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Interns for the Committee on Homeland Security provide critical support in both an administrative and legislative capacity. As a member of our office you will work on the front line of homeland security issues and learn first hand how an active Capitol Hill Committee office functions. Together with our permanent staff, you will function as part of a highly motivated and effective team, to fulfill the collective responsibilities of the Committee.
The day-to-day operations of the office will be your major responsibility. However, you will also participate in preparing for and running hearings as well as researching special projects with policy staff mentors. Your work allows professional staff to carry out their essential duties in drafting legislation, setting up hearings and briefs, and providing oversight of the Department of Homeland Security.

Intern Work and Activities
The intern Coordinator will be the primary contact for the intern both during the application process and throughout the duration of the internship. Delegation of work and assignment of duties will be accomplished through frequent communication between the Coordinator, the intern(s) and the other office staff. Additionally, each intern will have a mentor on the Committee staff who will assign major projects to the intern and work with him/her in their area of interest.

Intern_Chertoff

Committee on Homeland Security Intern, Ross Oklewicz,
meets U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff

Interns will provide support to the daily operations of the office by handling most of the front office duties including: greeting visitors to the office, answering the phones, delivering the mail, running errands, and assisting with other basic office functions. Interns will also be responsible for assisting with Committee hearings and markups. This includes researching witnesses and hearing topics, helping to draft questions for witnesses, preparing background information for Committee members, and other duties during the hearing itself. Each intern will also be given various research projects throughout the semester that will cover a wide variety of Homeland Security issues.

In addition to work completed in the office, each intern will also have the opportunity to take part in other special activities. Certain congressional support agencies such as the Library of Congress and the Congressional Research Service offer training sessions which interns will be allowed to participate in at their request. Interns can also take advantage of certain lectures, tours and guest speakers to supplement their Hill experience. Interns will work with the Coordinator to schedule these special events around their required projects as much as possible.

General Requirements and Internship Application
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college or university and have at least one semester of coursework left before graduation.

Interns are expected to work full-time (40 hours per week) for the duration of their internship although some flexibility may be afforded under certain circumstances. Interns are expected to dress in business attire.

The spring internship period lasts roughly from January until May; the summer period runs from May until August, and the fall period covers the remainder of the year. The exact dates of the internship will be established with the Intern Coordinator for the Committee.

Guidelines for Application
For an application to be considered complete, the Committee must receive the following items by the application deadline. You may fax, e-mail or mail your completed resume to the Intern Coordinator. Note: Due to mail security procedures, applications sent by regular post take at least two weeks extra to receive. Please factor this information into your planning. Submitted materials will not be returned.

  • Cover letter: Your cover letter should clarify why you want to intern for the Committee on Homeland Security and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your cover letter should specify clearly your schedule for interning with the committee: it should include the dates you will be available to work, and any restrictions on the full-time work week.
  • Resume: A résumé (in Word or .pdf form) that outlines your educational background, honors or recognitions, work experience, leadership on campus and community, special skills, travel, interests, etc. Your resume should include at least two references that we can contact for more information.
  • School Transcript: The transcript should include all course work completed thus far. You may choose to send a copy of an official transcript by fax.
  • Writing Sample: A 3-5 page writing sample of your work should be submitted to the Committee.

The following list should be used as a guideline for submitting a complete application. Please keep in mind that all materials must be received by the Committee on Homeland Security the deadlines listed below to be considered for an internship position.

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Official Transcript
  • Writing Sample

Deadlines for Application and Application Checklist

Spring Internship (Jan-May): 1 November
Summer Internship (May/June-August): 1 February
Fall Internship (August-December): 15 August

Send Complete Application to:

  • Fax: (202) 226-3399
  • Mailing Address:
    Committee on Homeland Security
    The Committee on Homeland Security-Republican Staff
    U.S. House of Representatives
    C/O Internship Coordinator
    H2-117 Ford House Office Building
    Washington, DC 20515