Internships

Office

Interns are an integral part of our Senate operation and contribute greatly to the senator's work on behalf of Vermont and the nation. Senate interns have the unique privilege of gaining an insider's perspective on the legislative and representative process. Our Washington and Burlington offices offer paid full- and part-time internships tailored for recent graduates and current students at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Terms and Deadlines

Spring Session (January to May)
Application deadline: November 18, 2016

Summer Session (May to August)
Application deadline: March 17, 2017

Fall Session (September to December)
Application deadline: June 23, 2017

Internships

Internship experiences are generally consistent with the descriptions below, but change from term to term in accordance with the Senate calendar, office legislative and casework priorities, and intern performance.

Legislative Internship

Legislative interns in the senator's Washington office may assist legislative staff by handling constituent phone calls and requests, processing mail and voice mail, attending briefings and committee hearings, providing research memos, leading U.S. Capitol tours and drafting responses to constituent letters and inquiries.

Press Internship

Press interns in the senator's Washington office may assist communications staff with tracking news coverage, compiling daily press clips, editing statements and releases, updating Senate website and social media pages and taking photos at events. Previous experience with basic graphic design, web development and/or video editing is a plus, but not required.

Burlington interns assist staff in each of the following areas:

Press: Assist communications staff with tracking news stories in the local media, organzing press conferences, photography, videography and multi-media production.

Outreach: Develop and update constituent databases, help organize and execute the senator's public meetings in Vermont, develop lists of public meetings the senator can attend and join outreach staff in constituent group meetings.

Constituent advocacy: Assist staff in responding to constituents' requests for information and assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Office

When is the application deadline?

Spring Session (January to May)
Application deadline: November 18, 2016

Summer Session (May to August)
Application deadline: March 17, 2017

Fall Session (September to December)
Application deadline: June 23, 2017

Interns are paid $12 per hour.

Is housing provided?

Interns are responsible for their own housing near their employing office.

What materials do I need to apply?

You will need a copy of your resume and a cover letter in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word format. The online application will prompt you for contact information and details about your availability.

Can I apply if I am not from Vermont?

While preference is given to students and graduates from Vermont, all prospective applicants are encouraged to apply.

Can I apply if I am not a student?

The internship programs in the office of Sen. Bernie Sanders are tailored for recent graduates and those currently pursuing a degree. That said, we do consider a variety of backgrounds. We do not accept high school applicants.