Congressional internship interview

[lippy]

It is a 10-minute interview conducted by a member of the Congressman's staff and a member of the faculty here.

Obviously, I am going to dress professionally... but I don't know how I should try to portray myself. I generally interview very well and am not worried about my presentation, but I question the correct content.

I am going to focus on my work ethic, since I have a very good, but blue-collar, work history for a college Junior. Aside from that, I will seem interested in politics and legislative process.

Any tips from people that have gone through one of these?

[minnesotasam]

Yeah, you're probably really interested in politics, no?

Make sure that comes through above all else. Show passion for an issue. Also, do some research on the Congressman in question and pick out the policies that you particularly agree with.

Otherwise, gl.

PS What congressman? I'm from St. Paul.

[theweatherman]

I am currently an intern at the house of reps. ask me anything you want.

my interview was over the phone during winter break. Congressional offices are way more chill than you would think.

Who is the internship for?

[Big Poppa Smurf]

watch out for your cornhole, bud

[waxie]

This is for a political internship. Make sure that you've read the Washington Post and New York Times that morning. In fact, read it for the week before.

If you want to get really wonky, read The Hill or some other congressionally focused media.

[Daddy Hoya]

You don't want a internship on Capital Hill. I was the senior legislative intern for my congressman last summer and it was boooorrrring.
If i had to do that for a living i would shoot myself in my face.

[lippy]

[ QUOTE ]
You don't want a internship on Capital Hill. I was the senior legislative intern for my congressman last summer and it was boooorrrring.
If i had to do that for a living i would shoot myself in my face.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've heard this from more than one other source, but;

1) I get 14-16 credits and don't have to go to any classes
2) I get paid
3) I get to spend a semester in Washington D.C.

That being said, there are 4 spots for 26 applicants, I'm probably a 5:2 dog or so.

[Daddy Hoya]

I see, if you get credits for class, then that's not bad. I'm a business student so we don't get credits for government internships. I didn't paid, so you are lucky there.
I live in Washington, and it's really fun in the summer. Are staying at GW with all the other interns?
It's still very boring.

[lippy]

I don't know why I'm updating this... but I had the interview today. It was really stupid, lasted about 6 minutes and seemed rather pointless. I really don't think the interviewers got a great idea of who I was, but whatever.

After leaving, I feel as though I wasn't on a bubble; I either walked in with the internship or had no shot at it. I can't really explain, but it felt like they didn't care what I had to say, they just wanted to meet me and get rid of me. With my grades and references, I really have no idea which side of the fence I am on.

Also, should I send a thank you note?

Anyone have a guess as to when decisions will be given?

[lippy]

I can't send a thank you letter as I have no idea where to send it... so scratch that.