Pay would have been nice and being there while they were in session more often would be good.
Advice
Highly recommend, very neat and valuable opportunity
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Congressional Intern
January - May 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Meeting other interns, working with congressional staffers, interacting with the congressman
What I wish was different
I wish there was more opportunity for individual projects with a staffer
Advice
Wear comfortable shoes. Always
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Intern
May - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I loved the political atmosphere! I got to meet a lot of politicians and important government figures. I also got to experience going to briefings and hearings on the hill and it opened my eyes to so many issues I didn't even know interested me.
What I wish was different
I wish the interns could have taken on more projects but because the government is historically slow, we couldn't take on and see through finish any one project.
Advice
Professionalism at all times is required. Use what you learned from your professors, peers, and classes to thrive in this highly professional environment.
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Congressional Intern
June - July 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I loved the office environment, as well as the fact that while I was working I knew that many of my efforts would have tangible effects.
What I wish was different
I wish that there had been less busy-work.
Advice
I would share that being in a work environment that is enjoyable can take away from the majority of the stress that comes with a job.
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Congressional Staff Intern
August - September 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I liked literally everything. It was an honor to be in Washington, D.C for the first time. and experiencing its beauty. It was also great and seeing how our government functions everyday at the United States Capitol.
What I wish was different
I wish that congressional interns were paid. There are so many students who can't afford to experience the internship opportunities because of that. We have political parties that believe in strong entrepreneurial spirit and raising the minimum wage. If our government is so passionate about these issues, then they first must demonstrate it by paying congressional interns.
Advice
One piece of advice I would share is to make as many connections as possible and don't be afraid to experience the beauty of D.C.
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Constituent Services Intern
June - August 2018 • Ewing Township, NJ
What I liked
I enjoyed learning about the type of work a Congressional office does and being given responsibilities in doing casework intake and serving as a first screen of calls into the office.
What I wish was different
I wish there had been more tasks for interns to work on. Some days were spent waiting for the phone to ring.
Advice
Get to know your colleagues. Many of them have connections that can help you land another internship or a job. Also don't be afraid to be proactive and ask for tasks.
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Legislative Intern
May - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I liked being back on the Hill and getting a more hands on experience with actual legislation and research.
What I wish was different
I wish each day had a little more change in pace.
Advice
Its definitely worth it because it is extremely eye opening. You learn a lot in a short amount of time and really get a feel for what working on the Hill is like. Advice would be to live in DC as opposed to VA or MD and commuting.
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Congressional Intern
May - August 2018 • Omaha, NE
What I liked
I enjoyed attending various meetings and events with the Congressman. Seeing how businesses and other people interact with a member of Congress was very intriguing. Additionally, finding ways to help these people/businesses through congressional action was a great learning experience.
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
Go in with an open, nonpartisan, mind. Constituent relations is a huge aspect of a Congressional office and helping people feels the same regardless of what end of the political spectrum they fall on.
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Intern
May - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I loved being part of the political processes, using my writing skills in a professional field.
What I wish was different
Nothing. I loved my internship!
Advice
Don’t wait for people to give you tasks. Be proactive.
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Office of Congressman Steve Sivers (OH-15) Intern
May - August 2018 • Wilmington, OH
What I liked
I enjoyed getting to know the constituents and learning more about what the House of Representatives does in the district offices.
What I wish was different
I wish I had known more about Social Security and all that it entails so that I could have been of more help in the office.
Advice
I would suggest that you always remember to be patient and kind. Compassion goes a long way, and many people have had life experiences far more difficult than what many of us could imagine.
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Congressional Intern
May - August 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I absolutely loved my office environment (I was an intern in Congresswoman Katherine Clark's office). It was amazing to have so many opportunities to attend hearings, briefings, and write memos. You really get to learn what the process of government is by being a part of it.
What I wish was different
I wish it was paid.
Advice
Take advantage of every opportunity! If a staffer asks you to do something, don't turn it down, even if it isn't "glamorous". It might lead to something more!
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Legislative Intern
September - December 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Being a part of the action on the Hill was great! My office was really flexible and let me go to hearings, watch votes, and just be in the Capitol building a lot.
What I wish was different
Getting yelled at on the phone by constituents for no pay is terrible
Advice
Go to as many events as possible
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Intern
January - May 2016 • Washington, DC
What I liked
For political science students, or individuals wanting to enter into any form of policy, I think this internship is incredibly important in learning how the Hill works. I was very lucky and was the only intern in my office and my office wanted me to get the most out of my internship. They encouraged me to find hearings or briefings that interested me everyday I was there and to attend them. I was able to gain insight into a lot of different topics and meet a lot of incredible people.
What I wish was different
To me, the biggest problem was the fight it was to get any credit for the internship, and when I finally was able to have that granted, it was only 1 hour. I was interning 17+ hours a week, on top of commuting to and from DC which was an additional 8 hours per week, but this time and effort was not recognized by the university.
Advice
When choosing an office to intern in, do not necessary work for your home district and someone you know. Instead, reach out to your congressman for a recommendation or help in finding an internship, and then choose where you would like to apply based on the Congressman's committees and interests.
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Office Intern
June - July 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I enjoyed being in Washington D.C. and being able to interact with students with similar interests. I also enjoy the experiences and opportunities that this internship afforded me. I was able to go to hearings and see a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of politics.
What I wish was different
I wish that my talents had been utilized more. I didn't feel like I contributed anything to the office space.
Advice
I would encourage interns to seek out specific tasks to accomplish. Remember that you probably won't change the world in one internship, so be willing to learn, but don't be afraid to work hard. Tell your supervisor that you're interested in a certain area and ask how you can assist that field. Also, be willing to put yourself out there. Go to any and all events that are offered for interns. Take advantage of the networking opportunities, meet as many people as possible, and always ask for more work to do.
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Congressional Intern
June - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Put yourself out there to network, attend briefings and hearings, and ask questions. Learn everything you can!
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Congressional Intern
June - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I loved getting an inside look into our legislative process by attending briefings and hearings!
What I wish was different
I wish I could have been given more responsibilities but I suppose there's only so many things an intern can do!
Advice
To anyone thinking about working on the Hill, ask yourself what you hope to get out of it by the end of the summer. If your goal is to to do significant research, perhaps you are better suited for a think tank!
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Legislative Intern
May - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
The Congressman's staff members were committed to providing interns with professional development opportunities.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Congressional Intern
June - August 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I loved working on Capitol Hill everyday, and I was surrounded by so many important people. I learned so much about the world of politics and government. I fell in love with the city, and met so many amazing people. It was my first time on the East Coast, and I decided I want to move their after graduation!
What I wish was different
I wish I had worked there longer! I didn’t want my internship to end.
Advice
Go out of your comfort zone and try exploring jobs in a new city. You’ll see a new part of the world and learn a lot about yourself. Don’t be afraid to try something new.
