Internships on Capitol Hill and in Annapolis: a Student Perspective

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 • 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Panel event that shared the benefits of these internships and valuable tips on how to find and apply for these opportunities.

Panelists include:

Alia O’Kane, Mechanical Engineering and Government and Politics, ‘17

Intern, Delegate Mark Fisher, (District 27C, Calvert County)

Anitha Mohan, Government & Politics, ‘14

Former Intern, Senator Patty Murray (Washington) and Former Intern, Delegate Heather Mizeur (District 20, Montgomery County)

Edoghogho "Doc" Akonawe, Government & Politics and Theater, ‘15

Former Intern, Delegate Mary-Dulany James (District 34A, Harford and Cecil Counties)

Katherine Sylvester, Government & Politics and Communication, ‘15

Press Intern, Senator Ed Markey (Massachusetts) and Former Intern, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (Connecticut, 3rd District)

Sam Wallace, Government & Politics, ‘16 & Master in Public Policy, '17

Intern, Delegate Andrew Serafini, (District 2A, Washington County)

Moderator: Kathryn Hopps, Program Director for Experiential Learning, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

How did you find out about your internship?

  • Started in a Page program in high school and through the connections I made there, I learned of the internship opportunity.
  • I discovered the General Assembly internship while researching opportunities online and I contacted them for more information.
  • A friend of mine secured the internship, but could not take it and shared it with me.
  • I made a list of senators I would be interested in working with and submitted applications for advertised internship openings.
  • I targeted district offices in my home town for a summer internship.
  • I looked at the Senate and House bulletin and applied for advertised positions.

Do you have any résumé tips?

  • If you are a GVPT honor society member, highlight that on your resume, as well as any related campaign volunteer experiences, etc.
  • Search for senators whose interests and platform issues are related to your interests and experiences and display those within your resume and cover letter.
  • Within your application mention your policy interests.

Interview

  • Show excitement and passion during the interview for the political process. You don’t have to be the most skilled individual, because that can be taught, but interest and passion can’t.
  • Be prepared to answer questions about their bills or committee work. The office will look for projects for you to complete that fits your interests, so if you are not interested in any of their work then you won't have anything to do.

What was the highlight of your internship?

  • General Assembly- I identified some issues that a bill had and presented it to the delegate and the bill was reworked and it passed.
  • I enjoyed working with the constituents and helping themresolve their problems by providing resources.
  • Working on the Hill is very cool because the environment is electric and it is so cool to be engaged in the world that I read about...walking down the hallway and seeing McCain is amazing.
  • Being in downtown Annapolis is a great environment because of the close by restaurants to grab lunch.
  • I got to testify for some of the bills. It was nerve racking, but I am glad I did it.
  • Neat to see issues that I did initial research on…topics like net neutrality and then seeing the issue hit the national stage, it was amazing.
  • Assisting attorneys with research.

How to apply?

  • For Hill positions, many have a November 15 application deadline for the spring, but opportunities are always being advertised.
  • You can obtain academic credit if you apply early enough.

How do I choose an office to target?

  • Conduct some research online to identify where your interests lie. Maybe listen to C-Span or other news outlets to examine who is leading the charge on proposed bills or policy. There are opportunities to mingle with delegates during receptions in Annapolis, where you can meet them and learn more about their issues.
  • Consider volunteering with a campaign- that is a great way to get to know people.
  • Don’t forget you are interviewing the delegate during the application process to determine if the opportunities and the office environment will be a match.
  • Target offices that have polices or bills that you could “defend” with passion.
  • A district office deals with case work and not policy work. On the Hill you are taking callsfrommostly angry constituents that express concern about a policy and the district calls tend to be people asking for help with their issues (i.e. obtaining veteran benefits, etc.).
  • In the delegate offices you can give the caller more time on the phone, compared to the Hill when you hear their concern, note it and move on to the next call.