r/DCInterns

I want to apply for an internship for next summer, but only those of Congressional Committees. Not only is that already competitive, but I also have no Hill experience nor do I have legislative experience with my local/state government (last time was in high school, many years ago). The only experience I have regarding the policies I'm interested in is through field experience and research projects on said policies during college. I'm not even a political science/goverment/IR major either. Should I even bother applying? I was really excited to apply until I saw how competitive committees are, especially in summer season

Hi everyone!! I’m moving to DC for a hillternship and have never lived in a big city before. I’ll be living in a house right near the hill (across from the senate actually) and am trying to figure out how feasible it is to bring my car. I’ll be eligible for a resident parking permit, but I want to know how hard it is to find parking near hart (e.g., on Maryland Ave, C street). Thanks!!

Hi! I recently received an offer for a paid House internship and accepted the offer on Friday. I’m wondering how long it usually takes to receive the onboarding paperwork, payroll/financial forms, and other next steps after accepting.
For anyone who has gone through this recently, how long did it take for you to hear back with the onboarding materials? Just trying to get a sense of the typical timeline!
Thanks!

I’m starting an in-state internship soon and would like to know whether the dress code would be as formal as DC’s or more of a business casual kinda vibe.

Can any staffer or anyone familiar with the topic speak to how intern coordinators and offices look at previous experience on the hill in committees vs a leadership office?

From my understanding, more meaningful work is done as a committee intern. But, what opens more doors down the line both on the hill and off the hill. Is there a big gap? Or are both viewed relatively the same?

Hey! Recently accepted an offer to intern in the DMV for next summer. I don't have a car, so I'm looking to live near a silver line stop and commute via metro. Do you guys have any recommendations on places to find sublets? Ik Facebook can attract a lot of scammers, so I just want to be careful.

I also saw that GWU offers on-campus housing for summer interns. Does anyone have any details on what the registration process looks like (application opening date, difficulty in getting your preferred dorm/room type, rent payment timing)?

Especially in comms. Does anyone know? Kind of like this but for that stage. Thanks

I was just wondering if anyone knew how the Library of Congress works with congressional staff badges. I assume we can enter freely without a timed ticket. But can we research freely or do we still need a readers card?

someone pls help i’m feeling super conflicted rn. i recently accepted a position at a copyright law firm because i didn’t think id get accepted anywhere else, however copyright law is not something i want to pursue later down the line and i have already previously worked at a copyright law firm which is why im assuming i landed the position. anyway, i just got offered a congressional internship and i feel like i would be a fool not to accept it, my mindset is that i can get a copyright legal internship anywhere but if im coming all the way to DC it would be amazing to work at capital hill

that’s not all tho 🫩 i also got offered an interview for the public defenders office and that’s actually what i want to do in the future as i currently work with the city attorney i would wanna see the legal system from a public defender perspective now. i just don’t know what to do, i feel so guilty rescinding an offer i already accepted, i just didnt expect to hear back from anywhere. i just wanna know if anyone has ever rescinded their offer before or if this is just a rare situation thats extremely looked down upon pls lmk ☹️

hii! im starting my first office internship soon and had a general question about facial piercings in the workplace. i am considering getting a side labert piercing but am worried my employer will make me take it out. does anyone have similar piercings? if so what is your experience?

Kind of freaking out, what should I do?

Do every office and committees contact your references? I was wondering how the process goes.

I have interviewed at a lot of hill offices and sometimes I look up their linkedin as I see that they still havent finished college but are somehow a staff assistant. They typically go to a DC school so I'm assuming they are just a staff assistant part time?

Hey GOATs. What's the average grad status of Hillterns? What's the composition of active students vs. graduates?

Did anyone apply/has experience with Nancy Pelosi's fall internship. I applied in early July and have not heard back yet. Just wondering if they usually take this long to send out updates.

I know interviews were abt 2 weeks ago but did anyone get any acceptances or rejections

Hi, guys, I interviewed with a senators office around mid-July, reached out to check on the hiring status, and they responded saying I would hear back soon. The next day, after their response, I was asked for my birthday for their records. Is that a good sign?

trying to see if i should hold off on submitting more apps or not.

Has anyone heard back from Madeleine Deans office or Kaine’s? Also anything from minority W&M or E&C?

How often were you able to interact with senior staff? Like the legislative directors, comms directors, and chief of staff? I’m starting my internship in a few weeks and am curious how often I’ll be able to interact with them.