Government Relations Internship

Apply today for valuable opportunity to develop government relations, political science and advocacy experience in the form of a paid internship with Wisconsin’s leading health care advocacy organization – the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA).

In 2025, Wisconsin hospital and health system leaders from across the state formed the WHA Eric Borgerding Advocacy Scholarship to recognize retiring President/CEO Eric Borgerding who spent nearly four decades in lobbying and advocacy, including 27 years lobbying on behalf of hospitals.

WHA is the state’s leading health care trade association, representing Wisconsin’s hospitals and health systems by advocating for the ability of our members to lead in providing high quality, affordable, and accessible health care services, contributing to healthier communities.

This exclusive opportunity, available to undergraduate students in Wisconsin, will pay $15 per hour with the opportunity to earn a $5,000 scholarship from the Wisconsin Hospital Association Foundation at the conclusion of the 15-week internship. The WHA Foundation created the WHA Eric Borgerding Advocacy Scholarship to “inspire the next generation of health care advocates and ensure a strong future for hospital policy leadership in Wisconsin.”

Internship Overview

WHA is seeking an aspiring professional to join its government relations department for a 15-week internship starting in early 2026. The selected intern will collaborate with WHA’s Government Relations team and other senior staff members to support WHA’s advocacy initiatives within state and federal government.

This role requires at least 5 hours per week onsite at WHA’s Fitchburg office, averaging 15 total hours weekly with both virtual and in-person work. If candidates have questions on this requirement, they should contact WHA’s Vice President Federal Affairs & Advocacy Jon Hoelter by calling our main office at (608) 274-1820.

Job Responsibilities

•Assist the government relations department with state or federal government advocacy work, including evaluating legislation, assisting with drafting legislation, the creation and distribution of materials, arranging meetings, etc.

•Researching topics related to WHA’s advocacy work.

•Assisting with writing letters, memos, newsletter articles, legislative testimony, etc.

•Analyzing legislative proposals and state/federal regulations.

•Participate in meetings with lawmakers and attend committee hearings.

Internal / External Contacts

This position will have regular internal WHA staff contacts and may communicate with external stakeholders, including WHA members and public policymakers. The position represents WHA in coordinating meetings and is to treat all external and internal stakeholders professionally as a representative of WHA.

Knowledge & Experience

This position requires a student currently enrolled in higher education and proficiency in Office 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint.

This candidate should possess:

• quick and accurate typing/word processing skills.

• strong computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and databases. Experience with Canva is a plus.

• excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills.

• ability to prioritize.

• good organizational skills.

• the proper rules of grammar, spelling and punctuation; and

• functional understanding and/or willingness to learn political and government processes.

Working Conditions

•This position works in a business environment.

•The individual must be able to work in-person at WHA for a minimum of 5 hours per week.

•The ability to lift 20 – 50 lbs.

•The ability to sit for periods of 1 –2 hours.

•The ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Scholarship Opportunity

Following the conclusion of the internship, the participant may be eligible for an award of up to $5,000 at the discretion of the WHA Foundation.