Program Overview

Established in 1986, the CBCF Congressional Internship Program answered the call to help diversify our democracy by increasing the pool of talented public servants. This intensive nine-week summer program offers the opportunity for college students from across the nation to learn about the legislative process, leadership and careers in the policy making process.  Interns work in CBC member offices, attend professional development events, and participate in leadership development projects. The program prepares young people to become informed decision makers and influential leaders who shape our world. This program is offered every summer.

Benefits

• Interns will receive a $3,000 stipend
• Housing at a local university (all expenses covered)
• Interns may be eligible to receive academic credit at their college or university for participating in the program

Eligibility

• U.S. citizen or permit to work in the U.S.
• Currently or recently (within the past year) enrolled in college full-time when applying for program
• Demonstrated interest in public service, governance, and policy-making process
• Have not yet begun to pursue a post-graduate degree

Selection Process

Congressional Interns are selected based on the following criteria:

• Solid scholastic achievement
• Strong writing skills
• Community service contributions
• Evidence of leadership skills
• Quality of application and, in some instances, interview performance 

Application Materials

The completed online application must be submitted bymidnight on February 21, 2013. The additional required materials must be received by our office by the close of business (5 p.m. EST) on the deadline date. The following items will be requested through the online application:

1. A completed application form
2. Answer the required short essay(s) given on the application
3. One (1) page resume listing extracurricular activities, honors, employment, community service and special skills
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation. At least one letter of recommendation must be written by a dean, department chair, academic advisor, or employer. Letters must be on official letterhead, state the recommender's title, and provide contact information. Letters of recommendation must be submitted by the deadline for your application to be considered complete. Please follow the instructions found in the application. Hard copy letters sent to the organization as well as e-mails sent to the internship e-mail address will not be accepted.
5. A recent photograph suitable for publication; i.e., a cap and gown picture, or other professional quality and professionally dressed photograph

Additional Required Materials

All the above documents should be submitted through the online application. The following document should be mailed to the organization. We must receive this document before the deadline passes:

1. Official sealed transcripts from all institutions attended 

Official transcripts should be mailed to the following address:

Congressional Internship Program
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.
1720 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036

The selection is highly competitive. Applications are submitted to CBCF and reviewed by a CBCF selection committee. Finalists are selected and notified by CBCF.

Additional Information

For more information, please call (202) 263-2800 or send an e-mail to internships@cbcfinc.org and type “Congressional Internship Program” in the subject line. You can also visit our FAQ page.

Recruiters ARE Using Social Media (But Not Like You Think)

By now, you know recruiters and hiring managers are checking you out on social media.

However, most job seekers seem to think we’re only looking for keg-stand pics or some other arbitrary reason not to hire you; bad-mouthing your old boss, for example.

And they would be wrong.

When recruiters – some of whom have these social media reference checks down to a science – look into your social media, they are looking at much more than just your character (and some of it is just downright scary)…

Culture Fit

After the requisite search for the underwear-on-your-head pics, the next step for the recruiter is determining your fit within their company – and the position.

Do you use a high-percentage of swear words? Are you overly confrontational? Are you hyper-adamant in your political beliefs? Are you sensitive when it comes to diversity issues like race, religion and sexual orientation? Even the slightest miscue, like innocently calling a best friend a name considered insensitive in some circles, puts your candidacy at risk.

On the other hand, do you display a sense of humor? How do you handle negative comments from others? Are you happy for others as they achieve? However they define it personally, recruiters like to hire those they like and/or respect… because it sure helps if team members like and respect each other.

Are you likeable?

Personal Branding Inconsistencies

The next step in the social media scan: a look at your character and  integrity. Are you who you say you are?

The warning signs during this critical stage are 99.9% self-inflicted. For instance, and in the most obvious case, you list “work ethic” as a marketable soft skill – yet consistently tweet, “Gawd, will this day ever end!!!” Or, in one very real case, talk about how you passionately support Special Olympics, yet refer to your friends in casual posts as “retards”.

Being consistent in your online branding and social media isn’t difficult – for the honest and genuine.

Are you authentic?

Written Communication Skills

Here’s what recruiters know (even though most job seekers fail in this area): you have all the time in the world, and almost anyone can get the right kind of help, to write a good cover letter, resume and LinkedIn profile.

