Navigating Congressional Internships: A Comprehensive Guide
Working in Congress offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the legislative process and gain practical experience in government. Congressional internships are a vital part of the Washington, D.C., ecosystem, with thousands of students participating each summer. This article provides a detailed overview of congressional internships, covering various aspects from application to making the most of the experience.
Understanding Congressional Internships
Congressional internships are an important staple of the DC ecosystem. It’s commonly said that “DC runs on interns”, and Politico estimated that 20,000 students intern in DC each summer. These internships are available in both House and Senate offices, offering diverse experiences. Internships can be found in a Member’s state/district office(s) or in their DC office. While many internships take place in the summer, there are also semester internships, for example in the fall or spring.
Types of Congressional Internships
Several types of congressional internships exist, each with its focus. The most common are general office internships, often referred to simply as “internships.” More specialized roles include:
- Legislative Interns: Assist with policy research and legislative tasks.
- Legal Interns/Law Clerks: Typically for law students, focusing on legal research and analysis.
- Press Interns: Support communications staff with media relations and press releases.
- Digital Interns: Provide assistance with office management and digital communications.
This article primarily focuses on general and legislative internships, which are most relevant for those interested in policy work.
What Interns Do
Interns in Congress typically perform a wide range of tasks. Interns in Congress typically perform a wide range of tasks. These can include:
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- Answering phones and greeting visitors
- Assisting with constituent correspondence
- Conducting legislative research
- Attending committee hearings and briefings
- Drafting memos and reports
- Assisting with social media and communications
- Performing administrative tasks
The Benefits of a Congressional Internship
The benefits of a Hill internship are similar to those of interning in other policy institutions. A congressional internship offers numerous benefits, including:
- Hands-on Experience: Interns gain practical experience in the legislative process, working alongside congressional staff.
- Networking Opportunities: Interns have the chance to build a professional network with staffers, lobbyists, and other interns.
- Skill Development: Interns develop essential skills in research, writing, communication, and office administration.
- Career Advancement: A congressional internship can open doors to future opportunities in government, policy, and related fields.
- Personal Growth: Interns gain a deeper understanding of the political system and their potential role in it.
Choosing the Right Internship
There are multiple decisions you’ll make when choosing where to apply. Which options to prefer is a personal decision and depends on your circumstances. Selecting the right internship involves several considerations, including the type of office (House vs. Senate), committee assignments, and the member's policy interests.
House vs. Senate Internships
Although there are broad differences between the average Senate and House internship, there’s also a lot of variation among internships in each of these categories. Senate internships are often viewed as slightly more competitive and sought-after. A senator’s office is typically larger, more streamlined, and better funded. You’re likely to form close working relationships with your manager and other interns, but less likely to form close relationships with everyone in the office. House internships are slightly less competitive, but you’re more likely to do a higher percentage of substantive work (drafting memos, offering your opinion in meetings, etc.) and form close relationships with everyone in the office.
- Senate Internships: Often more competitive, with larger and better-funded offices. Interns may have closer relationships with managers and other interns but less interaction with the entire office.
- House Internships: Slightly less competitive, providing opportunities for more substantive work and closer relationships with the entire office.
Committee Internships
In general, congressional committee internships are more prestigious and tend to be “more policy-focused than internships with individual Congressmen or Senators.” They are also typically more competitive, especially if you lack prior DC experience. Committee internships are generally more policy-focused and prestigious than internships in individual member offices. They offer a chance to delve deeply into specific policy areas and work with committee staff on legislative issues. Some key committees for interns include:
- House Appropriations Committee: Approves and drafts appropriations bills.
- Senate Appropriations Committee: Similar to its House counterpart.
- Senate Budget Committee: Oversees the budget process.
- Senate Foreign Relations Committee: Oversees U.S. foreign relations.
- House Committee on the Judiciary: Deals with constitutional amendments, litigation reform, and more.
Aligning with a Member's Issue Areas
Prospective interns often wonder how much to consider a congressperson’s issue areas when deciding whether to apply to their office. It’s more feasible to intern for a Member with a relevant specialty in the House, where members tend to each specialize on a smaller number of issue areas than in the Senate. While interning for a member that shares your interest areas, it will be easier for you to build relationships with policy professionals working on your issue area and generally collect information about the landscape of organizations, people, and ideas relevant to your issue. Consider a congressperson’s issue areas when applying. Interning for a member with a relevant specialty, especially in the House, can help you build relationships with policy professionals and gather information about your issue area.
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Ideological Alignment
In brief, (1) an ideologically aligned office is more likely to offer you an internship; (2) you’ll likely get more value from the internship, in terms of personal enjoyment, building a professional network, and the possibility of the internship leading to a full-time staff position; and (3) your office choice can influence your future policy opportunities, including further work in Congress or in partisan think tanks. Aligning with an office that shares your political views can enhance your internship experience, increase your chances of being hired, and influence future career opportunities.
Application Strategies
Congressional internships are often quite competitive, and getting one is far from guaranteed. To increase your chances of securing an internship, focus on building a strong application and networking effectively.
Resume and Cover Letter
The Cawley Career Center has a helpful guide to write your resume. Your resume cannot be longer than one page, and you should quantify the impact you made in each of your bullet points.
- Resume: Keep it concise (one page), highlighting relevant experiences and skills. Quantify your accomplishments to demonstrate impact.
