Summer, Fall and Spring internships are available in my Cerritos and Washington, D.C. offices. Internships are open to students who are interested in learning first-hand about the operation of a congressional office.
Internships in my office have proven to be a remarkable experience for students. I encourage you to explore your interests in government and public service in this way.
Deadlines for applications
Spring Session: November 28th
For a Washington, D.C. internship, please email Jeff Sanchez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
- Internship Description
- Washington DC Internships
- Requirements
- Desired Skills
- Experiences From Past Interns
- Application Information
INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION:
Day-to-day office tasks are quite varied and “no two days are the same.” Click here to read testimonies from former interns.
Course credit is available on a case-by-case basis. Students can intern full-time or part-time, but must commit to working at least 10 hours per week during regular office hours.
Learn about working in a government office and develop skills in:
- Casework and Social Services
- Communications
- Scheduling
- Office Management
- Grants and Research
Responsibilities include:
- Office tasks, including answering phones and sorting mail
- Assisting constituents
- Accomplishing various research, writing and data entry projects
- Attending events with the Congresswoman and staff
- Attending staff meetings
Click here for Application information including deadlines, interview dates and required application materials.
FOR WASHINGTON OFFICE INTERNSHIPS
- Internships are available only for college students and graduates
- Flexible with class schedule
For further information about the Washington, DC internship program, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- 3.0 unweighted GPA
- Priority is given to applicants who live, work, or go to school in the 38th Congressional District.
- Open to high school and college students
- 10 hours per week minimum for high school students - All interns must attend a mandatory training session on the Saturday before the program begins. If you are not available on that date (click here for Important Dates to Remember), you are highly discouraged from applying until the following internship cycle.
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DESIRED SKILLS:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- A mature and responsible attitude
- Ability to multitask, prioritize
- Foreign language skills
- Strong writing and speaking skills
- Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Adobe Photoshop, and PageMaker (Preferred but not required)
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“I really enjoyed interning for Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. My time in her office was filled with stimulating and challenging work. I also had an opportunity to see first-hand how Congress operates and that is something you can’t fully appreciate unless you work on Capitol Hill. I have nothing but sincere appreciation for the time spent working and learning from the staff who also helped me understand what I want to do with my career.” (Laura Driscoll, Spring 2014, USC graduate)
“Interning with Congresswoman Sánchez has been a rewarding experience in numerous ways. Among those, the internship has provided me with valuable first-hand insight into the nature of a Congressional office. Also, the professional atmosphere of her District Office has refined my office etiquette and provided me with essential tools that I will use no matter what career path I make, I am very grateful for this opportunity.” (Jaime Castaneda, Spring 2014, UCLA Student)
“Interning at the Congresswoman’s office has been such a wonderful experience, from learning about the grassroots level of government to working in an office setting. It is an honor to have met the Congresswoman, and be able to help her at the district level while being able to fully appreciate what the Congresswoman does for my community.” (Rachel Udabe, Spring 2014, Saint Joseph High School)
“The opportunity to intern for Congresswoman Sánchez has provided me with insight on how I can help meet the needs in my own community through public service, as well as a recognition of the ways in which the Congresswoman does this on a day-to-day basis. It has facilitated learning about the vitality and implementation of public policy and served as a stepping stone towards my own professional career.” (Alexandra Hausmann, Spring 2014, Biola University)
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
To apply for the Congressional Internship Program, you must provide three/four documents.
- Online Application - Download Application
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Financial Hardship Statement—If you are applying for the paid position in the district office, you must provide a one-page explanation of your financial hardship and why you feel your personal circumstances merit the paid stipend. This document is only required for the paid position.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Your one-page cover letter must address the following questions:
- Why are you applying to intern in Congresswoman Sánchez' office?
- What is your personal connection to the 38th Congressional District of California?
- What special skills or experiences do you possess that you feel would benefit the office of Congresswoman Sanchez?
- What do you hope to gain from interning with Congresswoman Sanchez’ office?
If you have questions about writing a cover letter and/or résumé, please contact your school’s career counselor.
Final candidates will be contacted to arrange an in-person interview with the office’s two Intern Coordinators. Each interview lasts approximately 20 minutes and occurs in the Congresswoman’s District Office in Cerritos. Interviews are scheduled at a mutually convenient time for final candidates and Intern Coordinators.
If you have any questions regarding internships, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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