Congressman Jim Costa

Internship Testimonials

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Published on Wednesday, 11 April 2007 09:36

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In Their Own Words: Congressman Costa's Intern Testimonials

 

 

My internship in Congressman Costa's Washington office has been a remarkable experience. From attending informative briefings to sharing the history of the U.S. Capitol with constituents, the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and public policy has been incredible. The wonderful and brilliant staff encouraged me to learn more about the issue areas I was interested in and were more than willing to share their extensive knowledge. Having grown up in the Central Valley, one of the most rewarding parts of my internship was being able to assist with constituent services. I feel privileged to have had this opportunity and am confident that this experience will help in all my future endeavors.

- Sara Severs - Fall 2006, Washington D.C. Office

I am grateful for the opportunity to work in the congressional office of Representative Jim Costa.  He and his dedicated staff went out of their way to ensure my experience was both memorable and educational.  I will always remember climbing the Capitol dome with the Congressman and attending his holiday party.  Some other highlights were attending the CHCI Gala, election night at the DNC, and the numerous briefings I was allowed to attend outside of the office.

Inside the office, I was fortunate to work on interesting projects as well.  Creating a spreadsheet with the various letters signed by Rep. Costa allowed me to learn more about his values and the process of building coalitions.  Reviewing his environmental record for the 109^th Congress helped me to understand the importance of looking beneath the surface of one's voting record.  I learned that Congressman Costa provided needed support for key amendments that were important to protecting the environment.

On a daily basis, answering the telephone and sorting the mail helped me to understand the responsibilities of the various staff members.  The mass of information coming into the office on such a wide variety of issues demonstrated the difficulties faced by the staff and ultimately, decision-makers. 

It was an honor to spend a few months involved in the political process.  Congressman Costa and his entire staff made me feel welcome and a part of the office.  Even at the intern level, I felt the work I was performing was important.  I'm certain that my internship experience was second to none.

- Mike Davidson- Panetta Institute Intern

Fall 2006, Washington D.C. Office

When I started this internship I had never worked in an office environment before and had little knowledge about the real workings of government. That said, I had very low expectations of what I would be able to accomplish. After only a short time that began to change. Everyone at the office was very friendly and always took the time to explain something new or lend a helping hand when I needed it. Because of this I never found myself in a situation I couldn't handle and really started to enjoy myself. The business skills I gained in working here, as well as the knowledge of government, will be invaluable to me in the future, regardless of my career choice and I am very glad I was given this career opportunity.

-Michael Allen - Fall 2006, Fresno District Office 

This past semester has been one of the most rewarding.  My internship in Congressman Costa's office is an experience that I will be telling people about for the rest of my life.  The opportunity to work in the Fresno District Office was great and the experience was even greater.  I got a chance to see what type of services are available to constituents and how a political office is run.  I now have a better understanding of politics and why I was so attracted to it in the first place: public service.  Nothing is more American than an individual who works for the well-being of the public.  This is what Jim Costa does and I have gained an appreciation for him and all that he does.  Thank you Congressman and all of Team Costa!

-Kylie Tsudama - Maddy Institute Intern

- Fall 2006, Fresno District Office

 

 

My internship in Congressman Jim Costa's Washington DC office was one of the best experiences I have had in life. During my summer internship I was able to enhance my professional skills and participate in the legislative process. Congressman Costa's staff challenged me to excel in a fast-paced environment and was very helpful in making sure that my DC experience was an excellent one. Living and working in DC gave me the chance to satisfy my interest in American history and to see how public policy is formed. As a life-long resident of the Central Valley of California, the internship gave me a chance to see how a career in public service can be a rewarding one, especially when you are helping the people back home. The internship exposed me to a wide range of issues that allowed me to gain more knowledge of the complex challenges that we face today. I am a very grateful to Congressman Costa and all of the staff who have continued to help me further my education and advance my career in government service.

- Ian Wieland - Costa Scholar Intern 

- Summer 2006, Washington D.C. office

Through my experience interning in both the Fresno District Office and the Washington, D.C. Office, I was truly able to see both sides of the political spectrum.