Social media, however, is often spontaneous. You don’t always take the to time to spell-check, enter full words and sentences or engage the filters required to keep you from posting something stupid, or poorly written. In other words, what you write in social media is the “real” you – the version who will be representing their company – often in spontaneous, pressure filled situations.

Are you a communicator?

Trending Health Issues

This may be the least known factor of a recruiter’s check of your social media…

Do you often complain that you aren’t feeling well? Does the whole world know when you have a bad headache? How often do you call in sick? If, through your social media interactions, the recruiter gets the idea that you’re a whiner, a hypochondriac or dependent on the sympathy of others… they’ll assume that is how you’ll be in the workplace. And on Facebook, they can go back months and months to spot trends.

For a creepy look at how far this aspect of tracking your social media could go, take a look at this post from HR Capitalist.

Are you dependable?

Lifestyle Changes

A recruiter hires for today’s version of the long-term. They want to know that for at least two to three years, you will remain the person they hired you for – and that you’ll be able make this job your highest priority.

They do that by looking for red flags in your social media. For instance, you may talk about how you can’t wait to move back home (and the physical location of this job is not in the same city as home). You may have a post about your impeding marriage next spring, and how you can’t wait to start a family. They might even see how upset you are that your parents are getting a divorce, or that you need to spend a great deal of time with your ailing grandmother with Alzheimer’s.

Any indication that your focus will be elsewhere – as seen through your posts on social media sites – may cost you an interview.

Are you focused?

Yes, recruiters do use social media – for a lot more than you think, at a deeper level than most imagine. This screening occurs well before their first conversation with you; very seldom are you given the opportunity to explain, clarify or retract. In most cases, you won’t even know they, at one time, considered you a strong candidate.

With the recruiter’s perspective in mind, take a look at your online presence. Now determine: what do your social media accounts tell recruiters, about you?

U.S. Department of Education Seeking Winter/Spring 2013 Interns:

Do you have an interest in education policy analysis or research? In intergovernmental relations or public affairs? Does working with social media while learning about the role of the Federal government in education sound like your cup of tea?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, or if you think you might have a future in government or education, then an internship this winter and spring at the Department of Education could be for you.

Not only will an internship at ED provide an opportunity to learn first-hand about federal education policy while developing a variety of other skills, including writing, researching, communication, and time-management skills, but interns are also encouraged to participate in group intern events, such as brownbag lunches with ED officials, movie nights, and local tours. For many, one of the many advantages of an ED internship is the proximity to such historical and celebrated sites it provides via its location at our nation’s capital.

Due to the competitive nature of securing an internship at ED, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. If you are interested in interning this upcoming winter/spring term (from approximately January to early May), there are materials you must send in to be considered for an interview:

A.   A cover letter summarizing why you wish to work at ED and stating your previous experiences in the line of education, if any. Include here what particular offices interest you, keeping in mind that due to the volume of applications received, you may not be awarded with your first-choice office upon acceptance.

B.   An updated resume.

C.   A completed copy of the Intern Application.

Once these three documents are finalized, prospective interns should send them in one email to StudentInterns@ed.gov with the subject line formatted as follows: Last Name, First Name: Fall Intern Application.

An internship at ED is one of the best ways a student can learn about education policy and working in the civil service, but it is not limited to this definition. Your internship at ED is where you will develop crucial workplace skills that will help you down whatever career path you choose, and it is also where you will meet fellow students like yourself who share your passions for education, learning, and engagement.

Visit Trellis Services Inc to Learn about Internships & Jobs

Transportation Provided, Enhance Lives of Children w/Autism

Are you interested in an internship in politics, public policy, or public administration? 
    
    Each spring semester, the UMBC Political Science Department sponsors an internship program in Policy, Politics, and Public Administration. Students accepted into this program obtain internships with local and state legislators, members of Congress, political parties, interest groups, think tanks, lobbyists, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. While gaining practical experience and making important contacts in the Baltimore, Annapolis or Washington areas, as well as taking a companion course, students earn 7 upper-level credits.  
    
    Students interested in an internship with Maryland’s legislature, the General Assembly, should try to meet the priority application deadline of Monday, Oct. 22. If we hear from you first, however, General Assembly internships applications may be accepted after this date. The deadline to apply for all other internships is Friday, November 9. 
    
    Read more details and download the application instructions at the Political Science Department’s website, http://www.umbc.edu/politicalsci/internships/ 
    
    For more information, contact me at lhussey@umbc.edu.