Tagged: Intern
Samantha Nelson
The Pros and Cons of Working on the Hill
Samantha Nelson
Fall 2015
If you have ever had the chance of walking through the Congressional office buildings, especially in the summer, you may have noticed that the staff looks super young. That’s because they are – the average age of a Hill staffer is 26 – and if you look even closer, you will notice that a lot of those who are running around have orange IDs, the ultimate sign of an intern. Capitol Hill would not run half as efficiently (or perhaps at all) without intern labor. While Congress is a lot of things, it definitely provides an exciting work setting. However, this excitement does not come without its negatives. Here are some pros and cons of interning on the Hill:
Pro: You are in the middle of it all. If you love politics at all, I guarantee you will feel lightheaded after your first day working in-session. That’s because anywhere you go, you see Congressmen and Congresswomen– those people that are directly responsible for legislation, interstate commerce, declaring war. Additionally, you have the privilege of being “in the know.” Many times, policy bubbles up from the legislative staff before the Member finalizes it, and if you’re lucky enough you will be able to work on or at least hear about the policy before it even leaves the office. You are constantly aware of hearings, briefings, and the votes that occur on a daily basis. You are truly in the middle of the most important policy-making body in the United States. More
Tyler Fields
10 Do’s and Don’ts for you Summer DC Internship Attire
Tyler Fields
Summer 2015
DO:
- DO wear a suit on the first day. Just do it. You absolutely cannot go wrong with a suit on the first day unless you are specifically instructed to wear something else and even then, dress it up a level. Dress for the job you want at the end, not the job you’re starting at.
Credit: Some-ecards.com
- DO dress one notch above your fellow interns. In most other professional parts of the country, the intern that wears a suit and tie every day might be seen as ‘trying too hard.’ Not here. Here is where they are looking for you to be working as hard as you can and dressing to impress is certainly included in that. For example, if the look is business casual, throw a jacket or tie on. One or the other, but the extra piece moves you just a bit above the competition.
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Mary Grieco
DC on a Dime: How to Successfully Budget in One of the Nation’s Most Expensive Cities
Mary Grieco
Summer 2015
I like to think that I’m responsible with money. I also like to think that I’m well acquainted with reality. Well, as a 22 year-old college student interning in the great city of Washington, DC this summer, I can attest to the fact that DC is most definitely challenging in the money department. However, DC is incomparable to the other Holy Trinity of Expensive Cities to Live In: New York, Los Angeles, and Boston. Perhaps this is because Washington citizens realize that DC Summers are synonymous with Student Interns, and the nineteen colleges in the area alone accentuate the fact that some budget-friendly amenities are a necessity. The initial introduction to the DC lifestyle was somewhat of a rude awakening, with the Metro raising fees during rush hour and my gym membership costing more per month than Wifi fees in Boston; regardless, I’m proud to admit that I finally think I’ve figured out this eclectic city that I’ve called home since late May. Have no fear Mr. Responsible and Ms. Frugal: you may still decide you want to live in Washington, DC after all.
Kathryn Teran
Surviving DC without asking your parents for more money
Kathryn Teran
Summer 2015
Washington DC—not quite city not quite town, where history is made, opportunities are found, and networks are linked. The Metro (DC’s public transportation service) is clean and functions consistently until 3 am on the weekends. Shopping is abundant and there is food from every corner of the globe in every form from bakeries to food trucks to restaurants with $2.50+ tasting menus. For all you ladies and gents over 21 coming from Boston, behold, the promised land of happy hour. If you’re staying at the Deb you will be thrilled to find that the restaurant right next door has $1 margaritas. God Bless America.
We have arrived, well, kind of. Unless you’re fortunate enough to have either a paid internship or your company pays for your public transportation, costs will start to add up, and fast. It happens slowly, and then all at once—your food truck lunches, bottomless mimosa brunches, and frequent use of the metro will add up and have you looking at your bank statement wondering where the money that was supposed to last you all semester went.
So, my tips for surviving DC without awkwardly asking your parents for more money?
Laura Capicotto
Interning Abroad vs. Interning “Abroad”
Laura Capicotto
Summer 2015
I had the privilege to study in Dublin this past spring semester. It was a time I will never forget and always cherish. As cultured as my time in Europe made me, I do not believe it benefited me professionally. Similar to the DC program, students have an internship while in Dublin. However, the Dublin program places you in a position. The best you can do is cross your fingers and hope it applies to your major or interest in any way possible. I was placed in a small boutique firm that focused on lifestyle brands and products. As nice as the employees (and by employees I mean the boss and her two other interns) were, I quickly realized this was not going to be as much of a productive use of my time as I wanted. On an average day I would have about an hour of actual work to accomplish then I would be done for the day. However, it was all a learning experience: I learned that this was not the environment or type of work I would like to be involved with until the end of my days. I left Ireland on April 24th with a more clear vision of where I wanted my life to go. More
