Iowa Congressman

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Washington, Dec 8, 2010 - An internship in Iowa Congressman Tom Latham’s Capitol Hill office has reinforced 22-year-old Joe Sheridan’s interest in pursuing a career in politics.

Sheridan, an Urbandale native, took a semester off from his studies at the University of Iowa to complete the 5-month internship in Latham’s Washington office.   With the internship set to end later this month, he said he hopes to stay involved in politics and will look for opportunities to work in government upon returning to Iowa.  He said he plans to continue building upon the policy and communications work he completed during the internship.

“I did this because I wanted the privilege to take part in something larger than myself and to start making a positive impact in the lives of other Americans,” he said. “The more informed and involved citizens are in the legislative process, the better the policy outcomes will be for our country.”

Sheridan, a graduate of Dowling Catholic High School, will return to the University of Iowa campus in the spring with a wealth of personal and professional experience under his belt.

“My time in DC has given me the opportunity to utilize the skills I’ve learned in college and apply them to my real world responsibilities in the office,” Sheridan said. “My internship has allowed me to hone in on my professional strengths and get a better sense of what I want my future to be.”

Office duties of congressional interns vary from preparing the daily constituent mailings to attending policy briefings and committee hearings and preparing reports for congressional staff. Sheridan’s most memorable experience, however, occurred outside of his normal duties as an intern.

“In early fall, I was able to accompany Congressman Latham to the World War II Memorial to greet an Iowa Honor Flight composed of veterans from northeast Iowa,” Sheridan recalled. “It was a very humbling experience to honor those Iowans who are part of the Greatest Generation. It will be a moment that I will never forget.”

Sheridan encouraged other young people – even those in fields outside of politics – to consider internships with a congressional office.  

“Joe has done a terrific job over the course of the last five months,” Latham said. “He’s made real contributions to the office and learned a great deal about Congress and the federal government.  He should be proud of his accomplishments.”

In the coming weeks, Congressman Latham’s office will begin reviewing applications for internships beginning in January. Applicants must send a cover letter, resume and writing sample to Congressman Latham’s office at 2217 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20515.  Or the materials can be e-mailed to Latham's staff at Amanda.McDonnell@mail.house.gov.

If you'd like to view a high-resolution version of the photo of Congressman Latham and Joe Sheridan standing on the steps of the Capitol, please click here.