what every comms intern should ask in their first week

by sarah selip | march 2, 2025

this could be you.

You landed THE internship—congrats!

But before you waltz into your new role with nothing but enthusiasm and a well-rehearsed handshake, let’s talk about what you actually need to know before day one. A conservative communications internship isn’t just about writing press releases and monitoring headlines—it’s about learning how the machine really works. And trust me, the interns who ask the right questions early on are the ones who walk away with more than just a few bylines and some generic resume filler.

Here’s what you should ask (and learn) going into your internship:

1. What is their core messaging strategy?

Every conservative office, PAC, or think tank has a unique approach to communications. Are they pushing a grassroots message? Are they focused on policy-heavy comms? Are they aggressive with media outreach or more reserved? Understanding the core strategy will help you shape your writing and outreach in a way that actually moves the needle.

2. Who are our priority media contacts?

It’s not enough to know which reporters cover conservative politics—you need to know who actually engages with your organization. Some reporters will never give you a fair shake, while others are open to hearing your side. Figure out who’s on your media list, who gets the first call on a breaking story, and which outlets move the needle for your boss or organization.

3. How do we handle crisis communications?

No one wants to talk about damage control on day one, but in politics, it’s not a matter of if a comms crisis will hit—it’s when. Ask how the team responds to bad press, who has final say on messaging in a crisis, and whether interns are involved in drafting statements or talking points. The sooner you understand the playbook, the better prepared you’ll be when things inevitably hit the fan.

4. What’s the internal approval process for content?

A social media post might seem simple, but in political comms, every tweet is a landmine. Find out who approves what before you start drafting copy. Are you writing directly for a principal? Do all press releases go through legal? The more you understand the workflow, the fewer headaches (and rewrites) you’ll deal with.

5. What’s the team’s relationship with elected officials or outside organizations?

Conservative comms teams rarely operate in a vacuum. Whether it’s a member of Congress, a coalition of like-minded organizations, or a network of donors, figure out how external relationships factor into your work. Understanding these dynamics will help you anticipate what’s coming down the pipeline and how messaging needs to be tailored.

6. What does success look like for this internship?

Too many interns show up, complete assignments, and leave without a clear sense of whether they actually made an impact. Ask your supervisor what they expect from a standout intern. Is it great op-ed drafting? Flawless media research? A killer social media campaign? If you know what success looks like from the start, you’ll leave with more than just experience—you’ll leave with results.

Final Thought: Intern Like You Mean It

I cannot stress this enough – the best interns aren’t the ones who sit quietly in the back, nodding along. They’re the ones who ask smart questions, think strategically, and look for ways to add value. Conservative comms is fast-paced, competitive, and—let’s be honest—sometimes chaotic. If you want to thrive in this world, start by learning how it works.

Ask questions. Take notes. Then, get to work!!!