Applying for Internships

Intern ships in Congress are highly competitive.  Congressional offices are not inclined to take high school students. They have plenty of college students to choose from. Exeter students can overcome this significant handicap but there is no guarantee you will get a placement next spring, so it's important you follow these guidelines.

1. Offices will take a student who is attached to a program.  The very best chance you have to get a placement is in an office who has taken an Exeter intern before. These offices understand that Exeter Interns are easily on par with college students.  I will steer you to these offices. 

2. Make sure to keep me informed of every office you apply to so I can send them information about the program and connect with their intern coordinator. Make sure to mention your attachment to our program in your cover letter.

3. Choose offices wisely, first by applying to the offices I suggest.  

4. Otherwise, you will have a better chance in House offices from your home district or even just your state of residence. It also helps if you lived there before, or live there part time there or have spent time visiting relatives there and are familiar with the district. 

5. It also helps to do some research and know something about the district: major cities, the economy, demographics, for example.  You should also know something about the MOC's committee memberships and policy passions. 

6. Plan to apply to more House than Senate offices. They are more numerous, so easier to get placed in.

7. Don't apply to any office you would not be willing to work in but accept the first offer you get from an office you did apply to.

8. Be prompt. Apply earlier--two weeks before the posted deadline. Respond to requests from offices to submit application materials or requests to schedule interviews.  You may be asked to take a writing test.