What to Expect in Your Congressional Internship

Getting ready to land in DC, but missed our pre-arrival webinar? No worries! We’ve rounded up some of the top tips and takeaways from the First Branch Intern Project’s May 21 “Know Before You Go” webinar to put your mind at ease. 

This webinar is part of Internapalooza, a free, nonpartisan two-day orientation for Congressional interns, hosted by the POPVOX Foundation and members of the First Branch Intern Project on June 16–17, 2022. If you’re not already registered, claim your spot now!

What should I research/prepare in advance of my congressional internship?

Familiarize yourself with your Member of Congress and their district or state—especially if you are working for someone other than your hometown Member. Make sure you have a good sense for the cities and towns they represent (and how to pronounce them!), as well as the Member’s priorities, and the general tone and style of their communications. POPVOX.com and Prolegis.com are great tools for keeping up with the Member’s voting record, or following bills and issues that interest you. 

Dress code: what do I wear?

The Hill is a fairly conservative environment when it comes to workwear, but there are some important nuances to keep in mind. Days “in session” are the most formal, with Members and staff almost always wearing suits or other professional attire. Days “in recess” are the least formal, closer to business casual. “Fly-in” and “fly-out” days depend on the schedule. Each office has a different culture and different standards on dress code. Your best bet is to show up for your first few days dressed conservatively, and then observe the other staffers in your office and take style cues from them. If they wear jeans on a Friday in recess, you might consider doing the same. If you never see them out of suits, take your cue there. As Katrina from ODI pointed out, the same goes for hair, facial hair, nails, jewelry, and accessories. For affordable workwear options in the DC area, see this list of suggestions from the Modernization Staff Association.

Remember to stay comfortable and practical! Consider commuting in comfortable shoes and bringing dress shoes in your bag for a change when you get to the office. Backpacks and purses or totes are all acceptable as long as they are clean and not ripped or torn. The same goes for handling the DC heat and humidity—consider bringing a change of clothes or keeping a fresh shirt at the office if you get stuck on the metro on a sweltering day or have to run to catch a bus.

What should I bring with me on my first day? How do I find the bathroom? And where will I get lunch?

Your office will issue you technology that you will need to do your job, so there is no need to bring a laptop or tablet. Always have a notepad and pen to be ready to take down notes and instructions. While you may be comfortable taking notes on your phone, the Hill is still a paper-based place and some people you are meeting (including the boss) may not appreciate your attention on your phone while meeting with them. Good things to pack in your bag or leave at the office include a spare phone charger, band-aids, painkillers, hand sanitizer, and a water bottle.

Each House and Senate office usually has its own bathroom for the Member’s use. Check with your coordinator on your office’s policy about using that bathroom when the Member is not around, and to ask where to find the closest or quietest facility near your office. Many House and Senate office buildings have several single-occupancy gender-neutral bathrooms—for example, there’s one near the Post Office in the Longworth building. Again, talk to your intern coordinator or to the team at the Office of Diversity and Inclusion if you have any questions.

Many offices have refrigerators and microwaves, so consider packing a lunch to save money, or explore the many cafeteria options in the House and Senate office buildings. Diego from ODI in particular recommends the Longworth Cafeteria, where a sandwich or wrap will usually run around $5-6—a great deal for an expensive city like DC. 

It’s okay to ask questions!

It is always okay to ask questions, including before you arrive. Thoroughly review any help materials that your intern coordinator sends you in advance, like an intern handbook or office FAQ. If you still have a question or need something clarified, take the initiative to reach out

Keep in mind that it can be helpful to ‘batch’ your questions to minimize the workload on your supervisor. Consider asking to schedule a short weekly or biweekly check-in to talk with your supervisor about your workload, answer any questions, and talk about your goals for the internship.

Focus on standing out at your assigned tasks, but keep the big picture in mind

As CMF’s Brad Sinkaus mentioned, especially in the first few weeks, it might feel like you are being assigned a lot of administrative or clerical work. For most offices, the first few weeks are a trial period. As you come up to speed, your supervisor and colleagues will be watching the care, consistency, and attention to detail you bring to the mundane work that keeps a Congressional office moving. Interns who stand out at basic tasks will be the first to be assigned more complex and important projects.

How do I keep up with the pace?

Diego explained that one of the best things you can do for yourself is build in some time to take it all in. On your lunch break, or after you wrap up your work for the day, consider taking ten minutes to sit in the Rotunda or on the Mall, to soak up the feeling of being in the nation’s capital. Brad suggested keeping a journal of your internship, including what you did, what you worked on, and who you met. Not only will this help you process and reflect on busy days, but will also be helpful for keeping track of what you are learning and what projects and skills from your experience you can share in future job interviews.

Willingness to learn is the most important thing

Your new office does not expect you to come in as an expert already—your office chose you because they think you have the potential to learn and to be a great member of the team. If your background and expertise does not exactly match your Member’s priorities, you can stand out by your willingness to learn. You also may be surprised how your expertise in another area can come in handy—Members of Congress handle issues and policies touching on every aspect of American life.

Set yourself up for long-term success

Your internship will fly by. Make sure to take advantage of the resources available to you while you are on the Hill to set yourself up for the next step in your career. The House Office of Diversity and Inclusion offers personalized help with resumes, mock job interviews, and more career resources. Also don’t forget the importance of networking, and in particular, staying in touch with other interns from your class. Fellow interns may one day be your colleagues, bosses, or employees. It’s worth putting in the time to build these relationships early.

Nervous is normal: you’ll be fine!

A Congressional internship can be a pivotal moment in your career, so it is normal to be a little nervous. Take it from all of us at the First Branch Intern Project—your internship will be challenging but also incredibly rewarding, with memories and skills you’ll use no matter your chosen career. And if you are looking for a support network, consider joining the Capitol Hill Intern Association (CHIA). CHIA runs networking events, mentorship programs, and can answer questions. To join, email founder and president Bisher.Martini@mail.house.gov.

Still have questions? Drop us a line at info@popvox.org or join us at Internapalooza!