Internships
My office is always accepting resumes from college students interested in interning for academic credit. By assisting the Congressman’s district staff, interns have the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about how a Congressional office provides constituent services and interacts with the community. Interns in the Washington, D.C. office will have an opportunity to learn about the legislative process and the federal government by working closely with legislative, communications and constituent services staff members. Candidates who are chosen for the Washington, D.C. office are responsible for paying their travel and living expenses. Interns in any office can arrange to receive academic credit for their work.
Each office offers one paid internship per session. Sessions are very flexible and can be moved or combined:
- Fall (September – December)
- Winter (January – April)
- Summer (May – August)
Current Openings:
The Offices of Rep. Adam Smith are currently welcoming applications for the Summer internship session in Washington, D.C. (May - August 2016).
Washington, D.C. District Office:
Qualifications and Job Responsibilities:
Candidates should have an interest in the legislative process, possess excellent writing and communication skills, and have an understanding of the American political system. Pacific Northwest ties are a plus!
Legislative interns will be responsible for projects such as writing correspondence, providing support for daily legislative tasks, fielding constituent phone calls and other requests. Other duties include leading Capitol building tours and providing staff with general office support. During their term, interns will also have the opportunity to attend briefings and committee hearings of personal interest and complete individual and team goals.
Current students will be given preference, but recent graduates are also welcome to apply. Interns may earn college credit, depending on the requirements of the institution. Strong preference will be given to applicants from the Puget Sound region.
Internships can be part-time or full-time. Job duties include researching and writing congressional correspondence, answering phones and greeting visitors, aiding constituents in finding information, and providing other office support services.
Interested students should send a resume, writing sample stating why you are interested in the internship, and two letters of recommendation to:
ATTN: Savannah Romero
Office of Congressman Adam Smith
2264 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone Number: 202-225-8901
Download our Washington, D.C. Intern Application
Renton, Washington District Office:
Qualifications and Job Responsibilities:
Candidates should have an interest in the legislative process, civic service, possess excellent writing and communication skills, and work well in a team environment.
Interns in the District Office have an opportunity to work in community outreach, constituent services and drafting policy and issue updates. This includes working with caseworkers to help constituents with issues relating to immigration, military and federal agencies, among others. Depending on interests, interns also have an opportunity to participate in community outreach, attend meetings and events with staff and/or the Congressman, and assist with town hall meetings.
Other intern duties are administrative: assisting staff with answering phones, data entry, scanning and/or copying documents, writing correspondence, etc. The position requires approximately 20 (part-time) or 30-40 (full-time) scheduled hours per week during posted business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm).
Current students will be given preference, but recent graduates are also welcome to apply. Interns may earn college credit, depending on the requirements of their institution. Strong preference will be given to applicants with ties to the 9th Congressional District.
Application Deadlines
Sessions are very flexible and can be moved or combined:
- Fall (September – December): Deadline August 10th*
- Winter (January – April): Deadline December 1st*
- Summer (May – August): Deadline April 1st*
*Applications received after these dates will be accepted, but will not be guaranteed consideration.
Applicants for both the full-time and part-time internship program in the District Office must submit an application packet including a letter of interest, resume and two letters of recommendation to the following address:
ATTN: Kristen Johnsen
Office of Congressman Adam Smith
The Evergreen Building
15 South Grady Way, Suite 101
Renton, WA 98057
Phone number: 425-793-5180
Download our District Office Intern Application