to work up to 40 hours per week between 6/02/25 and 8/22/2025 – Summer

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong oral/written communication skills

Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills with individuals at all levels.

Excellent administrative skills including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and web-based applications.

Strong follow through and multi-tasking skills, and attention to detail.

Graphic design and multimedia skills desired, not required

Demonstrated interest in public policy, with an emphasis on education

Local candidates required (hybrid)