Internships

CDF's internship application process is highly selective. It is important to meet the application deadline and satisfy each of the application components.

Preferred Application Deadlines

CDF accepts applications on a continuous basis. However preferred deadlines for each term are as follows:

Term	Typical Months	Preferred Deadlines
Summer	June - August	February 15
Fall	September - December	August 16
Spring	January - April	November 15

Application Components

Applicants must submit the following items by email to cdftexas@childrensdefense.org and put the title of the desired position in the subject line of your email.

Cover Letter
The cover letter should address:
- why you want to intern at CDF
- prior skills, knowledge (including relevant course work) and work experience
- experience (including research) relevant to an internship at CDF
- experience in, or passion for, children's issues and advocacy
- your immediate post-internship plans as well as your longer term career or academic goals
- what you hope to gain from your CDF internship experience
Resume
In addition to education and work experience, please identify awards, honors, and accomplishments, as well as your skills and interests.
Writing Sample (no longer than 2,500 words)
Sample should demonstrate writing and reasoning skills. It may be a paper completed for a class assignment.

Internship Selection Process

CDF requires six to eight weeks from the application deadline to process applications. During that time, the Internship Coordinator will process and evaluate applications and then consult with specific divisions for their decisions. The Internship Coordinator and staff members from divisions may conduct phone interviews for those applicants under serious consideration for a CDF internship. Phone interviews will occur some time within the selection process.

Highest consideration is given to those applicants who have demonstrated a strong interest in children and family issues through service, advocacy, or academic studies, and are also supportive of CDF's social policy agenda. The level of knowledge and skill an applicant brings to CDF is particularly important within the context of a specific internship position. Since your internship will be a serious investment of your time and energy, as well as ours, it is important to consider what you hope to gain. This will guide us in finding the best fit. Placement options are also determined by the length and hours of service you are available.