2.  Congressional Internship Opportunities

Donna Edwards

The Office of Congresswomen Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) is seeking qualified interns for the upcoming summer semester to serve in the Washington, D.C. office. Applicants should have a familiarity with the legislative process, have a desire to learn while being a part of a hardworking team, and be dedicated to serving the citizens of Maryland.

The Washington, D.C. intern experience is designed to immerse interns in all areas of a Congressional work environment. Interns are required to exhibit strong written and verbal communication and will be expected to conduct capital tours, research, and assist with administrative duties. In addition, they will respond to constituent letters and requests, attend hearing and briefings, and complete projects in specific issue areas as requested.

Press Internship

In addition to many of the responsibilities above, press interns will work primarily with the Communications Director.  Responsibilities include assisting with research, preparing talking points, remarks, and press releases. Communication interns typically have strong knowledge of communication or media background. Students or recent graduates with communication or journalism degrees preferred but not required.

If interested, please send a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to veronica.hernandez@mail.house.gov                    

Elijah Cummings              

Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) is currently seeking unpaid interns for the spring to contribute to his fast-paced Washington, DC office. Duties include but are not limited to: answering the phones, drafting constituent response letters, conducting legislative research, compiling and entering data, attending hearings/briefings, giving Capitol tours, and basic administrative duties. Applicants should be goal-oriented, quick learners, and have a professional and friendly demeanor. Previous experience is not required; however, applicants must be eligible to receive academic credit.

All interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and references, and 2 brief writing samples to jasmine.dickerson@mail.house.gov. In the subject line of the email, please type 'Internship Application.'

Shelley Berkley

Goal:  To provide you with in-depth knowledge to the workings of a Congressional office - which we hope will be an exciting experience!  Job Description Legislative Assistance: (For Washington, D.C. applicants) You will workwith the legislative assistants whose assigned issues are of interest to you. A major responsibility will be helping Congresswoman Shelley Berkley answer constituent mail. Information for these responses isusually found by calling government agencies, departments andCongressional committees - thus increasing your understanding of thelegislative process and how the federal government operates. The Congresswoman currently serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, so you can expect to do work involved with these policy issues in particular. Clerical and General Office Tasks: You will file, draft letters, run errands, sort mail, and help out with the telephones.

How to Apply:  Please email your resume, cover letter, and three references to Claire Gartland at claire.gartland@mail.house.gov. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call ouroffice at 202-225-5965.

3.  Federal Semester Internship Program

Interested in how federal policy is set in Washington? See for yourself! Become part of a small cohort of engaged students. Take a seminar on federal policy in the fall; participate in a Washington internship for college credit in the spring. Rising juniors and seniors, of any major, are welcome to apply. This selective, year-long program is sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Studies and intended to add value to your major. It is a fabulous educational experience and a great item for your résumé!

In fall 2009, we are offering three Federal Semester seminars: Federal Health Policy, with Professor Elaine Anderson (UNIV 348P, Tuesday/Thursday 11:00 a.m.-12:15); U.S. Policy in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, with Professor Paul Scham (UNIV 348M, Tuesday/Thursday 9:30 a.m.-10:45); and Homeland Security Policy, with Senior Policy Analyst Magdalena Bajll (UNIV 348T, course time TBD, in evening).

In spring 2010, Federal Semester students will intern in a wide variety of places, including congressional offices, federal agencies, lobbying firms, think-tanks, and advocacy organizations. Internship credit may be taken through UNIV 349 or under the course number offered for internships in the student’s major program. Federal Semester activities include workshops, trips to Capitol Hill (including meetings with officials at FEMA, HHS, DHS, the State Dept.), and conversations with leaders of public policy. Guidance is provided on securing and participating in Washington internships.

Apply now! For details and application form, go to: http://www.federalsemester.umd.edu

4. The Dershowitz Group

The Dershowitz Group (TDG), a Washington DC based public affairs and strategic communications firm servicing policy-based clients, has four intern positions available for summer 2009. Undergraduates, recent graduates and graduate students with an interest in international affairs or energy security are encouraged to apply.

TDG services a wide range of clients including think tanks, foreign television stations, international humanitarian awards, coalitions of NGO’s and a press association.

Recently, TDG organized a presidential candidate speaker’s series; an experts’ policy series on security threats, such as terrorism and energy security; and developed content for the first museum on terrorism. TDG has extensive strategic communications expertise advising clients on democracy and counter-terrorism related issues.

Interns may be asked to develop databases of influencers for relevant policy areas, draft business letters, talking points and FAQ sheets, and prepare client materials. Interns are frequently asked to take ownership of their projects and are given additional responsibilities based upon their professionalism and level of productivity.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate a knack for research, excellent time management skills and meticulous attention to detail. They will be able to follow instructions in a precise manner, work in a fast-paced professional environment and learn from a constructive work environment. Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with senior staff with expertise in foreign policy, media relations, and journalism.

Interns will interact with clients. Strong writing and oral skills are required. A strong understanding of government, contemporary issues in foreign affairs, and journalism are preferred. Familiarity with the Middle East, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan is a bonus, as is fluency in additional languages. Applicants should indicate their proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe programs.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter and a writing sample to Julia Nayfeld at Julia@DershowitzGroup.com.

5. Career Seminar

Career Seminar Sponsored by the Center for American Politics and Citizenship

Featuring Maryland alumni:

Tom McMillen, former Maryland Congressman, Basketball Star, and President & CFO, Homeland Security Capital Corporation
Susan Turnbull, Chair, Maryland Democratic State Central Committee
Michael Arrington, former Maryland State Delegate and President, Capital Legislative Solutions
Jerry Higgins, Senior Representative, Pearson Arts and Sciences Publishers

When: Tuesday, March 31st at 2-3pm
Where: 2102 Shoemaker Hall

Come to learn about how to launch a successful career!

All our welcome.