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Home > Services > Internships
INTERNSHIPS |
Training for Tomorrow Congressional Internship Program
Office of Congresswoman Linda Sánchez
Summer, fall and spring internships are available in my local district and Washington, D.C.
offices. I am offering Congressional Internships to students who are interested in learning
first-hand about the operation of a congressional office. An internship in my office has
proven to be a remarkable experience for students in the past and those who work in my office
now. I encourage you to explore your interests in government and public service in this way.
Application deadlines for future sessions:
Fall: Friday, August 14, 2009
Winter/Spring: Friday, November 27, 2009
Summer: Friday, April 9, 2010
CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION:
- Work in the district office of Congresswoman Linda Sánchez located at:
17906 Crusader Ave. Suite 100
Cerritos, CA 90703
Course credit is available on a case-by-case basis. Students can intern full-time or part-time.
One paid position at $9/hr and several unpaid positions available!
Students must intern a minimum of 10 hours per week during regular office hours.
Learn about working in a government office and develop skills in:
- Casework and Social Services
- Communications
- Scheduling
- Office Management
- Grants and Research
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Responsibilities include:
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Office tasks, including answering phones and sorting mail
Assisting constituents
Accomplishing various research, writing and data entry projects
Attending events with the Congresswoman and staff
Attending staff meetings
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Day-to-day office tasks are quite varied and “no two days are the same.” Click here to read testimonies from former interns.
Click here for Application information including deadlines,
interview dates and required application materials.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
*Please note that this information pertains to the internship program available in the district office in Cerritos, CA. If you have additional questions, please call (562) 860-5050 or email lindasanchez.internship@mail.house.gov.
Who can apply for the internship?
Students in high school, college, and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to applicants that reside, attend school, or work within the 39th Congressional District of California. To see which Congressional District you live in, please visit www.lavote.net/OnlineDistrictmapApp/.
Which academic majors will be considered for the internship position?
Any student interested in public service, the legislative process and contributing to the betterment of Southern California is encouraged to apply.
What types of duties do interns perform?
Congresswoman Sánchez strives to engage students to make the most of their internship experience. The internship is a first-hand opportunity to see how the Congresswoman works on behalf of her constituents with federal resources and how federal legislation impacts the local community. Interns are crucial members of the staff who assist with the daily operations of the office by answering phones, sorting mail, accompanying staff to meetings and coordinating district events.
What do I need to submit in order to have a complete application?
In order to have a complete application for an unpaid position, applicants must submit the following three documents:
1) Cover Letter
2) Résumé
3) Download Application
In order to apply for the paid position, you must submit the following four documents:
1) Cover Letter
2) Résumé
3) Download Application
4) One-Page Economic Need Statement
If you would like to apply for Congresswoman Sánchez’ Washington, D.C. internship program, please send a cover letter, résumé and brief writing sample to lindasanchez.internship@mail.house.gov.
If I am applying for both a paid position and an unpaid position do I need to submit two applications?
No, please indicate selections on one application form and attach the necessary documents.
How do I turn in my application?
Please send one complete application by mail, e-mail or fax.
Mail: ATTN: Internship Coordinator, 17906 Crusader Avenue, Suite 100, Cerritos, CA 90703
E-mail: lindasanchez.internship@mail.house.gov
Fax: ATTN: Internship Coordinator, (562) 924-2914
Should I attach a letter of recommendation?
No, please only list two references and their contact information on the application form. One reference must be an academic reference and the second must be someone who has supervised your work or volunteer position.
What should I write in the economic need statement?
The economic need statement is only required if you are applying for the paid position. You should submit a one-page statement explaining your personal circumstances and why you need the paid position. All applications and statements are confidential and will only be shared with the Internship Selection Committee.
What if I am still in school when the internship starts or ends?
Congresswoman Sánchez understands not all schools are on the same schedule, so she offers flexible start and end dates should you need them. Please provide written, advance notice of your available dates.
How are interns schedules organized?
Interns will be asked to submit a final schedule that they are expected to maintain throughout the duration of the internship. Interns should be available a minimum of 10 hours a week during normal business hours (Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm.)
May I change my schedule if an unforeseen problem arises?
Yes, schedules can be modified on a case-by-case basis if an unforeseen problem should arise. However, please note that the internship is a professional opportunity and interns are responsible for completing a minimum of 10 hours per week. If an intern cannot maintain the minimum requirement, an early release may be granted so that another student can benefit from the opportunity.
What if I need help with the cover letter and resume?
Please visit your school’s career or counseling center for assistance in writing an effective cover letter and résumé. It will also be helpful to have someone review your application for editing or spelling errors.
How soon after applying should I expect to hear back from you?
