Attending briefings, hearings, and lectures; doing legislative research; writing memos and letters
What I wish was different
A more consistent dissemination of tasks and a more thought as to how interns could be most useful in my office
Advice
Use your time wisely! Don't be afraid to network heavily, create lots of coffee dates, and take the initiative to ask your supervisor to take on certain tasks or go to certain briefings or hearings (within reason)
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Intern
June - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I enjoyed learning how to navigate the office environment and attending intern specific events in DC. I also enjoyed front desk responsibilities and being the face of a congressional office. I developed my writing and communication skills and enjoyed being in DC this summer.
What I wish was different
I wish Capitol Hill was less hierarchical and placed more importance on interns but unfortunately its a "pay your dues" in this position to gain credibility for other DC jobs.
Advice
Ask for more work and to attend opportunities, don't be scared to make it clear that you're there to learn from those around you.
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Legislative Intern
May - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Being in DC and in the capitol
What I wish was different
Actual mentorship and learning
Advice
Don’t work for Sinema. Make connections
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Intern
May - June 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I loved being in the center of things: policy work, current events, public statements, etc. Every day was new and exciting, and I felt I learned a lot from a less structured day-to-day environment.
What I wish was different
I wish I had had the chance to work there longer!
Advice
Make connections. Present yourself as professional, and allow office workers to see you as a potential equal.
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Agriculture Fellow
May - July 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
There is an air of excitement being in the capitol of the United States. You get to help top policy makers in their decision making while continually learning how the government works behind the scenes.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had saved more money to bring up their for the first month without pay.
Advice
Do you absolute best on each assignment - no matter how "simple" they may seem. It will determine the tasks you are given in the future.
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Legislative Intern
September - December 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I got to experience the legislative process first-hand and see how representatives communicate with their constituents. I also got to work in the beautiful Capitol building and give tours.
What I wish was different
I worked two morning shifts and one full day shifts a week. The full day shifts were most fulfilling because in the afternoon there are more briefings and votes. I wish I had room in my schedule to do full days.
Advice
Make sure you work for a representative whose beliefs you share!
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Intern
May - June 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I liked access to representatives
What I wish was different
I wish I had been compensated and valued
Advice
Adjust your expectations going into it
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Congressional Intern
May - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
The internship program ensured that I was as involved with the office as possible. Whether it be writing co-sponsor recommendations, interacting with constituents, or attending briefings and hearings. It was very hands-on and provided me with the opportunity to learn more about the day--to-day functions of the federal government.
What I wish was different
Advice
Take advantage of every single opportunity that is offered to you. You never know what connections could come out of it, or what new information you can learn.
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Lloyd doggetts office
June - August 2019 • San Antonio, TX
What I liked
Learn about politics
What I wish was different
Bigger environment, friendlier, more extroverted people
Advice
Be comfortable talking on the phone with constituents
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Congressional Intern
July - September 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Great experience and professional development in a fast-paced environment
What I wish was different
I wish it was paid
Advice
Attend as many briefings/hearings as you can and meet as many people to grow your network!
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Intern
May - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I was able to assist in hearings for the chairman on the subcommittee for space. I was given the opportunity to write some of his speeches and compile data graphics for legislation he was pushing. Overall, was given a lot of freedom, the staff was incredible.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had to give less tours and that I could work on real legislature more often.
Advice
Do not be deterred by this being unpaid. There was a recent bill passed that allocates money for interns in the us house.
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Press Intern
June - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Exposure to policy, fast pace, interesting people
What I wish was different
It wasn't the right fit for me, as I'm hoping to pursue journalism after graduation. But it helped me figure that out!
Advice
Make sure you work in an office whose politics align with yours.
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Congressional Intern
May - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Great office, great staff, great opportunities! It was so much fun to learn about my government and nation's history and interworkings.
What I wish was different
I wish it was paid and that UVA had ways to help unpaid government interns who don't hear acceptances back until early May since most grant and scholarship applications close before you hear back on the job acceptance.
Advice
Meet as many people as possible! It is valuable to make connections.
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Capitol Hill Intern
June - July 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Take every opportunity you can while in DC. It is the perfect place to learn and develop as a person if you treat it as such
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Congressional intern
June - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I enjoyed witnessing the legislative processes and attending congressional hearings and briefings. I also enjoyed the incredible networking opportunities available.
What I wish was different
Advice
Network, network, and network!
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Congressional Intern
June - August 2018 • Hamilton Township, NJ
What I liked
I liked interacting with and helping constiutents over the phone.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have helped a little more on the legislative side of things instead of solely focusing on constituents.
Advice
When you answer the phone be prepared and ready for anything because you have no idea where the call is going to lead to.
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Congressional intern
May - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Utilize your network and broaden it during your internship experience. Make genuine connections.
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Congressional Intern
September - December 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
It was a wonderful opportunity to work in the halls of Congress and learn how the Capitol actually works.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had attended more committee hearings.
Advice
Treat the internship like you are being paid. You will make great connections on the Capitol if you work hard, and will become a valued member of the staff.
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Intern
May - September 2018 • Cincinnati, OH
What I liked
I loved having the opportunity to expericance what the actual purpose of politics is! It's so easy to forget why we elect politicains, so on the groun work was valuabe.
What I wish was different
I do wish that I have been able to do more work outside the office, I was only able to go on one outing with the Representative but it was fantastic.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for more work!
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Congressional Intern
May - August 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Being on Capitol Hill was an experience unlike anything else. I loved working in a congressional office. I worked in a committee office, which was also really interesting and different than working in a personal office, which I enjoyed. I liked how there was always something different going on.
What I wish was different
Sometimes there would be days (when Congress was not in session) that there was not as much to do during the day. However, these days were definitely balanced with the days there was a lot to do.
Advice
I would say to always say yes to everything, no matter how small of a task it would seem. This shows the rest of the office that you are a team player and they will eventually give you more and more responsibility because of this.
