Ways to Boost Your Intern Experience During a Government Shutdown

BY DANIELLE STEWART

With the shutdown about to extend into month two, Congressional interns in DC and in District Offices across the country are on hold. For so many of you, this means missed opportunities to give Capitol tours, learn how to write constituent correspondence, answering phone calls from constituents, attending committee hearings, and connecting with fellow interns and staff to build and grow your professional network. But just because your Congressional internship may be on hold does not mean the learning and networking needs to stop! Check out some tips and helpful resources below to help you stay ahead of the curve and ready to return to the office. 

8 Tips for Your Internship in 8 Minutes

Designed to provide interns with information about the legislative process, networking opportunities, and tips on how to be a successful intern, POPVOX Foundation hosted Internapalooza events for hundreds of interns across the Hill. Saat Alety, Partner at Federal Hall Policy Advisors and former Congressional staffer, shared helpful tips and personal wisdom during the 2023 event. Key tips include developing a 60-second elevator pitch, and to “be a personality!” 

Brush Up on Your Networking Skills 

In 2002 Tom Manatos, former Congressional and White House staffer, started a bipartisan job list for aspiring public servants that has helped thousands of young staff looking for their next role. In 2021, he shared 11 Networking Tips that still ring true today.  

Get Comfortable with Generative AI 

Are you one of the millions of Americans who use Generative AI (GenAI) every day? Whether you are looking for support to brainstorm a project idea, create a meal plan for the week, or to learn something new, GenAI is making its way into daily life nationwide. While usage and policies on AI vary within Congressional offices, now is the perfect time to become more comfortable with these tools! Check out our AI Field Guide for Congressional staff. 

How to Write an Email

There is no replacement for good writing, and that includes writing emails. When you are starting out on Capitol Hill, emailing to ask for informational coffee chats, or to introduce yourself to other interns, is vital to building your network. Check out these key email etiquette tips from former POPVOX Foundation staffer Taylor J. Swift at Internapalooza. 

100 Ways to Make a Political Difference 

Check out George Washington University Associate Professor Casey Burgat’s list of ways to stay engaged and make a difference - you can start today! 

Demystifying the Appropriations Process 

The annual federal funding process can seem daunting to understand - but it does not have to be! There is no better time to brush up on your understanding of appropriations than in the middle of a government shutdown!   

Boost Your Capitol History

Did you learn how to give Capitol Tours during your time in the office? Check out these little-known facts to boost your tour skills when Congress is back in session. 

Crash Course on Committees

If you are missing out on attending in-person committee hearings or meetings, you can use this time to learn more about the structure, membership, hearing process, and how Members view their roles on committees. Political Scientist Dr. Maya Kornberg shared this key information in a presentation here. 

Building Relationships Within the Chamber

POPVOX Foundation’s Gavel In podcast launched in 2024 designed to mentor new Members Elect of the incoming 119th Congress, their staff, and families, to help them transition to elected office. Episode 8 of the podcast explores how to build relationships and rapport within the chamber, featuring former Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. In Washington, your relationships are everything! Especially when times feel especially partisan, it is more important than ever to learn how to overcome these challenges and build a network on both sides of the aisle. When Congress is back in session, you can lean on this advice to continue learning and to build your network to get things done.