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 in getting accepted into competitive graduate programs.
Want to learn more about the internship experience, or have further questions? Please utilize this list of frequently asked questions prepared by my staff.
Internship Campus Visits
My intern coordinator visits Idaho college campuses at least once a year to meet with those who are interested in the program. At the present time, no campus visits are scheduled; when a schedule is available, it will be posted below.
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 for which our nation’s capital is known.
Internships are paid and generally run the length of conventional academic semesters. Some flexibility is allowed for class schedules and other factors. The internships are reserved for students in college, and those in their junior or senior year will be given preference. College graduates will be considered who have been out of school for up to a year. 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
- cover letter that includes an explanation of why you want to serve as an intern
- current copy of college transcript (does not need to be official)
- current resume
- three letters of recommendation
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. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For information on internships in Washington, DC, please contact the DC Internship Coordinator. For internship opportunities in Idaho, please contact the State Intern Coordinator. Additionally, a list of frequently asked questions about the internship program can be found here.
Rosie Brinckerhoff |
Courtney Lehosit |
Internship Application (Microsoft Word format)
Internship Application (PDF format)
| Semester | Begins | Ends | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | January | April | October 15th |
| Summer | May | August | March 1st |
| Fall | September | December | March 1st |
White House Internships
The White House Internship Program offers an excellent opportunity to serve our President and explore public service. The program is 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.
