U.S. House of Representatives

It will depend on your role.For me, the common part to every day's job was to answer the phone, create cases for constituents within the district's database, and refer callers to the correct person within the office. The rest of the time I would have to create invitation lists on excel for events...

The most important thing is to be aware of the issues affecting the Member of Congress to whose office you are applying. This includes both issues specific to the Member's district, and issues related to the committees on which the Member sits. Be aware of any news the Member has made in the past...

Everday was pretty varied! I would start by doing things to get the office ready for the staff in the morning such as having the day’s newspapers ready at their desk, checking voicemails, answering urgent emails, etc. Throughout the rest of the day I would give tours of the US Capitol, attend bri...

The buildings are connected by an underground labyrinth that hums with activity. Professionals are rushing around looking busy, and tourists occassionally clog the way. Making connections is important, or else you'll blend into the crowd. That said, most people are friendly and interesting. Reali...

Each office selects interns using their own process. Most Congressional office have informal understandings with universities and/or fellowship orgs (CHCI, CHLI, etc) where they reserve some (but not necessarily all) spaces for their students. If you want this role, I'd first see if that's an opt...

As an unpaid intern, I worked about 50 hrs/we. The staff never seemed to go home, and only one was married. It's all consuming, with most staying to network after work.That said, I choose to attend events afterwards because I enjoyed them. Those are the main perks of the internship. I'd suggest y...

The House is more relaxed than the Senate. You have a bit more freedom to ask to pop into a briefing mid day or take a break. You also have more flexibility in requesting work.The Senate has higher rank projects and better social events. I'd recommend working in the House and making friends in th...

You should be a good writer, speaker, and kind to people. You have to be patient on the phone with constituents, but overall the most important skill to have is empathy, which is sometimes frustratingly absent on the hill. Be empathetic and understanding of people who call the office and try to u...

I enjoyed the access it created to professionals throughout DC. I liked the fast pace and intensity.I disliked the lack of work-life balance and the feeling (at times) of spinning my gears. Sometimes your slammed and sometimes you're bored. I realized I would never want to work there full time, b...

Studying philosophy was a huge help as a Hilltern. I had training in asking good questions, pulling out important points from hearings and documents to include in memos and other documents I composed. I attribute these to my philosophical training because it comes from reviewing dense readings an...