- Cover Letter: Tailor it to each office, explaining your interest in their specific work and how your skills align with their needs.
Networking
Now that you have an idea of where you can work, what the openings are and how to create a strong resume, you can put your best foot forward by virtually coffee chatting hiring managers. They are usually staff assistants or intern coordinators in personal offices and committees. Networking is crucial. Reach out to congressional staffers, attend informational interviews, and build connections with people who can offer advice and support.
Informational Interviews
Assessing an office’s environment can be difficult when first applying to congressional offices. During an informational interview, ask questions about the internship program. The more you can make these questions specific to the office you’re applying to, the better. Conduct informational interviews to learn more about the office environment and internship program. Ask specific questions to show your genuine interest and gather valuable insights.
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Timing
Hillternship applications usually open a few months before the internship starts. Apply early, as applications are typically reviewed on a rolling basis. Summer internships are the most competitive, so consider applying for fall or spring internships as well.
State and District Ties
Hiring managers in Congress generally prefer applicants with strong connections to the district or state the office represents, especially if you’ve lived there (either at home or during college). If you don’t have ties to the district or state, you may be able to substitute ties to the jurisdiction with ties to a given office from your network. Personal ties to an office’s constituency are preferred but not typically essential. Highlight any connections to the state or district the office represents. If you lack these ties, leverage your network to establish connections with the office.
Interview Preparation
What I like to do before interviews is to search for and draft questions I think they would ask me and then outline my responses. Offices will only ask you behavioral questions, but come prepared knowing what the office/committee’s priorities are. The key to succeeding in interviews is to be prepared, friendly and genuine. Prepare for interviews by researching the office's priorities and drafting answers to common behavioral questions. Be friendly, genuine, and prepared to discuss your interest in their work.
Financial Considerations
Historically, Congressional interns have typically been unpaid (or underpaid), making it harder for those from low-income backgrounds to get a foot in the door in Congress. Fortunately, this trend has partly reversed in recent years, with many Senate and House offices now offering to pay their interns. As of 2021, Senate interns receive a stipend of ~$2,000 per month, which is a substantial increase from just a few years ago. The cost of living in DC is 39% higher than the national average. The average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is around $2,270 per month, and you can expect to spend between $115 and $170 per week on food, transit, and other personal expenses.
Paid vs. Unpaid Internships
Many congressional internships are now paid, which helps to offset the high cost of living in D.C. As of 2021, Senate interns receive a stipend of approximately $2,000 per month. If an internship is unpaid, explore options for financial assistance from third-party organizations.
Third-Party Stipends
If the congressional internship you’re applying to does not pay interns, you might still be able to get financial compensation-Congress allows outside entities to pay Congressional interns, subject to certain conditions. Some third-party organizations give stipends for unpaid congressional internships. Some organizations offer stipends for unpaid congressional internships, helping to make these opportunities accessible to a wider range of students.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in D.C. is significantly higher than the national average. Budget for expenses such as rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Making the Most of Your Internship
Before your internship, think about what skill(s) you want to develop or experience while you are at the Senate. During your internship, seek opportunities to achieve these goals. You can ask your Intern Coordinator if you would be able to attend a variety of on- and off-Hill events. These may include committee hearings, briefings, receptions, lectures, seminars, and other formal and informal educational and networking opportunities. The Employment Office created a Senate Intern Bingo card to help you explore and learn more about the Senate. Throughout your internship, schedule networking coffees with staff, and continue to cultivate these professional relationships even after your internship has ended.
Setting Goals
Before starting your internship, identify the skills you want to develop and the experiences you hope to gain.
Networking
Schedule networking meetings with staffers and attend on- and off-Hill events, such as committee hearings and briefings.
Resume Updates
Update your resume with your new Senate experience. Think about what skills or experience you’ve developed, that may be transferrable to other jobs or internships. If you have written briefing memos, research memos, or letters during your internship, ask your Intern Coordinator whether you may keep these written products to use as writing samples.
Seeking Opportunities
Take advantage of opportunities to attend hearings, briefings, and other events. Ask your intern coordinator for permission to attend these events.
Building Relationships
Cultivate professional relationships with staff members and other interns. These connections can be valuable for future career opportunities.
Documenting Your Work
If you have written briefing memos, research memos, or letters during your internship, ask your Intern Coordinator whether you may keep these written products to use as writing samples. Keep copies of your work (with permission) to use as writing samples for future applications.
Opportunities for High School Students
There are a number of opportunities available to high school students who are interested in learning or becoming involved in public service. Please scroll to the bottom of this page to read about Senate-sponsored programs, including short-term volunteer/internship programs in Senate offices, the Senate Page Program, Senate Youth Program, and Service Academy nominations.
Senate Page Program
The Senate Page Program offers high school students a unique opportunity to learn about Congress while continuing with their studies in the nation’s capital.
Senate Youth Program
Senate Youth Program (USSYP), is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service.
Service Academy Nominations
Service academy applicants are eligible for nomination by both senators in their state of legal residence.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Internships
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) offers various internships to provide African American students with firsthand experience in the legislative process. These include:
- Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship: Focuses on policy research, legislative writing, and constituent services.
- State Farm Communications Internship: Provides hands-on experience in political communications and media strategy.
- Congressional Internship Program: Involves policy research, legislative drafting, and committee hearings.
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