You have a penchant for public policy or a passion for politics or maybe you see yourself working on Capitol Hill someday. If this describes you, it would be difficult to gain better experience than working for your Senator or Representative in one of the coveted congressional internship openings offered each fall, spring, and summer. If you plan to work on the Hill after graduation, it is almost mandatory to have this experience on your resume.
The Details on Congressional Internships…
Internships on Capitol Hill last anywhere from 10 weeks to 3 months and are offered during the fall, spring, and summer seasons with summer being broken into two sessions.
Congressional Internship Sessions
As most Congressional offices accept applications months before the deadline, it’s a good idea to submit yours early to beat the rush as the deadline approaches.
By far, summer congressional internships are the most competitive, as more students apply for summer when participation doesn’t interfere with their school work. As an added benefit, there is much more to see and do during summer internships since the programs are geared towards summer participation and have more activities planned. Keep in mind, however, that Congress takes an August recess to allow Members to return to their states and districts to meet with their constituents. As a result, while you’ll have fewer opportunities to see the Member, summer work hours are less and dress is more casual.
Competition for these spots is also impacted by how high-profile the Member is and the population of his or her district or state. Although some Congressional offices hire up to 10 interns at a time, most offices hire 5 or fewer.
Did you know Members hire interns who are not residents of his or her district or state? Yes, that’s right – you can apply for a position in any district or state where you have strong ties. Think about all the places where you have lived or worked, including where you have attended school, as any of these will fit the bill. This could even include places like where you were born, where you vacationed frequently growing up, where most of your family lives, etc., as long as you can make the case that it is the basis for a connection you have to the district or state.
Don’t be concerned if your major isn’t political science or history – all majors are welcome on Capitol Hill! Beyond these traditional majors, students who are majoring in business, philosophy, and science, for example, – all have something unique to contribute. And while in most cases an applicant of any college-level may, congressional internships can be more difficult for Freshmen to obtain when there are plenty of applications from upperclassmen.
Do This Before You Apply for a Congressional Internship
Before getting too far in your quest for a D.C. Internship, make sure you have all your paperwork ready to go. The application process differs from Member to Member, however, most will require that you submit your resume, a cover letter, letters of recommendation, and some also require college transcripts and/or a writing sample.
Make sure your resume is up to date and highlights work that shows you have the right type of skills and experience. We did a small survey and here are the most commonly mentioned tasks and skills for which Members are hoping to see a fit:
Common Tasks of Congressional Interns
- communicate with the public by answering phones and mail
- process (sorting) incoming mail and constituent opinions
- responding to constituent requests
- conduct legislative research and draft memos
- guiding U.S. Capitol tours
- distributing mail
- attending meetings, hearings, briefings, and constituent events
- data entry
- copying, faxing, filing and distributing mail
Skills You Should Demonstrate You Have
- effective and professional phone manner
- computer experience
- good typing
- punctuality
- attention to detail
- ability to follow instructions
- ability to complete tasks efficiently and thoroughly
You should also have letters of recommendation ready and contact information for up to 3 references, as nearly all of the Members require this. And last but not least – now is the time to clean up your social media posts! Yes, they will check to see what you have posted as your actions and opinions can reflect on the office of the Member who hires you
Time to Apply!
Now that you’ve narrowed down when and where you will apply, and have your resume in tip-top shape, it’s time to focus on how to apply. Your first stop should be the Career Services office at your college or university as there may be someone who is responsible for helping students apply for congressional internships. If that person has connections, it could be very helpful.
However, you can always apply directly for internships through Members’ websites. While you can navigate directly to the site and search for this information, it’s often easier and more direct to do an online search using the Member’s name along with the word “internship” or “intern”. Some have an online application that you are required to complete and then upload your resume and cover letter. Through this process you will likely be required to write a bit about yourself and why they should hire you. Additional questions you may be asked to answer are: what is the most important policy issue to you and what are your future career endeavors?
