Columns

Tuesday, February 1, 2005

internships – an insider’s view of congress

By Senator Tom Harkin

Are you an undergraduate student? Do you have an interest in government and public service? Are you conscientious, and with a capacity for hard work? If so, I strongly encourage you to apply for an internship in one of my Senate offices. Preference is given to students attending colleges and universities in Iowa, as well as Iowans attending schools in other states. Interns serve in my Washington office, and also in my five state offices located in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, and Sioux City. We have three “classes” of interns each year: fall semester, spring semester, and summer (the biggest group of interns, usually 10 or 12, join my Washington office in the summer). A Senate internship is a unique opportunity for undergraduates. In government classes, you get a textbook perspective on the legislative branch -- you’re on the outside looking in. But as a Senate intern, you get an insider’s perspective on a busy congressional office and the workings of Congress. What will you do as an intern? You’ll get valuable experience researching, writing, and functioning successfully in a fast-paced environment. You’ll assist professionals who are providing services to constituents, advancing a legislative agenda, working with the press and media, and much more. It is an exceptional work experience – one that will serve you well no matter what field you choose to go into. Of course, I also hope it will open your eyes to the value of a career in public service. To apply for an internship, the first step is to fill out the application available on my Senate web site at http://harkin.senate.gov/internship/index.cfm. You must also submit a resume, a short writing sample, and two letters of recommendation. Application deadlines are March 18 for summer internships, July 22 for fall internships, and November 18 for spring internships. Good luck and I hope to work with you in my Washington, D.C. office or here in Iowa soon!