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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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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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 - 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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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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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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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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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
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
July - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
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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Financial Services Committee Intern
May - July 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Grrat city and excellent work environment. So many young people and phenomenal connections.
What I wish was different
Wish it had been paid.
Advice
Live on the George Washington University campus.
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Intern
May - August 2018 • Mesa, AZ
What I liked
I interviewed for this internship with the misconception that U.S. House of Representative district offices operated with partisanship, which would have posed as an issue with me considering I would be working in an environment with beliefs contradicting my personal ones. Fortunately, during the interview process, I was informed that I was incorrect. This appeased many of my fears. The staff at this office, who were aware of my personal beliefs, were by far some of the most welcoming people I have ever met. They exhibited a true passion for helping constituents willing to seek it, while balancing impeccable organization with fun and friendliness. While the work I was assigned was manageable and taught me more about the administrative processes of district offices, the people I worked with were by far my favorite.
What I wish was different
I did not want to leave-- everything went very well for me.
Advice
Details are important. I set myself above the rest of the interns by displaying my willingness to read directions more than once to ensure I missed nothing, asking questions when questions were warranted, and learning from any mistakes that were made. It is also admirable if, when a mistake is made, to immediately go back and correct it (if possible) instead of covering it up, or owning up to the mistake and discussing how similar mistakes can be avoided in the future.
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Intern
May - August 2018 • Huntington Beach, CA
What I liked
I enjoyed researching legislation and working in a fast-paced office environment.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Intern
May - June 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
liked on-site experience
cool to see what behind the scenes for politicians is like
opportunity to try social media or other tasks if you ask
What I wish was different
didn't like the office atmosphere (no-talking rule)
Advice
definitely be your own self-starter, ask for things you want to learn to do (like daily press clips)
talk to whoever you find most similar to you, who is doing what you want to do
meet people at mixers
go to as much as you can, try to skirt the menial work
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Intern
May - July 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I liked environment of being on the Hill and the exposure to the legislative process.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Congressional Intern
May - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I liked getting to see firsthand how the legislative branch functions and pulling back the curtain on what really happens.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been given more research tasks or been able to sit in on lobbying meetings or go to committee meetings.
Advice
Being a Congressional Intern is going to be what you make it, network with other interns and staffers because you never know who else someone knows.