In the Fresno office, I encountered constituents on a daily basis via phone, mail or in person. Listening to their concerns and relaying their concerns to Rep. Costa and his staff gave me a deep understanding of true congressional representation. As an intern, I was responsible for several tasks including, but not limited to, answering phones; assisting in constituent casework; writing supportive and congratulatory letters; and compiling media coverage of important issues concerning the 20th district including: transportation, healthcare, education, immigration, agriculture and water.  

In the D.C. office, I learned an extensive amount about the legislative process. I provided Capitol tours, attended briefings and researched legislative issues. While interning, one of the many great triumphs was assisting in attaining one-third of the House's support in renewing funding for the Violence Against Women's Act. My experience in the Capitol proved how much one can truly make a difference.  

Interning with the Costa team from one coast to the other has truly changed me in the most positive and profound way. I've learned more than I ever thought possible, and I know I will take that knowledge with me throughout the rest of my life. I cannot thank Rep. Costa and his staff enough for their support and for making this unforgettable opportunity possible.

- Millie Tang - Summer 2006, Washington D.C. Office  

My time spent in Congressman Costa's district office has been brilliant. I have had the opportunity to experience the roots of congressional representation first-hand in the central valley while gaining a unique perspective on pertinent valley issues. Through daily interactions with constituents, I witnessed the active link between the Congressman and those whom he represents. While attending district events with the Congressman and his team, I was astounded by the strength of the ties between the Congressman and his constituents as well as their commitment to his leadership. This internship gave me a great appreciation for the vast array of casework and services the district office provides to constituents that go far beyond the legislative process. Getting to know and work with a group of professionals who were always completely supportive and encouraging was a privilege in itself. My internship in the Fresno District Office has been extremely rewarding and one that will certainly help carry me through my future endeavors.

- Evan Gramis - Summer 2006, Fresno District Office

 

 

My summer internship at Congressman Jim Costa's district office in Fresno, CA was a very rewarding experience. As an intern I was exposed to how the district representatives directly serve their constituents, and how constituents express their concerns to the congressman. Being involved with office events has made me more aware about the issues that exist in the central valley, and how different programs and organizations are out there trying to tackle these problems. Most importantly I was able to learn about public policy and how it truly impacts your daily life. I learned so much from the wonderful staff at the office. I deeply appreciate the experience that they shaped for me. It will be one that will never be forgotten.

- Kenyeih Vandi - Summer 2006, Fresno District Office

The opportunity to become an intern at the Fresno District Office became a milestone in my academic and personal life. Being an International Business major I became knowledgeable of the congressional procedures, and I gained a better understanding of the American political system. Even though it was my first formal experience in an office environment, the incredible staff made me feel welcomed and useful since the day I arrived.  One of the most rewarding experiences was that my Spanish speaking skills were used to serve constituents in the 20^th District who called for help. In addition, I became familiar with the issues and needs of the people in the Central Valley. I would highly recommend to anybody, regardless of their field of study, to take the opportunity of this internship.  The internship will conclude and will open doors for the future, but the relationships made and the satisfaction of helping others will last forever.

- Zyanya Bejarano - Summer 2006, Fresno District Office

 

My experience at Congressman Jim Costa's Fresno District Office was unforgettable. I feel privileged to have worked with so many creative, talented and generous individuals who gave me a chance to experience what it takes to run a congressional district office. It has been very exciting to learn in such a supportive and encouraging environment. I have not only increased my understanding of public policy, but I have also developed a deeper sense of responsibility in my need to make a difference.

-Keith Ross - Maddy Institute Intern

- Spring 2005, Fresno District Office

Young people are typically jaded in regards to politics.  I decided to see for myself what was going on in our Nation's Capitol as an intern in Congressman Costa's DC office.  What I discovered firsthand is that Congress is filled with real people representing everyday citizens back in their home districts as best as they can.  Congressman Costa is probably one of the best examples of a "representative" for his people.  I also found the staff to be some of the hardest working, most knowledgeable and fun group of folks. My internship experience laid the bedrock of my understanding of politics, and I had a heck of a fun time in DC.  I feel honored to have been part of "Team Costa".

- Nick Dobric - Unilever Congressional Internship

- Winter 2006, Washington D.C. office