My Washington, DC office needs interns who are hardworking, independent, and resourceful team-players who share my political philosophy.
Most of the interns I have had the honor of working with in my office have moved on to much greater things, from leaders in all facets of government to significant players in the private sector. It is my genuine hope that each intern in my office will gain insight into her or his career path, as I did interning for Idaho Congressman Orville Hansen.
In the Summer of 1969, I arrived in Washington, DC, to work as an intern for Representative Orville Hansen. Although my internship was brief because the Congressman decided, after a few months, to hire me on as a member of his staff, I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges that my internship offered. Being a young man, and having spent my life so far in Western Idaho (and most of that on the family ranch), I found our nation's capital, with it's fast pace and interesting people, to be an exciting and enriching place.
I am glad that I am now in a position to provide similar life-changing experiences to other youth in Idaho by offering the opportunity to work in Washington, DC, as an intern in my office. The Legislative Internship typically lasts one semester and may include experience in everything from data entry to writing actual legislation. Rather than assigning only menial tasks to those who participate in the program, I prefer to offer a more diverse experience--probably because I walked in their shoes back in 1969. While each intern is expected to pull his or her weight as far as photocopying and sorting mail are concerned, each participant is also assigned a variety of legislative duties.
In addition to these positions in my Washington office, my offices in Idaho offer residents of all ages the opportunity to gain first-hand experience working in a congressional office without the expense of living in the District of Columbia. Unfortunately, my budget allows me to award small stipends only to those interning in Washington, so work in any of my state offices is on a voluntary basis only.
Interns in my Washington, DC office have the opportunity to gain a solid understanding of the inner-workings of the United States Senate through hands-on experience in a variety of duties and responsibilities.
75% Substantivework directly with a mentor from the legislative, press, or it/admin staff ~ attend committee hearings and staff meetings ~ help implement website updates ~ research timely issues ~ assist staff in crafting legislation and speeches ~ plan & coordinate press conferences and events ~ analyze legislation and floor debate ~ collate digital archive of daily print media ~ assist in supporting state-of-the-art computer network ~ prepare official correspondence |
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25% Administrativegreet constituents ~ open, sort, deliver incoming mail ~ answer phone calls and record callers' opinions ~ guide groups of idaho visitors through the us capitol building ~ seek congressional signatures on official documents ~ copy, file, and fax legislative material ~ organize and prepare outgoing mail ~ run time-sensitive errands between offices ~ verify back-ups of critical server data ~ deliver priority letters & faxes |
100% Enrichingexplore museums, art galleries, and monuments ~ meet celebrities and famous politicians ~ take in historically significant places ~ be a witness to history each and every day ~ join the political movers and shakers at rallies and receptions ~ walk the same paths our founders took on your way to senator craig's office each day ~ have the opportunity to attend world class performances of theater, music, and dance ~ meet fascinating people & form lasting friendships |
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PLUS, focus on one of three key functions critical to the operation of my Senate office in Washington, DC:
LegislativeAssist the legislative staff in researching a wide variety of issues, in responding to constituent correspondence, and in generating other written material as needed. Also attend legislative briefings and committee hearings. Prefer background or strong interest in one or more of these issues: energy, environment, natural resources, defense, foreign affairs, international trade, education, law, economics, transportation, agriculture, government, or labor. |
CommunicationsWork with my Communications Director in the day-to-day activity of the Press Shop: Research and verify media-related facts, manage an online database of press clips, write press releases, and assist in the planning and coordination of press events. Prefer background or strong interest in: journalism, english, communications, or public relations. |
InfoTechProvide support to the IT Manager in maintaining the office's wide-area network, and in designing, programming, and implementing my official website and office intranet. Also assist in development and production of brochures, presentations, and other projects as needed. Prefer background or strong interest in one or more of the following: Info technology, business information systems, hardware and software troubleshooting, website design and authoring (including HTML, JavaScript, and ColdFusion), graphic design, or photo editing. |
Other opportunities may also be available:
Idahoans of all ages and vocations may serve in any of my six regional offices as Idaho Interns. Contact the regional director in the office nearest you to learn about available programs and positions, and how you can apply.
Idahoans pursuing studies in health or veteran-related fields may serve as specialized Committee Interns for the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, which I chair. Access http://veterans.senate.gov to learn more.
Idaho law students are encouraged to apply for a full-time position as Law Clerk working directly with my Chief Counsel in Washington, DC. Contact my Intern Coordinator to learn about requirements and how to apply.
- How many interns are selected each semester?
- Each of the three yearly intern classes--Spring, Summer, and Fall--is composed of four to eight interns. The number of interns selected depends on the number of qualified individuals who apply.
- Will I get paid?
- Internships in Idaho offices are on a volunteer basis; some internships may be for college credit as determined by the individual's school; and most D.C. office internships include a stipend of $1,000 per month.
- What is the dress code in Senator Craig's office?
- Male staff members should wear a tie at all times, and a suit jacket or sport coat should be kept handy. Female staff members should dress professionally as well, in either skirts, dresses, or pant suits. No shorts or open-backed clothing are permitted. Hosiery is also required. During times when the Senate is not in session, professional casual attire is permitted. Clothing should always be neat and in good taste.
- Will I have any free time?
- Interns typically work forty hours per week and have the weekends off.
- If I am accepted, how will I get to Washington, DC?
- Transportation to the capital is your responsibility, although my staff would be happy to make suggestions regarding your travel arrangements.
- Is it easy to find housing in Washington, DC?
- There are many varied housing options in and around Washington, DC. Some universities offer rooms to visiting students. Other interns here in DC may need roommates. My staff would be happy to make suggestions, but finding a place to live during your internship is ultimately your responsibility.
- Does Washington, DC, have a public transportation system?
- The public transportation system in Washington, DC, is excellent. Public busses connect to the Metro, the city's subway system, so that you can get just about anywhere you would like.
- What expenses should I expect while living in the city?
- In addition to housing, typical expenses would include meals and transportation in and around DC. Travel on the Metro to and from the office would most likely cost a few dollars each day.
Print a hardcopy and complete the application, including all supporting documentation.
Application Deadlines:
Questions regarding the application or the internship program should be directed to:
Ms. Whitney Rolig, Intern Coordinator
Office of Senator Larry E. Craig
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510-1203
Phone 202/224-2752 Fax 202/228-1067
Questions regarding volunteer internships in state offices should be directed to the office closest to you.
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