Senate internships, fellowships, and clerkships are an excellent way for individuals to learn how congressional offices function, interact with the legislative process, and learn about strategic communications and/or constituent services.
Please see our frequently asked questions below.
Internships are designed for undergraduate students or recent graduates. While the structure of the programs will vary, most DC internships will have a general administrative focus. A number of offices also rotate interns throughout the office, allowing them to be exposed to the legislative and communications departments.
Fellowships are usually geared toward graduate students. Fellows typically work with members of the policy team to draft legislation, conduct research and write policy memos, and contribute to other substantive projects.
Clerkships are available to current and recently graduated law students. Similar to fellows, law clerks assist policy staff with legislative research, hearing preparation, and other substantive assignments.
Most Senate offices host interns during the spring, summer, and fall academic semesters. Since every Senate office runs their internship programs differently, the best place to learn about specific deadlines and requirements is on the Members’ or committee’s website.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, start your search by looking at opportunities with your home state Senator(s) and/or college/university state Senator(s).
Many Senate offices and committees also advertise these opportunities on the Internship Opportunities Bulletin.
No, you should not register with the Senate resume bank until you are available for career employment. The Senate Employment Office does not refer candidates for internships or unpaid opportunities.
We welcome individuals to register with the Resume Bank when they are within 2-3 weeks of availability for career employment.
- Spring Graduates: late April – mid-May
- Fall Graduates: mid-December
Depending on the program, Senate offices offer part-time or full-time internships. You should indicate your availability in your application.
Senate offices have the option to pay their interns. You may reach out to the office’s intern coordinator for more information.
It may be possible to receive academic credit for your internship. You should check with your academic institution and the office intern coordinator to verify.
No, applicants must arrange for their own housing. There are a number of short-term housing options available near Capitol Hill, and many DC-area universities offer summer intern housing in their dormitories. Information about pricing and additional options can be found online.