A federal government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass a budget or a continuing resolution to fund government operations. Unfortunately, it appears likely that a shutdown will occur on October 1.

Status of Your Internship:

During a government shutdown, many federal agencies and departments will experience reduced operations or temporary closures. This can impact the ability of interns to work either on-site or remotely.

Your specific federal internship office or supervisor can provide guidance on how the shutdown may affect your role and responsibilities. Please stay in close communication with them for updates before the shutdown.

Compensation and Benefits:

Interns' compensation and benefits during a government shutdown may vary depending on your agency, program, and employment status (paid or unpaid).

Some interns may be designated as essential personnel and could continue working without interruption, while others will not be able to work, which could result in a temporary halt to your internship activities and impact your pay. If your internship is paid, you should plan for potential delays in receiving your paycheck during and after a shutdown. It is unlikely that paid interns will receive backpay for work missed during a shutdown. Consult with your agency's Human Resources or Internship Coordinator for information regarding your compensation and benefits during and after a shutdown.

If you are receiving academic credit for your internship:

Speak with the faculty member who is teaching your internship course as soon as possible to discuss options during the shutdown.  If the shutdown is short, you should be able to complete your required hours during the remaining weeks of the semester. Government shutdowns are typically of short duration, and you may be asked to adjust your schedule or duties accordingly. Your faculty supervisor will determine if alternative academic assignments can be substituted for work missed due to a shutdown so that you can receive credit without interruption, especially if the shutdown continues for a prolonged period of time.

Stay Informed:

Keep yourself informed about the latest developments regarding the government shutdown through official government websites, and agency communications. During the shutdown your on-site internship supervisor will most likely not be able to communicate through work channels if they are impacted by the shutdown.  

To understand the specific shutdown contingency plans of your agency and how they apply to your internship, speak with your on-site supervisor.  We understand that this situation can be concerning, and we will do our best to support you throughout the government shutdown. Please reach out to your internship supervisor or your career advisor if you have any questions or need additional guidance.

We all hope for a swift resolution to the funding issue and a minimal impact on your internship experience. Thank you for your dedication and flexibility.

Sincerely,

The AU Career Center