Being in the city and experiencing the functionality of the Federal Government. It was fun to be a part of the legislative process and know that you had some impact on bills that could potentially become national law. Moreover, the social experience was amazing. I made friends from every corner of the country that will be with me for the rest of my life.
What I wish was different
For me, I wish our office would have used us more. It seemed there were multiple instances where us interns would sit around with nothing to do. We're there for the experience, and if we are not doing anything, we aren't getting that experience.
Advice
Be prepared to learn fast. When you start, you will probably be thrown strait into the fire so keep an open mind and do your best to adapt to the constantly changing tasking and fast moving environment. Also, be prepared to be yelled at by callers from all over the country who are angry with your representative. You just need to kill them with kindness and know how to diffuse tense situations both over the phone or even potentially with a toxic tour group you may lead.
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Congressional Intern
May - July 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Learned so much!
What I wish was different
Being paid would have been wonderful.
Advice
if you have the opportunity to intern in D.C. do it! you will learn so much!
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Congressional Intern
September - December 2019 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
I worked at Congressman Ted Lieu’s district office and the staff there was amazing. The work provides you with a ton of experience in working in a political setting, and you become more knowledgeable with every task you’re given.
What I wish was different
I wish there had been some kind of stipend or pay.
Advice
Don’t be afraid to answer the phone. Even though you might not know who’s at the end of the other line, you’ll gain more knowledge and confidence with every call you take.
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political intern
September - December 2016 • Washington, DC
What I liked
The hands on experience and relevant nature of the experience to my professional ambitions. The supervisor was really helpful and the work environment allowed for an intimate engagement wit the material.
What I wish was different
I wish I had done it closer to my graduation time.
Advice
Definitely recommend, I would say be ready for the 9-5 environment and believe in your abilities to transfer skills in the classroom to the internship.
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Constituent Services Intern
May - August 2021 • Chambersburg, PA
What I liked
I loved the constant energy in a congressional office and truly enjoyed interacting with constituents.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had more constituent interaction and more opportunities to work for the Communication team.
Advice
Be WILLING! My willingness to work got me an offer to extend my internship for an additional four weeks. I was open to taking on more casework, answering extra calls, coming in early and staying late, and going above and beyond with scheduling for the Congressman. Your superiors will see these efforts and truly appreciate your service to the office and the Congressman.
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Congressional Intern
May - August 2021 • Mays Landing, NJ
What I liked
I loved the networking opportunities that came with the position. I was the first-hand contact with constituents who wanted their problems to be heard, so my job was very interactive.
What I wish was different
I wish the location was more commutable.
Advice
Go out of your comfort zone- this job definitely put me out of mine but I learned so much from it.
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Congressional Intern
June - August 2021 • Washington, DC
What I liked
It was a fun experience to see the US Capitol and Congress from the inside, interact with other interns, learn from Congressmen, and staffers, and learn how Congress works.
What I wish was different
I wish there was better pay or housing for students.
Advice
Try to learn as much as you can.
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Congressional Intern
June - August 2021 • Washington, DC
What I liked
location, network, learning opportunities, uniqueness of job, political nature of job.
What I wish was different
have whole team committed to teaching interns instead of just a few members.
Advice
make sure to always offer additional help to your bosses, don't ever act like a job is too small, be professional in all aspects, and mind your ps & qs!
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Civic Internship
June - August 2021 • Davis, CA
What I liked
I was able to talk with constituents, community leaders, and experts from all over my congressional district. I also learned a great deal about the area.
What I wish was different
My position and responsibilities weren't well structured/defined coming out of COVID.
Advice
Be reliable and straightforward, and always volunteer for every oportunity.
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Congressional Intern
May - July 2022 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I love how I was doing work that mattered to the permanent staff. I was never doing "busy work" or meaningless projects. The program I interned for provided resources to help us succeed, inside and outside Capitol Hill. I was able to grow personally and professionally as I took on more responsibility and was held to a higher standard.
What I wish was different
Nothing, I had an amazing experience.
Advice
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Student intern
May - August 2022 • Livonia, MI
What I liked
I really enjoyed the hands on experience I gained from the research opportunities where I was able to work on cases as well.
What I wish was different
I do wish I was able to work more days of the week instead of just twice.
Advice
One piece of advice is be an active communicator and ask questions whenever you need help.
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Legislative Intern
June - August 2021 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Seeing the workings of Congress.
What I wish was different
Less busy work dealing with constituents.
Advice
Be prepared to spend a lot of time on the phones.
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Communications Intern
June - August 2021 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I loved living In Washington D.C. this summer and meeting amazing friends. Learning about our legislative systems while incorporating the skills I have learned in my major was an experience that is unmatched. This internship will definitely prepare me for my future job after I graduate this May, and I am grateful to have been given the opportunity.
What I wish was different
One thing I wish could have been different is the restrictions because of COVID-19. They usually have many speakers, but that was not able to happen this summer.
Advice
If you ever have the opportunity to spend the summer in D.C. do not pass it up! It was such a memorable experience that you won't forget.
