INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Senator Durbin offers an internship program for undergraduate students of all majors, and graduate and law students who are interested in experiencing the day-to-day operations of a Senator's office. The goal of the internship program is to provide students with the opportunity to understand and become involved in all aspects of the operation of a Senator's office.

Please send a completed internship application form (PDF | DOC), a resume, and a cover letter explaining why you would like to be an intern to the intern coordinator at the specific office to which you are applying. Any questions regarding your application or the program should also be directed to the intern coordinator at that office.

Students may be informed of decisions prior to the application deadline. Applications received early will be given preference and those who apply late will be considered as space allows. Students are strongly urged to send their materials as early as possible, as positions fill quickly.

Application Deadlines
Fall	August 1st
Spring	November 15th
Summer	March 15th

Illinois Internships

Sen. Durbin's Illinois offices assist constituents in matters dealing with federal services and provide outreach to constituent interest groups on behalf of the Senator. Based on the individual's availability and skills, interns will work with legislative staff, case workers, press secretaries and administrative staff. All interns are required to perform reception and general office support duties. However, the interns will be given as much substantive work as possible.

Washington Internships

Staff members in the Washington DC office assist the Senator directly with his Senate legislative responsibilities by performing research, tracking and developing legislative initiatives, and contacting constituents and their representatives. Based on the individual's availability and skills, interns will work with legislative staff, press secretaries and administrative staff. All undergraduate interns are required to perform reception, general office support duties, and tours of the Capitol. However, the interns will be given as much substantive work as possible.

The Washington DC office offers research-intensive internship opportunities to graduate and law students. These interns assist staff in conducting legislative research, analyzing legislative proposals, preparing for hearings and markups by reviewing witness testimony and issue background, and helping to prepare the Senator's briefings, questions, and background materials for committee hearings. Graduate and law students are given consideration for internships in the Senator's personal office, as well as his committee offices. To apply for these internships, please submit application materials (cover letter, resume, and application form) to the intern coordinator in the Washington office.

Please note: Due to ongoing delays in postal mail, those interested in applying for internships in the Senator's Washington DC office, should fax all application materials to (202) 228-0400, attn. Intern Coordinator.

Internships are available year-round. Intern schedules are based on each student's days and hours of availability. While interns receive no stipend, academic credit - based solely on each educational institution's criteria - may be earned. Students with strong writing and research skills are encouraged to apply.

Washington Intern Coordinator and Office Address:

Ms. Sally Brown-Shaklee, Intern Coordinator
Office of U.S. Sen. Richard J. Durbin
332 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
phone: (202) 224-2152
fax: (202) 228-0400

Illinois State Intern Coordinators and Office Addresses:

Ms. Camille Smith, Intern Coordinator
Office of U.S. Sen. Richard J. Durbin
230 South Dearborn
Suite 3892
Chicago, IL 60604
phone: (312) 353-4952
fax: (312) 353-0150

Ms. Sara Nelson, Intern Coordinator
Office of U.S. Sen. Richard J. Durbin
525 S. 8th Street
Springfield, IL 62703
phone: (217) 492-4062
fax: (217) 492-4382

Ms. Donna Eastman, Intern Coordinator
Office of U.S. Sen. Richard J. Durbin
701 N. Court Street
Marion, IL 62959
phone: (618) 998-8812
fax: (618) 997-0176

Internship Application Form
PDF | DOC

Page Application Form
PDF | DOC