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Introduction
The Washington, DC interns of fall 2007 |
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in Senator Mitch McConnell's office. Senator McConnell's intern program is open to any college student who is a resident of Kentucky.
The McConnell internship program provides college students with the opportunity to enhance their education while working in a fast-paced office of a national leader. Participation in the program allows interns the ability to gain valuable inner-office experience as well as increase their knowledge of issues important to both the Commonwealth and our country.
Interns gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process and daily activities of the federal government. Furthermore, the program allows students to develop friendships with other Congressional interns and take advantage of all the Washington D.C. area has to offer.
Paid internships are offered throughout the year in three sessions - summer, spring and fall. The summer internships are the most competitive due to the high volume of applications. Therefore, Senator McConnell offers two summer sessions approximately six weeks each.
A few part-time internships are offered in the Senator's state offices, which are located in Louisville, Lexington, Fort Wright, Paducah, Bowling Green and London. Internships in the state are issued on a volunteer basis and are geared toward interns seeking to earn college credit by working in the Senator's office.
Intern Responsibilities
If selected to be an intern for Senator McConnell, you will be assigned to one of the following three areas in the Washington office: legislative, press, or administrative. Legislative interns assist staff by drafting responses to constituent requests and researching current legislation. Press interns help coordinate press conferences, arrange weekly radio shows, and write press releases. Finally, the administrative intern greets fellow Kentuckians visiting the office and gives tours of the Capitol. All interns perform other daily office duties, such as sorting mail, making copies, and answering telephones.
Qualifications and Selection
Interns are selected on the basis of strong scholastic and extracurricular achievements as well as an interest in the governmental process. Telephone interviews are required for all candidates and each applicant is contacted by the Intern Coordinator to schedule an interview after the application deadline expires.
Deadlines
Application deadlines for internships are the same each year.
- Summer Session - February 1
- Fall Session - July 1
- Spring Session - November 1
Washington Interns
In addition to daily office responsibilities, McConnell interns enjoy many unique opportunities. They may attend seminars, receptions and various speeches given by distinguished guests and, often times, special tours of the White House and the Capitol are offered. The goal of Senator McConnell's internship program is not only to introduce the student to Congress but the entire spectrum of events occurring in our nation's Capitol.
Please note: If selected as a Washington intern, you will be responsible for your own housing, living and travel expenses, as well as other arrangements deemed necessary.
Washington After Hours
Although you will be busy during your internship, there is life after work. Interns find they receive valuable experience both in and out of the office.
Downtown offers a great number of tourist sights, excellent shopping, unique restaurants, and live entertainment. Of course, the Georgetown area is extremely popular for most students with its bustling student and social life. A Broadway show at the Kennedy Center is a nice change of pace along with a visit to a Smithsonian Museum. All of these attractions are only a Metro ride away.
Washington's convenient location also places you close proximity to the beach, as well as the historic cities of Alexandria, Virginia, and Annapolis, Maryland. Baltimore, home of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, is a short commuter train ride from the city. Keep in mind that one could spend all of his or her time in the District and still never see it all!
What Former Interns Say About the Program
"Being a McConnell intern was more than just an exciting education, it was a wide-open door of opportunity."
- Hunter Bates, Williamsburg - Former Chief of Staff to Senator Mitch McConnell
"I learned the fundamental keys to success are communication, compromise, and a profound degree of patience. This conclusion reaffirmed my faith in government and I feel privileged to have the chance to put these principles into practice."
- Robin Bowen, Campbellsville - Attorney at Law, McDermott, Will & Emery, Washington, DC
"My McConnell internship was a valuable stepping stone to the position I presently hold. Interning in the state showed me the vital link between the state and legislative staff. It gave me the opportunity to understand the importance of keeping up with every constituent."
- Kim Holt Cochran, Louisville - Senior Account Executive, Direct Communications
"Interning for Senator McConnell was a rewarding experience that taught me far more about the political process than could ever be learned in a classroom, including the importance of every constituent and the array of responsibilities placed on an elected officeholder."
- Erin Logsdon, Prospect - University of Kentucky student, Summer 1999
Application
To apply for an internship, please fill out the application form below and mail the completed version to the address below.
Jen Beil
Office of Senator Mitch McConnell
361-A Senate Russell Senate Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2541
Fax: (202) 224-2499
 DOWNLOAD THE PDF INTERNSHIP FORM (81 KB)
If you need additional information regarding internship opportunities, please call 202-224-2541 or use the online form.
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