The Virtual Office of Congresswoman Jane Harman

Internships

Our office is looking for intelligent, energetic and professional individuals who are able to perform well in a fast-paced deadline-oriented legislative environment.

An internship provides students and recent college graduates with a first hand look at a Congressional office and the political process.

Responsibilities

• One major project to be completed by the end of the internship
• Legislative research
• Attend briefings and meetings and report back to legislative staff
• Assistance with constituent services and requests
• Process and sort incoming mail
• Assist legislative staff with assembling Dear Colleague letters and getting signatures
• Accompany staff to events
• Data entry
• Administrative tasks
• Assemble and distribute news clips
• Familiarization with the district and its relevant issues
• Work closely with staff on other duties as needed

Requisites

• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)
• An active interest in government and politics
• Ability to meet the demands of a fast-paced, deadline oriented work environment
• A knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Familiarity with the 36th Congressional District is helpful, but not required

Internship Experiences

"After studying Government for two years at Smith College, I decided that securing an internship on Capitol Hill would be the best determinant as to whether I should pursue politics as a career path. My faculty advisor recommended that I make Congresswoman Harman my first choice for an internship because she has risen as an integral voice in issues of defense and intelligence. After working for only male lawmakers, I thought it would be interesting to work for such a powerful woman in an area like security, which has been primarily male-dominated.

"While working at the office, I was constantly impressed that the staff took the time to explain their work to me, and to incorporate me into the team. I interacted with every staff member, which meant that I got to learn a little about each of the spheres of press, policy, and scheduling. I also enjoyed meeting constituents from the 36th district and was proud to explain the work that Congresswoman Harman does. I will definitely aspire to the level of professionalism and passion that I learned from the Congresswoman and her dynamic staff.

"My summer internship has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my collegiate career, and the most invaluable resource for my future in politics. I now know that I would be thrilled to return to the Hill after graduating from Smith and before heading to law school. Working for the Congresswoman made me more steadfast in my professional goals, and I hope to run for office someday soon using all that I learned from my internship."

Sidnie Davis
Smith College

How to Apply