Some Members’ websites skip the online application and provide the email address of the Internship Coordinator with instructions to email your resume and cover letter. Even if there is an online application, you may be able to improve your chances if you are able to make direct contact with the Internship Coordinator. If you cannot find their contact information on the internship webpage, simply call the Member’s main office phone number and ask for the email address of the Internship Coordinator.
Now that you have the Internship Coordinator’s email address and your paperwork gathered, you are ready to get to work! You’ll want to email your resume and cover letter along with a quick email message that explains your interest. Make sure you attach your resume and cover letter as PDF files and that your resume is error-free and highlights the type of experience and skills that demonstrate you can complete the tasks highlighted on the Member’s intern page.
The Interview
After you’ve submitted your application and resume it may be a couple of weeks or more before you hear back but you can always call or email to check-in. Before you are hired, you will be contacted for an interview. Interviews are often conducted over the phone but if you live in your Member’s district you may be asked to come to the office for an in-person interview.
Before your interview, do some research and be prepared! Read recent news articles about the Member and be able to say a few things you admire about the Member and to discuss his or her most well-known positions. Consider writing down some of the questions you think will be asked, and come up with your answers. And practice those answers! Use this article on Medium to get started. In your interview, it’s important to be knowledgeable but also likable. Among other traits, your interviewer will be trying to ascertain that you are:
- Personable: During your internship, you may be the first contact for constituents who call or visit the Member’s office so this trait is mandatory.
- Discreet and Show Good Judgement: Anything you do or say reflects on the Member for whom you work so be careful not to come across as someone who over-shares information, or they may worry you’ll do the same with information you learn about the Member during your internship.
- Political but Not Overly So: It’s important that your views are in alignment with the Member and that you are passionate about issues but be careful you do not come across as someone who has very strong opinions on everything!
- Likable: Convey a can-do attitude that you’re able to work well with others and won’t be that person who negatively impacts office dynamics.
Also be prepared to ask questions
Interviewers nearly always ask something at the end like “Do you have any questions for us?” – so, have a few questions ready to go! Check out this article on Indeed for ideas. At the end of the interview, be sure to thank the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you and, within 24 hours of the interview, send a thank you note via email or personal delivery. Whatever you do, do not send the thank you note via snail mail because, with all the mail and security measures, it could be weeks before it is received.
If you haven’t heard back in a week or two, you can always call or send an additional email expressing your interest. There is no reason you can’t reach out frequently until you hear back. Often times internship coordinators see this as a positive sign of someone who will be able to get things accomplished.
Recap – Want to Increase Your Chances?
- Apply early as your application may get more attention and many offices hire interns on a rolling basis.
- Start even earlier! If you know you will want to work for a member in a year or so, volunteer for his or her campaign.
- Tailor your resume to the type of skills and experience that matter to your Member and clean up your social media posts!
- Submit applications to several Members, showing you have strong ties to the district or state, to increase your chances.
- Prepare for the interview by doing research and send a thank you letter after the interview.
- Email the Internship Coordinator and show initiative by following up but be careful not to overdo it and pester.
- Apply for a position in the fall or spring semester. Although you’ll have to take a semester off school if you intern during the fall or spring semesters, congressional internships are much easier to obtain because there are fewer applicants and, as an added benefit, housing is generally less expensive during those times.
For more great tips, check out the Time on the Hill’s website: https://timeonthehill.com/ They have compiled a wealth of information about working on Capitol Hill and, while you are there, be sure to check out their “Hill Internship” page.
Of course, we think the next most important thing to finding your internship is finding intern housing that will put you on the path to success, which is why we think you should check out Elite Intern Housing. EIH is the only intern housing provider that has most of its housing within 1-3 blocks of the U.S. Capitol and guarantees a private bathroom if you select a private bedroom. And we never cramp 3-4 interns into a bedroom.
*Mention this blog when you reserve your spot to receive $100 off.