Internships PDF Print E-mail

Summer_2012_InternsThank you for your interest in serving as a Congressional Intern in my congressional offices.  I am pleased to offer students this unique educational opportunity to participate in the legislative branch of government. 

The internship programs are designed to provide students with an understanding of the core functions of a congressional office, including responding to constituent inquiries, researching legislation, developing public policy, and observing the legislative process firsthand by attending committee meetings, hearings, and a variety of lecture series.

Summer Internship applicants must possess good writing and computer skills, be enrolled in college or recently graduated, and should have a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average. Preference will be given to residents of California's 22nd Congressional District (which includes most of Kern and San Luis Obispo counties and part of Los Angeles County); however, all applications will be considered. Summer interns are responsible for their expenses, including transportation and lodging costs, and are eligible to receive a $1,500 stipend, before taxes, if they intern in both the district and D.C. offices. The Summer Internship program will be an 8 week session; interns will spend 2 weeks in the Bakersfield or Atascadero district office and 6 weeks in the Washington, D.C. office. Students are also required to submit a resume and a 250 word essay detailing their interest in the Summer Internship program and what they expect to learn from the experience.

Deadline:  Applications and supporting documentes for the 2013 Summer Internship positions must be received no later than Friday, April 5, 2013, but applicants are advised to submit their application as early as possible as decisions will be made on a rolling basis. 

Fall, Winter and Spring Internships Internships are also available year round in my Washington, D.C. and Bakersfield, California offices.  Applications for the 12-week internships during the fall, winter and spring will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

         

Click here to view our video about internships

 

Here's what some Summer Interns say about their experience:

"Since participating in Congressman McCarthy's summer intern program, I have developed an even greater passion for politics and a better sense of what I would like to pursue in the future. Congressman McCarthy's office provided me with countless opportunities to become involved in what specifically interested me and encouraged my participation in those events. His staff is unbelievable as well; I would go back in a heartbeat."  - Kate Bianchi

"Interning for Congressman McCarthy during the Summer of 2008 was the best experience of my life. I grew more as a professional and an individual than any other time in my college career. The lessons that I learned about the legislative process were priceless and timeless. My favorite aspect of the internship was the day that I got a chance to shadow Congressman McCarthy, because on this day I got a small taste of the busy day he has, and how much he cares about his constituents."  - Cecilia Jelmini

“Working for Congressman McCarthy was a great summer experience.  The internship in D.C. helped me better understand the inner-workings of the Federal government by providing a hands-on experience with researching legislation, working closely with the Congressman and staff for Committee, and leading constituent tours of the Capitol Building.  I recommend this experience to anyone who has an interest in government, political science, or politics. Interning with Congressman McCarthy’s office has helped me better decide what I want to pursue after graduation by providing a one-of-a-kind work experience along with genuine knowledge and advice.” - Mike Melzer

Application Procedures.  Click here for the Summer Internship Application or Fall, Winter and Spring Internship Application.  Once you have completed the application, please submit your application, resume and essay describing your interest in a congressional internship and what you expect to learn from your experience to one of the following:

SUBMISSION:

For Fall, Winter and Spring Washington, D.C. Internships, please submit application and supporting documents to:

Aaron Thiele
Fax: (202) 225-2908
Phone: (202) 225-2915
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

For Summer Washington, D.C., Atascadero and Bakersfield District Office Internships, please submit application and supporting documents to:

Robin Lake-Foster
Fax: (661) 631-9535,
Phone: (661) 327-3611
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


If you prefer to mail your application and supporting documents for either the Washington or Bakersfield Internship, please mail to:

Intern Coordinator
Congressman Kevin McCarthy
4100 Empire Drive, Suite 150
Bakersfield, California 93309