NOTE: We have currently completed our Summer 2008 internship selections for Washington, DC and Bridgeport, CT. At this time we are accepting Fall 2008 applications for our Washington, DC and Bridgeport, CT offices.
The office of Congressman Christopher Shays offers internships for qualified high school and college students in our district office in Bridgeport, Connecticut and our Washington, D.C. office.
The purpose of an internship with Congressman Shays is to educate and expose the student to the workings of the U.S. House of Representatives through full-time or part-time work in one of our offices.
Interns are essential to the operation of our offices and are treated as members of the permanent staff, which requires the same level of professionalism and commitment. While the position is temporary and unpaid, interns are held to the same high standards of job performance Congressman Shays expects of his full-time staff.
Internships in Bridgeport, Connecticut
Internships in the District Office will provide a firsthand look at the role government plays in the lives of local families and businesses. Intern responsibilities include providing constituent services to callers, assisting staff with research and correspondence, and administrative/clerical duties.
Internship programs are available for fall and spring semesters, as well as during the summer months. Scheduling is extremely flexible, although preference is given to students able to work at least three days a week.
Internships in Washington, D.C.
An intern in our Washington, D.C. office will be offered the opportunity to observe and participate firsthand in the functions of the federal government. Interns will examine how the House of Representatives works as a lawmaking body, as well as how it interacts with the Senate, the White House, state and federal agencies, and the judicial branch.
Interns work one-on-one with staff members on projects ranging from press to legislation to constituent services.
Internship programs run during fall and spring semesters, as well as two eight-week summer sessions. During the school year schedules are flexible, while during the summer the internship is full-time.
How to Apply
Priority is given to undergraduate students from Connecticut, although we do consider out-of-state as well as high school and graduate students. To apply, please send the following items to either our Washington or Connecticut office:
- A Resume
- A Cover Letter stating goals and expectations for the internship
- A Short Writing Sample
*Please indicate your office of preference
Whom to Contact
Washington, D.C
Allison G.S. Knox
allison.knox@mail.house.gov
Phone: 202/225-5541
Fax: 202/225-9629
1126 Longworth Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Stephen Bassermann
stephen.bassermann@mail.house.gov
Phone: 203/579-5870
Fax: 203/579-0771
PLEASE NOTE: Because we have not had regular mail delivery since the Anthrax threat in 2001, e-mails, phone calls, faxes, and in-person visits are the most effective ways to communicate with my office.