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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)

Public Affairs Specialist - Internship

Internship All branches

Website provided by the program.

At a glance

Open to
All branches
Format
Online
Length
151 - 180 days
Locations
Online

About the program

The ATF Public Affairs Specialist internship is a professional development program within the office of Public and Governmental Affairs. Designed for transitioning service members with strong communications backgrounds, the program provides hands‑on experience in senior‑level written communications, media relations, and long‑form multimedia production. Interns learn ATF’s communications mission, support the drafting of authoritative products for senior officials, and participate in documentary‑style production planning and field activities with vetted media partners. The internship culminates with portfolio development, federal career pathway guidance, and a final assessment but does not guarantee employment.

Jobs this program prepares you for

The Public Affairs Specialist supports ATF’s communications mission by producing written materials, assisting multimedia and long-form production activities, and coordinating cross-platform content under supervision. Responsibilities include researching and drafting talking points, read-aheads, newsletter articles, op-eds, speeches, and other high‑visibility written products in alignment with AP Style and ATF editorial standards. The intern assists with multimedia production planning, including pre-production logistics, interview preparation, field shoot support, and post-production asset management. Additional duties include developing media pitches, supporting content placement strategies, and participating in the full lifecycle of written and visual communications products.

Eligibility & prerequisites

• DINFOS graduates preferred.• Minimum 5 years of journalistic or multimedia experience preferred.• Strong research skills and attention to detail preferred.

Locations & contacts

How to apply

  1. Contact the provider using the website or email above. Ask about openings, start dates, and the application.
  2. Confirm eligibility. SkillBridge is generally for service members within 180 days of separation who have their command's approval.
  3. Get your unit commander's authorization following your branch's SkillBridge process. Start early; approvals take time.
  4. Read reviews from past participants on Rate My SkillBridge.

Policy details: official DoW SkillBridge site · our FAQ