Internship Opportunities
The American Horse Council (AHC) is a Washington-based advocacy organization that represents individual members and over 130 equine organizations before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies. AHC member organizations include breed registries, national and state equine associations, state horse councils, recreational associations, and organizations representing racetracks, equestrians, horse shows, veterinarians, farriers, rodeos, and other equine-related stakeholders.
The AHC is currently seeking student interns for the Fall 2023 (October-December) or Spring 2024 (January-March) semester. All internships can be completed remotely, but opportunities are also available for students wishing to experience government affairs activities in person in Washington, D.C. All projects are supervised by AHC staff and are limited to 12 week terms. Students may choose to receive course credit or a financial stipend (up to $125 per week dependent on agreed upon project commitment). Project commitments typically range from 10-20 hours per week. The AHC is also able to accommodate thesis projects and other student lead research academic credit needs.
Students in AHC internships gain experience in the larger equine industry through exposure to association involvement in active government affairs and regulatory issues at the Federal level and introduction to the immense range of industry stakeholders. Interns are invited to attend virtual staff meetings to understand active and future AHC initiatives outside of their direct project as well as general association operations. Students do not need horse experience to apply.
Projects listed for student involvement are not necessarily comprehensive of all available opportunities. Students are encouraged to reach out to AHC if they have a related interest that is not specifically listed. This would include students interested in advocacy and political science, equine welfare, and other industry related topics.
For more information and or to apply contact
Julie Broadway, AHC President, at jbroadway@horsecouncil.org
Current projects available for student involvement:
Web Design
AHC maintains an active and constantly updating website. The website is a key component to how AHC communicates current issues and events to members and stakeholders. Internships associated with web design help to maintain the website through updating press bulletins and event notices, sourcing imagery, and helping to maintain a fresh and modern look. Skills acquired include: real world communications prioritization with consideration of Social License to Operate and back end website management.
AHC Marketing Alliance – #HereforHorses
AHC has recently launched the #HereforHorses Program. This is a national campaign to elevate the horse industry. Students will work directly with the AHC Marketing Alliance to identify actions needed to promote and expand on the campaign. The AHC Marketing Alliance consists of multiple high level industry stakeholders dedicated to elevating the impact of the industry across the country. Skills acquired include: program strategic planning and execution and marketing administration.
AHC Economic Impact Study
Every 5 years the AHC produces the Economic Impact Study (EIS). Interns will help with reviewing report drafts with possibility for report design and analysis. The AHC EIS is a long term multi-disciplinary research study that encompasses all aspects of the industry. Students will work directly with AHC research staff to review reports and layout design. Potential is also available for academic projects that wish to involve data review and analysis. Skills acquired include: research planning and publication, data analysis, and data management.
Graphic Design
AHC has multiple communications and press bulletins published regularly. Students would assist with creating and sourcing imagery for these publications. Produced materials are shared across multiple modalities including press releases and social media. Skills acquired: communications and marketing design, Canva use for graphic design.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force
The AHC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force (DEI) is working to develop several projects including survey studies, social media marketing, and general industry public service announcements. Options for student involvement range from data collection and analysis, marketing and communications, and social initiatives to understand industry DEI needs. Students would be able to tailor their specific internship to the current activities of the task force at their time of contract. Skills acquired are dependent on the goals of the student.
Member Benefit Development
The AHC is exploring new benefits for members. One potential program is the development of an equine leadership symposium for industry professionals. Students would assist staff with research of adjacent programs in other agriculture sectors and a mock up of a leadership program webpage. Acquired skills include: industry research and exploration, graphic design, program development.
