Frequently Asked Questions about the CIP

What should I expect to learn during my internship?

What duties or responsibilities will I have as an intern?

May I select which Member of Congress I will work for?

What is the schedule for the internship?

Will my internship be paid?

What are the academic requirements of the internship?

What should I expect to learn during my internship?
CIP participants receive an invaluable opportunity to learn the inner workings of Congress, sharpen their professional research, analytical, and communication skills, and develop relationships that can prove invaluable for advancing their career goals in the public sector.

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What duties or responsibilities will I have as an intern?
Interns will be managed by a specific staff member within their Congressional office and receive a performance evaluation from the staff member at the end of the semester. Among other responsibilities, students' internship duties may include: handling, researching and responding to constituent requests and inquiries, providing staff members with research as requested, attending hearings and legislative markups, organizing and guiding tours, and providing administrative support to the Member and his or her staff.

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May I select which Member of Congress I will work for?
CIP participants are responsible for securing their own placements and may choose to work for any Congressional office, pending the approval of the CIP program coordinator.

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What is the schedule for the internship?
The one-semester internship will begin immediately after the Labor Day holiday and conclude by the end of the fall semester.

Interns must commit to at least 20-hours a week for the internship during regular business hours but can arrange their work schedule in partnership with the specific office to which they are assigned. In addition to complying with the employment regulation and professional standards of their office, interns are required to sign a participation agreement with the CIP program that reflects their general duties, responsibilities, and professional expectations.

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Will my internship be paid?
Given the unique opportunity offered to CIP participants to intern in a Congressional office while earning academic credit, the CIP is an unpaid internship.

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What are the academic requirements of the internship?

Students in the CIP earn four (4) elective credits per semester. To earn credit, participants must register for the Congressional Internship (POLI – 495) course, as well as meet all of the eligibility requirements listed on the CIP application form. Registration instructions will be provided to students prior to the beginning of the semester.

Please see the "Internship Guidelines" for detailed academic requirements.

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