Senate Internship Information

In the 1970s, I served an internship on Capitol Hill with Idaho 2nd District Representative Orval Hansen. It was an eye-opening experience, as it occurred during the summer of the Watergate break-in, and it helped spur my interest in the political process and public service. It may do just the same for you. Your collegiate studies are preparing you to enter a professional world that is more complex and more competitive than it has ever been. Whether your goal is entering the workforce or continuing to graduate school, acquiring marketable skills and experience now is important. An internship is an excellent way to explore possible career options while gaining valuable life experience that can further your future professional pursuits.

Students interested in politics, public service, public relations, writing, and the like can gain valuable experience through an internship in my Washington, DC, office. Former interns in my office have found great jobs in public relations, news organizations, and on congressional staffs, both in Idaho and DC. Their internships have also been useful being accepted into competitive graduate programs.

You can learn more about how previous interns have viewed their experiences by reading the Intern Blog, viewing photos at the Idaho Intern Blog at Blogspot or watching this news story produced by Pocatello NBC affiliate KPVI about interns in my office.

 

Interns work with staff members on legislative matters, draft constituent correspondence, help in communications operations, attend congressional hearings, and much more. In the exciting Washington, DC, environment, interns have ample time to see the monuments and museums and take part in many cultural events that our nation’s capitol is known for.

 

The internships are paid and generally run the length of conventional academic semesters. Some flexibility is allowed for class schedules and other factors. Most interns are college students in their junior or senior year. However, many come for an internship after graduation to gain valuable experience before entering the workforce or going on to graduate school.

Applications are available at the link at the bottom of this page or at any one of my local offices. To apply, please submit:

• completed application
• brief essay explaining why you want to serve as an intern
• three letters of recommendation
• current copy of college transcript (does not need to be official)
• current resume

Due to delays in mail service to Capitol Hill, please fax completed application materials to my Washington, DC, office at (202) 228-1375. The deadlines for internship applications are at the bottom of this page.

For information on internships in Washington DC, please contact the DC Internship Director. For internship opportunities in Idaho, please contact the State Intern Coordinator.

Ryan Ringel D.C. Internship Director (202) 224-2076 Ryan_Ringel@crapo.senate.gov

Roy Hansen State Intern Coordinator (208) 334-1776 Roy_Hansen@crapo.senate.gov

Internship Application (Microsoft Word format)

Internship Application (pdf format)

Semester	Begins	Ends	Application Deadline
Spring	January 3rd	May 31st	November 1st
Summer	June 1st	August 30th	April 1st
Fall	September 1st	December 15th	April 1st

White House Internships

The White House Internship Program offers an excellent opportunity to serve our President and explore public service. We are seeking exceptional candidates to apply for this highly competitive program. In addition to normal office duties, interns attend weekly lectures, tours, and complete an intern service project. Interns may serve a term in the Fall, Spring, or Summer. All candidates must be 18 years of age, hold United States citizenship, and be enrolled in a college or university.

Please visit the White House Intern website for additional information and current applications and deadlines.  A strong application includes the following:

• sound academic credentials
• history of community involvement and leadership
• solid verbal/written communication skills
• demonstrated interest in public service

Please submit the completed application to the White House Intern Coordinator, by the appropriate due date. If you have questions or concerns, contact the coordinator by e-mail, prior to the deadlines listed on the White House Intern website.