Washington, D.C. Internship Program
Thank you for your interest in my Washington, D.C. internship program. While I always encourage Alaskan students to apply, my internships are available to any student currently enrolled or recently graduated from college. Although internships in my office are unpaid, students will gain invaluable experience in the legislative process by working side-by-side my team of experienced staff.
Internships in my Washington, D.C. office run throughout the fall, spring, and summer semesters for college students. It’s important to note, summer internships are highly competitive due to the large volume of applicants.
Suggested Internship Application Dates
Internship applications in my office are always accepted on a rolling basis; however I encourage all prospective applicants to submit their materials by the dates listed below.
- Summer Internship Application: April 15
- Fall Internship Application: August 15
- Spring Internship Application: December 15
Types of Internships Available
Full-time and part-time internships are available throughout the calendar year. Internships during the school year last one full semester, while summer internships generally last 2-3 months. Flexibility with applicants' academic schedule is available, in addition to the option of receiving course credit through your school.
Interns, staff and Congressman Young gather to celebrate Alaska Flag Day.
Intern Duties
Interns in my Washington D.C. office assist with general office duties such as answering phones, delivering and sorting mail, and assisting staff with legislation and research. Interns are also responsible for constituent services such as greeting guests, drafting correspondence, providing tours and processing flag requests – integral to any Capitol Hill internship.
I always encourage interns to attend hearings, briefings, and other Congressional proceedings to gain exposure to the inner working of our nation’s Capitol. Additional duties and opportunities are readily available and will be assigned according to interest and ability. As a result, interns will be given tremendous opportunity to learn about the legislative process and the many functions of a Congressional office.
Congressman Young speaking to a group of interns from across the country during a "Congressional Summer Intern Lecture Series".
Intern Accommodations
Several universities in the Washington area offer intern housing. Rental apartments are also available in the surrounding area. If you would like to receive an updated list of available housing please e-mail my Internship Coordinator, Ms. Paula Conru, at paula.conru@mail.house.gov.
An intern from Valdez, AK and Congressman Don Young pose in front of a blanket from his hometown.
Internship Application
Those seeking an internship in my Washington, D.C. office should submit an application form (click here to access), resume and cover letter to my Internship Coordinator, Paula Conru at paula.conru@mail.house.gov. Questions and requests for additional information may also be directed to Ms. Conru.
Applications may also be submitted through the standard mail, however due to current security restrictions this may take up to three weeks to be processed. Those preferring to submit hard copy applications may submit their materials to:
Representative Don Young
Attn: Paula Conru
2314 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Internship Testimonials
I have asked some of my previous interns to share their thoughts on their internship experience in my office. I am truly honored to have met these bright students and grateful for all the work they have done for the State of Alaska.
"Congressman Young's office offers the positive, dynamic experience that every Hill internship should. Having exposure to an incredibly supportive staff and a legendary Congressman promises invaluable insights into the political process. Every task highlights progress towards an actual understanding of legislative issues, constituent concerns, and public policies. Whatever your interests, an internship here sets you in the right direction. – Jon Jackson (Spring 2017)
“Representative Young’s office is the best place to learn about the inner workings of Congress or begin working on Capitol Hill. Many Congressional internships consist of answering phones, giving tours, and sorting mail. However, Congressman Young gives you endless opportunity to learn and make substantive contributions to his overall legislative agenda. In my two summers with Congressman Young, I saw firsthand how politics happened and how legislation was made. The best part of my experience was being able to work hand in hand with staff on public policy that made real world impacts to Alaskans. There is no other place I would have preferred to work during my college career. In fact, my internship in Congressman Young’s office directly led to a number of job offers.” – Nicole Eldred ( Summer 2014 and 2015)
“I would highly recommend anyone interested in working on Capitol Hill to spend some time in Congressman Young’s office. Most Congressional internships consist of answering phones and sorting mail, but in this office you are given significant opportunity and assigned projects with real substance. I spent most of my time researching and writing policy letters for staff, something that takes years to work up to for most people. In fact, I was hired by another Congressional office immediately after my internship specifically because of the experience I gained in Congressman Young’s office. There is absolutely no better place to get started on the Hill.” – Graham Pittman (Spring 2014)
“Unlike other offices, Congressman Young provides young Alaskans with one of the most dynamic internships on the Hill. From attending committee briefings, to drafting legislation and correspondence, each intern is able to get a genuine and comprehensive look into the inner workings of the House. Whether you’re in DC for a month or an entire semester, here is where you have the best chance to apply what you already know about the legislative process and refine what you don’t.” – Elizabeth Banicki (Summer 2013)
Click here to access the Intern Application Form.
Congressman Young meeting with interns from Senator Ted Stevens office in 1975, including the future Senator Lisa Murkowski.