Internships are an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in politics or government. Internships are offered in Washington D.C., San ntonio, Seguin, Mission, and Laredo. Our interns help staff with a variety of duties. This internship provides students with the unique opportunity to gain experience by assisting a Member of Congress.
In Washington, students interested in an internship should illustrate a desire to take a hands-on approach to the legislative process. Their primary roles will include:
· Handling mail and assist with phones
· Compiling legislative research,
· Conducting Capitol tours
· Writing legislative correspondence
· Attend committee hearings
· Gathering news clippings
· Assisting with management of the constituent database
· Assisting with scheduling requests
Besides the above listed office duties, my staff works with interns to involve them in the educational opportunities available in Congress and Washington, D.C. For instance, the intern coordinator will keep interns aware of lectures and seminars taking place in and around the Capitol. We also coordinate tour activities for interns while they are in Washington.
For internships in the district, interested applicants should be highly motivated individuals who possess a desire to learn more about American Government, social work and community services. Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
· Casework
· General office duties
· Assisting constituents with various federal topics
· Monitoring delivery/pick up of materials delivered to the office
· Assisting with various administrative/legislative duties
· Coordinating with D.C. staff to expedite flag requests.
· Assisting with scheduling of White House tours
· Assisting Outreach Coordinator, Grants Coordinator and District Press Secretary as needed
Along with the above duties, my district staff will work with interns to include them in opportunities to attend community events. They will also have the chance to learn about the logistics of congressional event planning and helping promote our office’s mission throughout the district.
I offer internships from August through December, January through May, and then throughout the summer. In the summer my office will typically offer three, four-week sessions, one starting the middle of May and lasting through the middle of June, one from mid-June to mid-July, and the third from mid-July to mid-August. The deadlines for submitting your application are:
Summer Sessions- March 15th
Fall Semester- July 15th
Spring Semester- December 1st
These are unpaid internships and interns are responsible for their own housing. My staff will be happy to make housing suggestions. Additionally, my intern coordinators are very willing to work with college professors and interested students to design a specific internship that will fit both the office’s needs and the student’s needs.
Thank you again for your interest. For those interested, please send me a cover letter with a résumé, any references you would like to provide, and the session for which you are applying.
Washington, DC: Contact Ben Jackson at 202-225-1640 or send my office an e-mail.
San Antonio, Seguin, Laredo, or Mission: Contact Cynthia Gaona at 210-271-2851 or send my office an e-mail.
