Jonah Shulman is a 2024 Cal Poly graduate. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
My fellow Mustangs, are you looking for a challenging professional experience that pushes you beyond your comfort zone? Curious about seeing the fast-paced world of politics up close? My congressional internship taught me more about myself and the essential skills needed for my career than any academic course ever could – it could be the same for you.
My path getting to Washington D.C. took time and effort. I searched for open positions on congressional campaigns and get-out-the-vote operations in swing states for a month. I almost moved to North Carolina to work for a student vote drive initiative. But on a whim, I sent a cold email to my congresswoman’s office, asking if they needed full-time interns. By a miracle, their staff assistant read my email and replied that they needed someone in D.C.
Coming from someone who’d lived in California his whole life, the scariest hurdle I faced was moving to a new city on a new coast surrounded by strangers. Nevertheless, I got used to my new surroundings, made new friends, connected with fellow staffers, and learned how to work in an office.
My three months were unique; my congresswoman was retiring (during an election), with more weeks in an out-of-session congress than in session. I used about half my time sorting through files and awards from her heyday, packing bills with presidential signatures, and discovering letters between her and the Clintons.
I spoke to constituents who called in every day: mothers who grew distant from their sons and needed help finding internet access, citizens with concerns about the integrity of the election, and occasionally, people who saw it insulting that the intern didn’t know about the chemical trails from airplanes changing our weather and influencing public behavior without our knowledge. I wrote drafts and printed letters acknowledging the contributions of our most dedicated constituents.
By far, the most rewarding work was researching a new piece of proposed legislation, breaking down press releases from other offices, and writing memos about everything from fostering collaboration with the president of Mexico to renaming a post office. I learned that the worst thing in an office is an unfriendly person you can’t work with, and most of all, I remembered to enjoy it.
Thousands of new interns come and go through congressional and senate doors every day. Senators and representatives need staff to help with the office load, and in return, they will give you time to explore the Capitol building and the tunnel network underneath. By the time my internship ended, I was well-versed in the layout of the other office buildings, where committees met, and how to get to the speaker’s office for a copy of the New York Times.
I also got lunch and coffee with my intern buddies, shared event invites, and went out after hours. You’ll sometimes meet a guy in a Brooks Brothers suit who thinks he’s better than you because he’s a senior legislative assistant to some big name. Ignore them and focus on the passionate staffers who will give you meaningful extra work once you’re done taking phone calls, giving tours, and drafting letters. Connect with the right people, and you’ll go far.
Remember: being relaxed and treating people normally – but respectfully – goes a long way. A friendly conversation and a tour around the office might connect you to someone who can help you should you go further into politics. If you run into AOC in the hallway or get sent to pick up a gift from Pelosi’s office, DO NOT PANIC. Sometimes, they’re in a rush, chatting with their staff, but if they look like they’re in a good mood, you can get a picture with them.
Take this kind of internship despite the low monthly stipend. If your heart races when you stumble across the “Signing of the Constitution” painting as you walk to the house gallery or discover that the desks you’ve been working on are historic antiques dating back to the early congresses, this is for you.
Experiencing this job in a historic and thriving city is the reward. Try Ethiopian cuisine and swing by Old Ebbits Grill. Walk around the national mall at night, take in the monuments, and visit the Air and Space Museum. Your experiences both in and outside the capitol will bring together what could be the most extraordinary internship experience you could have.
My D.C. journey ended with a road trip across the U.S. with a new lifelong friend. I met some of the smartest staffers supporting the most powerful people in the country. I learned how to tackle an office workload and make the most out of my time. I got a better grasp of the effort and endurance it takes to work on Capitol Hill and, as a result, became more appreciative of the commitment of public servants.
I’m far more confident and optimistic than I was, and with new career doors opened, I’ve never been more excited to see what comes next. So, if any of this puts a smile on your face and excites you, I encourage you to seek an internship in D.C. – it may transform you as it did me.