Intern Files: Capitol Hill

If you’re a polisci major, chances are you’ve dreamt of interning on Capitol Hill since before you even sent in a college deposit. Here at GW, “hillterning” is a rite of passage. Having interned in both Congressional District and Capitol Hill offices (Team Holt!), I’m here to share my experiences. Like a true political scientist, I’ve laid out my top three points for you to consider. Of course, they aren’t absolute by any means. Some staffers will be more ideologically driven than others. Some offices won’t care if you aren’t from their district. Much like the legislative agenda, nothing is set in stone. That being said, being an informed applicant will only help you in the long run.

 
Pick your team.
Most GW students are passionately political, party-memorabilia emblazoned laptops and all. For those of you who aren’t ready to commit to a party, tough luck. From my time on the Hill and at a think tank, I’ve learned that it’s imperative to pick your party affiliation and stick with it. Offices want to see a loyal staffer who won’t try to undermine the work that’s being done in said office. Of course, you can explain why you jumped around from several Democratic and Republican offices, but that’s only possible if you can land an interview (note: it will be very difficult).
A good workaround to this is interning for your hometown Congressman (or Senator). Most reasonable offices will understand wanting to work for the Congressman who you visited your school and read to you year after year. Plus, nearly everything on the Hill is about hometown ties or who you know.
Constituents, or legislation?
Now that you’ve chosen your party, you’ve got to pick your office. District offices focus on constituent service and social work whereas Capitol Hill offices focus on legislative issues. Both are extremely valuable experiences and each definitely informs the other. Pick the one that’s more interesting to you, but remember that there are more students clamoring to start on the Hill as opposed to a DO.
Interning in a district office affords you the opportunity to stay home but still do something productive. Plus, starting in the DO makes it easier (networking!) to get an internship on the Hill. I interned in a DO the summer after my freshman year and found it to be the best decision ever. When I interned for the same Congressman on the Hill later that year, not only did I already know the processes used by his staff, but I was also a familiar face. I felt more like a staffer and less like an intern (and was accordingly given more responsibility).
When are you applying?
Summer internships in DC are fierce competition. Use living in the District during the academic year to your advantage. Most offices are flexible and very understanding of a full-time student interning during the academic year.
With this, I offer my final piece of advice: remember to always wear sensible shoes when running through the Capitol tunnels with a cosponsorship sheet and four tours lined up. Trust me on this one.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Fatema at uhpspa@gwu.edu