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Frequently Asked Questions

What intern positions exist?

Internships are available in each of my five New Mexico office and my office in Washington, D.C. Internships are available during the fall and spring, corresponding with the school semester, and for the summer on a shorter but more rigorous schedule. Fall and spring internships are usually part-time and built around the student's class schedule. Summer internships are available in the New Mexico offices part-time for two months, and in the Washington office for forty hours per week, for a five- or six-week period.

What do interns do?

In Washington, interns will take on a variety of projects under the guidance of their supervisor. Duties for legislative interns may include tracking the actions of Congress, drafting policy memos, attending committee hearings, conducting research, preparing correspondence, guiding tours of the Capitol, and working on other projects that correspond with what is happening in the Senate at that time. Press interns gain an understanding of the Senate office through their work with newspaper clippings, radio shows, daily news summaries, and press releases. All Washington interns regularly assist with other necessary support work. Every effort is made to ensure that these tasks are evenly and fairly distributed among available interns.

In New Mexico, interns assist with casework and constituent requests under the supervision of the constituent services staff, greeting visitors, and answering phones.

What kind of internship should I do?

Each internship offers its own unique learning experiences. Deciding which one best suits you depends in large part on your chosen career path and interests. If you are interested in constituent service, you should consider an internship in one of the state offices. If you plan to attend law school, consider interning in the Washington office. If you are interested in communications or journalism, apply for the press internship during the summer in Washington.

Who should apply for an internship?

My intern program is open to all undergraduate students from New Mexico or out-of-state residents who are attending school in New Mexico. Students must be in good academic standing and have an interest in issues affecting the country and the state. Students in all majors are accepted; you do not have to be a political science or government student to apply. Although the internship often appeals to students with those majors, it can also be a beneficial experience for students in other disciplines by giving them insight into public policy development in their areas of study. New Mexico high school students may apply for an internship in one of the state offices. High school students in Washington are an exception and will only be considered if they are part of an established intern placement program, such as those run by local high schools. Regrettably, I cannot generally place graduate students in my intern program.

Can I get college credit for this internship?

Many colleges and universities offer credit through ``Independent Study" to students who take part in an internship of this type. Check with your faculty advisor or department head to determine if this option is available to you. Our office will work with your university, if necessary, to assist in the process, but the decision is entirely that of the university.

Is this a paid internship?

The internship is intended to be an educational experience and not a profit-making position. However, since some students might not be able to participate in the program without some type of financial assistance, various stipend arrangements are availble, as outlined here.

What is a stipend?

A stipend is a small amount of money offered to interns to help defray the costs of the internship.

How are stipend awards determined?

Stipend amounts for state office interns vary throughout the year and by office. Consult the office in which you are applying to discuss the possibility and amount of a stipend. Financial assistance is available to Washington interns for the summer session only. In lieu of stipends, our office will pay the cost of your housing for the course of your internship in our office in D.C. We will make arrangements for you to stay in a dorm room at a local university. Once accepted, you must pay the cost of the room up front directly to the university. You will then receive a paycheck from our office which equals the cost of the room, minus taxes and social security.

You are not required to stay in these rooms, but if you do not, you will not receive financial assistance from our office.

If I'm accepted to the Washington program, how do I get to D.C.?

Transportation arrangements and travel costs are your responsibility. Our office will help with information on area airports and train and bus schedules.

What other expenses will I encounter in Washington?

Typical expenses for the summer in Washington include transportation to and from D.C., transportation around D.C., meals, and entertainment.

Advice on Completing the Application Form

Your application makes the case for you as a potential intern in our office. [MORE]