Government Relations Intern (Students) at Appian in McLean, VA

Summary: Appian is a company dedicated to process automation technology, and they are seeking a Government Relations Intern to support their Value Engineering efforts. The intern will engage in policy analysis, assist in building business cases, and help draft communication materials for government stakeholders. Responsibilities: - Research and track legislative developments, procurement trends, and agency-specific initiatives that impact the federal technology industry, with particular focus on priority agencies including DoD, DHS, VA, and HHS - Assist in building business cases and ROI models that demonstrate the fiscal and mission value of Appian to government agencies, translating customer outcomes into compelling narratives for policymakers - Help draft briefing materials, white papers, talking points, and presentations for internal leadership and external government stakeholders, including members of Congress and senior agency officials - Monitor the competitive landscape and identify opportunities where policy shifts, appropriations cycles, and modernization mandates create a need for high-speed digital transformation - Support meeting preparation and follow-up for Congressional offices, committee staff, and agency stakeholders, with opportunities to attend select meetings in DC alongside the government relations team Required Qualifications: - Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, International Relations, Government, or a related field - Strong academic standing and a demonstrated interest in the intersection of government and technology - Exceptional writing and presentation skills are a must. You should be able to tell a story with data - Must be able to work on-site at our McLean, VA headquarters for the duration of the Summer 2026 program - Must be available for periodic day travel to Washington, DC and Capitol Hill as needed Preferred Qualifications: - Prior internship or coursework experience in a Congressional office, federal agency, trade association, think tank, campaign, or government affairs function - Familiarity with the federal budget and appropriations process, the NDAA cycle, or federal procurement - Interest in enterprise software, AI policy, or the modernization of legacy government systems - Experience with research tools such as Bloomberg Government, POLITICO Pro, or similar legislative tracking platforms Required Skills: Policy Analysis, Legislative Tracking, Federal Budget and Appropriations Process, NDAA Cycle, Federal Procurement, Research Tools - Bloomberg Government, Research Tools - POLITICO Pro, Business Case Development, ROI Modeling, Strategic Communication Benefits: Health coverage, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free mental health support, Life and disability insurance, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Retirement/pension plan, Wellness dollars, Tuition reimbursement, Family-forming benefits