Helmer for Congress Internship

What is the Helmer for Congress Internship?

The internship is more than just your typical political internship where participants answer phones, staple papers and do grunt work. Yes – we do ask interns to help around the office. In return for their service, we seek to reward interns with an educational and networking experience that will enhance their future professional or public service careers.  

What will we be doing?

Participants will be exposed to professional development in political and social activism, including intensive training on the operation of a modern political campaign, through activities such as issue advocacy, grassroots organizing, and overall strategy. We are seeking to identify tomorrow’s leaders today, and to give them a true behind-the-scenes look at what really goes on in political campaigns.  

Is this a paid position?

The internship does not pay financially, but the educational and professional benefits should pay off for ambitious young activists. Even if you aren’t interested in a career in politics, you will gain valuable organizational skills that translate to nearly any occupation. Eventually, the campaign will be bringing on organizers for the fall. It is our intention to recruit our fall organizers directly from our internship participants.

What are the requirements?

The most important requirement we ask of interns is commitment to the program, both intellectually and in terms of your personal time. We ask that interns commit a minimum of ten hours per week, ideally in person, to help the campaign.

Can I get academic credit?

Every college has different requirements for obtaining academic credit for programs such as ours, and many have different requirements at the departmental or instructor level. We are willing to tailor the program to meet an individual’s needs in order to qualify for credit, but ask students to research the necessary steps on their own initiative. 

How do I apply?

Please apply ASAP through the Handshake platform. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis. Interested applicants are strongly advised to apply early.