Congressional internships provide young adults with an exciting opportunity to learn firsthand about the federal government. Interns will reap invaluable legislative knowledge as they participate in the research of current and upcoming legislation. The experience gained from an internship provides a solid foundation for an individual's future career. Many current Members of Congress, as well as many Congressional staff members, were once Congressional interns.

I offer internship opportunities in both my Washington, D.C. and Arlington, TX offices.

Washington, DC Interns
Internships are available in the Washington office during the spring, fall, and summer. A possible stipend is available for fall and spring internships. The two to three internships available in the summer are volunteer positions and no compensation is provided; however, interns acquire invaluable experience as they assist staff with research, letter writing, and office duties. Interns have the opportunity to contribute to the office in a number of areas. They work to assist the legislative staff with constituent mail and research related to their individual legislative issues. They also assist the press secretary with various aspects of media relations. All Washington interns are responsible for assisting with some clerical duties as well.

The opportunity to spend a semester or summer living in the nation's capital and working in the shadow of the national monuments provides an experience unlike any other. The majority of interns arrive in the summer. With many other interns in the Capitol during this time, these students have a greater opportunity to participate in programs designed for interns, including listening to guest speakers and attending seminars. Interns often arrange with their colleges and universities to receive college credit for their work in a Congressional office. Interns are responsible for their own travel, housing, and living costs; however, lower cost housing designed for interns is available. The extensive transportation system in the region provides a safe and easy alternative for those in the city without a car.

Applicants may also be interested in the scholarship programs offered by the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. It is necessary to submit an application through their office, which offers several different programs. For more information, call 1-800-486-8921, or visit www.twc.edu.

Arlington, TX District Interns
Three to four internships are available in the Arlington Office during the summer. Interns often arrange with their colleges and universities to receive college credit for their work in a Congressional office.

Arlington interns have the opportunity to contribute to the office in a number of areas. They work with the district staff, assisting them with constituent correspondence, meeting briefs and research related to their individual legislative issues. The duties of a district intern are centered around serving and assisting the constituents of the district.

How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for an internship in the Arlington office, please send the following to attn Jodi Saegesser 6001 West I-20 Arlington, Texas 76017. If you are interested in applying for an internship in the DC office, please send the following to attn Intern Coordinator 2109 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515:

• A letter indicating where you are from and why you are interested in interning
• A copy of your resume
• A copy of your most recent college transcript
• Three letters of recommendation
• Two to three writing samples

Interns are subject to random drug testing, as are all members of the permanent staff.