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Internships

Summer 2024 Paid Internship (Open)

 

Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s Washington DC office is seeking Part and Full Time (abt. 18-35 hrs/wk) interns for Summer 2024 (approx. May-August, depending on your term schedule). Interns will receive a stipend of $1000 to $2000/month depending on hours worked. Academic credit is available and should be arranged with your academic institution. Our program will adhere to a hybrid format, with remote and in-office work depending on the congressional calendar, allowing interns to build relationships with our DC staff. The application opens March 1, 2024 and closes April 5, 2024. Interviews will be conducted in early-mid April. You can apply here.

We do not have Portland office internships available at this time.

Interns will get an in-depth look at the operations and functions of a congressional office, including policy, communications, field representation and constituent casework. 

  • Policy is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a congressional internship. Our team of legislative assistants work with other member offices, committee staff, lobbyists, and field representatives to turn ideas into law. Legislative assistants work on issues areas such as agriculture, business, environment, immigration, labor, transportation and livable communities. Interns will assist with legislative research.
     
  • Communications involves informing the press and the public about the achievements and progress Congressman Blumenauer is making as their representative. Communications staff work collaboratively with all staff to prepare press releases, draft speeches, distribute newsletters and implement the overall communications strategy. Interns will respond to constituent messages and compile daily press clips.
     
  • Field representation focuses on building and maintaining relationships with constituents, agencies, nonprofits, and businesses throughout the district. Field staff work on such issue areas as agriculture, business, environment, immigration, labor, transportation and livable communities. Interns will update our office’s constituent database and attend events with staffers as appropriate.
     
  • Constituent casework involves responding to requests and concerns that constituents submit about government agencies. These issues range in their impact and complexity but represent a significant opportunity for our office to connect with constituents. Examples of casework areas include veterans, housing, healthcare, Social Security, and IRS issues. Interns will assist with organizing and responding to casework.

Qualifications:

•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•    Ability to speak diplomatically with constituents who may hold differing views
•    Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
•    Strong attention to detail and commitment to following up 
•    Professional demeanor and a demonstrated interest in public service
•    OR-03 district ties are preferred but not required

Our office is an equal opportunity employer, committed to developing an organization that reflects the diversity of the district that we serve. The office does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. We encourage applications from historically underrepresented candidates, including people of color; LGBTQ individuals; low-income, first-generation, and non-traditional students; people with disabilities, and women.

About Congressman Blumenauer:

Congressman Earl Blumenauer represents Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes most of Multnomah County, parts of Clackamas County and Hood River County. Elected to the US House of Representatives in 1996, Congressman Blumenauer has created a unique role as Congress’ chief spokesperson for Livable Communities: places where people are safe, healthy, and economically secure. He is member of the Ways and Means Committee and the Budget Committee.