Information on Congressional Internships

WASHINGTON:
In Washington, internships run throughout the fall, spring or summer semesters for college students only. Although all internships in all offices are unpaid, students gain invaluable work experience. The hours are flexible to accommodate students' hectic course schedules, but generally run 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. when Congress is in session, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. when not in session.

In Washington, interns' responsibilities will vary. They will be asked to answer phones, run errands, research legislation for the Member and legislative staff, attend hearings and briefings and answer constituent letters on various issues before the House. As a result, interns learn about the legislative process and the many other functions of a congressional office.

DISTRICT:
In my district offices, interns may be asked to do a variety of things, including day-to-day office work such as answering phones, writing letters and assisting with media clips. In addition, interns may be assigned to assist in various constituent case work or work on District-based projects of importance.

If you would like more information on Congressional Internships—please contact my office.

Internship Application

CLICK HERE to download the Internship Application [PDF]

The responsibilities of an intern in the Washington, DC Office of Congressman Heath Shuler include, but are not limited to, assisting the legislative and administrative staff with the following tasks: answering phones, leading tours for constituents, sorting constituent mail, drafting constituent mail responses, writing legislative memos and Congressional Record statements, attending briefings, and conducting legislative research.

Intern Application Deadline: The semester long internship program is for undergraduate students only. Applicants must have completed at least one year of college to be eligible for an internship.

All applications must include at least one copy of your college transcript, a resume, and at least one letter of recommendation. Applications may be submitted by email to blakely.whilden@mail.house.gov or by fax to 202-226-6422, attention: Blakely Whilden. The deadline for a Spring 2008 internship is November 9. Our office will work with accepted interns to determine the dates of the semester internship based on the student’s academic calendar. Applicants should note that internships offered through Congressman Shuler’s office are unpaid internships.

PHOTO GALLERY

Congressman Shuler chairs a hearing in the Small Business Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship

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