Applications are reviewed during the week after the application deadline. At that time, candidates will be notified via telephone if they are selected for an interview. All applicants will receive a final letter in the mail once all final candidates have been selected and notified. Best of luck!
For information on internships in the Washington D.C. office please call (202) 225-6676. If you would like to apply for Congresswoman Sánchez’ Washington, D.C. internship program, please send a cover letter, resume and brief writing sample to lindasanchez.internship@mail.house.gov with the subject line, “Washington, D.C. Internship Application.”
FOR WASHINGTON OFFICE INTERNSHIPS
- Internships are available only for college students and graduates
- Flexible with class schedule
For information on internships in the Washington D.C. office please call (202) 225-6676. If you would like to apply for Congresswoman Sánchez’ Washington, D.C. internship program, please send a cover letter, resume and brief writing sample to lindasanchez.internship@mail.house.gov with the subject line, “Washington, D.C. Internship Application.”
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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- 3.0 unweighted GPA
- Priority is given to applicants who live, work, or go to school in the 39th Congressional District.
- Open to high school and college students
- 10 hours per week minimum for high school students
- All interns must attend a mandatory traning session on the Saturday before the program begins. If you are not available on that date (click here for Important Dates to Remember), you are highly discouraged from applying until the following internship cycle.
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DESIRED SKILLS:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- A mature and responsible attitude
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize
- Foreign language skills
- Strong writing and speaking skills
- Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Outlook,
Excel and Adobe Photoshop and PageMaker
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INTERNS IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
“What I liked most about the internship was the firsthand experience of how federal politics affect people locally, something often overlooked in textbooks.” Jubel Becerra, Summer 2008 (California State Long Beach graduate student)
“Interning for the Congresswoman in both her District and D.C. office was one of the most rewarding experiences. As a junior in high school, I was assigned challenging and engaging projects to research and develop, which ultimately taught me the importance of a strong work ethic. I strongly recommend this internship to give you a very proactive and hands-on experience of the essential work of passionate people, like Congresswoman Sanchez and her team.” Jeniffer Kim, Spring 2007 (Cerritos High School graduate and American University undergraduate)
"As a congressional intern, you learn how to work together in a group as well as independently in a professional environment. You are expected to be self motivated and finish the task at hand. The most rewarding experience during the internship was working hand in hand with staff and helping constituents. Interacting with people on a day-to-day basis outside of a classroom significantly improved my interpersonal skills. The internship is truly a rewarding experience."
Tanya Shirazi, Summer 2007 (Lynwood High School graduate and UCLA undergraduate)
“I heard how interns do all the dirty work such as getting coffee, however this internship was the total opposite. The internship provided hands on training such as casework, grant research, and field representation, just to name a few examples.” Rudy Lobos, Summer 2005 (Cal State Fullerton graduate, Whittier resident)
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APPLICATION INFORMATION:
To apply for the Congressional Internship Program, you must provide three/four documents.
- Online Application - Download Application
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Financial Hardship Statement—If you are applying for the paid position in the district office, you must provide a one-page explanation of your financial hardship and why you feel your personal circumstances merit the paid stipend. This document is only required for the paid position.
Deadline to apply for Fall Internship is Friday, August 14, 2009 at 5:00pm.
Your one-page cover letter must address the following questions:
- Why are you applying to intern in Congresswoman Sánchez' office?
- What is your personal connection to the 39th Congressional District of California?
- What special skills or experiences do you possess that you feel would benefit the office of Congresswoman Sanchez?
- What do you hope to gain from interning with Congresswoman Sanchez’ office?
If you have questions about writing a cover letter and/or résumé, please contact your school’s career counselor.
Final candidates will be contacted to arrange an in-person interview with the office’s two Intern Coordinators. Each interview lasts approximately 20 minutes and occurs in the Congresswoman’s District Office in Cerritos. Interviews are scheduled at a mutually convenient time for final candidates and Intern Coordinators.
All Fall interns must attend a mandatory training on Saturday, August 29, 2009 . If you cannot attend the training between 10am and 3pm on that date, you are highly discouraged from applying until the next internship cycle.
Application deadlines for future sessions:
Fall: Friday, August 14, 2009
Summer: Friday, April 9, 2010
Winter/Spring: Friday, November 27, 2009
If you have any questions regarding the district office internship, please email lindasanchez.internship@mail.house.gov.
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IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
Winter/Spring 2010 District Office Internship
- Friday, August 14, 2009 – Deadline to apply
- Saturday, August 29, 2009 – Mandatory training for all selected interns
- Monday, August 31, 2010 – Program begins
- Friday, December 18, 2010 – Program ends
*Individual start and end dates are flexible.*
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