Congressional Internships
Many people joke that the only way to get a job Capitol Hill is to already have one. However, the truly best way to break into Congress is to start as an intern. Many Congressmen started their careers as interns, working their way up the political ranks. Intern job duties vary drastically by office. Frequently, people stereotype Congressional internships as four months of answering phones and getting coffee. However, a proactive intern in a receptive office can take on many substantive projects; in some offices, interns are treated similarly to entry level staffers. Don't let the negative stereotypes deter you. Working on the Hill can be incredibly rewarding as you are working in an atmosphere where laws are made, power is exchanged and history is written. A a practical level, a wide variety of political professions in Washington DC prefer staff to have some Congressional experience.
Generally, Congressmen and women give preference to interns from their home districts. However, this frequently isn't a viable possibility and applicants from other states readily accepted. If there is a Congressional office you are interested in interning with, your best option is to visit their website; most provide contact information and deadlines for perspective interns. If you are more open in your selection, offices seeking interns frequently post to places such as Hill Zoo and the Government and Politics listserv.
Listed below are the links to internship information for Congressmen and women in the state of Maryland.
House of Representatives
Frank Kratovil, Jr (D) - 1st Congressional District
C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger III (D) - 2nd Congressional District
John P. Sarbanes (D) - 3rd Congressional District
Donna F. Edwards (D) - 4th Congressional District
Steny H. Hoyer (D) - 5th Congressional District
Roscoe G. Bartlett (R) - 6th Congressional District
Elijah E. Cummings (D) - 7th Congressional District
Christopher Van Hollen, Jr (D) - 8th Congressional District
Senate
