r/DCInterns

I have been contacted to interview for an NC rep's legislative and press internship in Washington, DC for the fall 2026 semester. On the job listing, it says that DC interns are expected to work 5 days a week. However, I am a full-time undergrad student at GW and it would be impossible to work 5 days a week with a full time course load. I mentioned I was an undergraduate student, and indicated my availability (20 hours per week, only listed 3 days a week i would be able to come in) on my application. Despite this, her team still contacted me to interview for the legislative position, but also for the press internship position that didn't have a formal job posting.

Do offices ever offer part-time positions even though the job posting says full-time? I really want this internship and I hope they can work with me.

Also side note if anyone has tips for interviewing for a House Rep, both legislative and press internship please send them my way, I'm a little nervous! This is my first congressional interview.

Hi guys just recently started my internship in the House of Reps, I was wondering how other interns get invited to networking events/ how to network with other offices

DC college student here. I recently was offered the opportunity to shadow a congressional Chief of Staff for one day a week! Super excited seeing as I don’t have time for a full-time hillternship.

That being said, Hillterns: what day of the week is best? I know most members fly home Fridays, Mondays can be a drag, etc.

hey — i'm going into my senior year of high school and i'm currently making my college list. i'm like nearly 100% sure i want to work on the hill and/or for political campaigns for a couple of years inbetween undergrad and law school. what universities offer the best opportunities/network to work on the hill. thanks in advance

I recently checked my OAM account to just see my previous application to Senate offices and none of my submissions had saved. I submitted these applications about a month ago. I have the email confirmation saying my application was submitted but after logging in, it’s as if I hadn’t even started it. I wanted to ask if anybody knows if the office got my application from my original submission, or if it is based on what is uploaded onto OAM (I.e. do they see the same blank application page as I do on my end?).

Please let me know as there were so many offices I applied to and it would be a shame if none of them saved. Kind of freaking out as I don’t know what happened and deadlines are approaching. Thank you!!!

From what I’ve seen, most deadlines are this week or next. I know it’s best to apply early, but I wasn’t originally planning on applying for fall internships. Is it a waste to apply this week? In offices where interviews have already started, do they just stop reviewing new applicants? For reference, I’d be mostly applying for MA delegation.

Or even sent out offers yet

like title says, incoming college freshman interested in interning with federal government next summer, but no connection to DC internships. have looked into applying to congressional offices through affinity-based programs like CHCI, but was curious about whether or not these internships are actually attainable after freshman year, or if i should pursue something else and aim for this summer after sophomore year.

was also wondering what makes a competitive profile beyond high GPA/past government experience/writing skills/politics-related coursework? do they favor any particular extracurriculars? is research essential to have on resume?

thanks in advance!

My internship’s only 6 weeks and I wanted to know how I can find a second opportunity that allows me to work in-person until the end of July and then for all of August like work in either my home state or remotely. What’s my best bet at finding an internship? I want to work on a committee ideally because maybe that work can be more online. Where should I look? How do I bring the fact that my internship is ending up to people without coffee chatting feeling transactional?

So for internships in Spring 2026, how does the hiring process work for newly elected reps? Are they posted in January or? How does it work for reps who haven't been reelected? Just want to prepare before the spring application cycle.

I recently got selected for a senate internship starting in January. I’m really excited for the opportunity, but I’m a little concerned about my writing and other communication skills. I feel like I write and speak decently, but I’m curious about the type of writing I’ll actually be doing (if any) and some things I can do beforehand to prepare.

I know it’ll boost, but does it really help much?

for any given spot how many are interviewed? Basically, if I am chosen for an interview what percent chance do I have of getting the internship (not considering qualifications and interview skills etc).

Has anyone received an offer for the fall cohort of the APAICS Congressional Internship Program? I believe they don’t usually send out rejection emails and so I’m trying to determine whether I should wait it out or instead apply directly to a congressional office.

Hey everyone!

I am in the midst of applying to DC Hillternships. As I start to think over what offices I would actually want to work in if offered, and as I contemplate if I should take any given offers, I was curious how much it matters or if there is a given prestige with the member I work with. I want to work in Democratic offices and I hope to leverage the internship into a full-time job with a House/Senate member later.

Ex: if I intern with a more junior member vs. a more senior member of the House, will that have any significant consequences in the connections I form or the jobs I could get? Or if I was in a leadership office, would I have a vastly better time getting jobs than if I was in a first or second term House member's office?

Thanks for any advice or tips!

vulnerable post. my summer financial aid got cut and i don’t know how i am going to finish my summer in dc. my biggest priority is just taking care of july rent. i am about $400 short. i am applying for part time jobs, but no employers will take me since i am only here for 5-6 more weeks. have joined all the dog walking groups, babysitting groups, using the food pantry for basic living needs. please, any suggestions on what i can do. please no hurtful comments. i am no contact with my parents and i took this internship to actually get out of a dangerous situation in my home state. i am just a 20 year old girl trying to survive.

Hey everyone! I’m reaching out because I’m realizing that networking here is harder than everyone makes it out to be. I’m not quite sure what events to go too and everyone just says show up but I don’t know where to start.

I’m also new to the area and am lacking in making friends. Been recently struggling with my mental health due to the lack of community no matter how much I’m putting myself out there. Any words of advice would be helpful.

For context I am interning in policy research