Being an intern on Capitol Hill was a summer to remember

What makes for the perfect internship? If you answer "access to knowledge and power," an internship on Capitol Hill might be ideal.\nEvery summer, more than 40,000 people flock to Washington to live and learn in one of the most powerful cities in the world. Two years ago, I was given the chance to work on the floor of the U.S. Senate as a page, and it was an experience that changed my life. \nCapitol Hill employees, including interns, work with the lawmakers and policy enforcers who run this country. Interns get to experience firsthand the process through which our government is run. \nThere are a variety of internships and jobs available in Washington, ranging from executive agencies to public interest groups, but I will focus on internships provided by Congressional offices.\nWhile I was in Washington, I learned about the opportunities that come with working in the nation's capital. There is something special about working next to the nation's leaders. I would often find myself helping Sen. Strom Thurmond, who is the longest serving senator in history, or listening to stories from Sen. Robert C. Byrd. While the main job of senators is to work on and refine legislation, they also are willing to share their knowledge to those who work along with them. The stories that these leaders have acquired about all aspects of life is enormous. Each one has followed unique paths to get to the high office which they hold, and few of them are shy about sharing these experiences with the young persons who work around them.\nIf this experience appeals to you, consider applying to for a Congressional internship. Remember that most internships are offered by season: spring, summer and fall. Depending on the internship, there are deadlines for applications, so start early! You can expect to be asked to provide a resume and cover letter for any internship you apply to. Some positions may also require recommendations and writing samples. \nAs with any application, be sure to distinguish yourself from others; make sure that whoever is evaluating the internship will not forget you. Congressional offices are frequently looking for leaders; therefore, if you have any leadership experience, emphasize it. It is also possible that you will be interviewed by someone from the congressperson's office, so be prepared to explain your qualifications.\nWith any luck, you will be selected to work on Capitol Hill for the summer or even a semester. Once you are in Washington, the internship experience promises to be rewarding. \nInterns are required to complete a wide variety of tasks while on the job. These tasks range from sorting mail to researching policies. While interns do not spend all of their time partaking in exciting activities, most offices work to make sure that interns experience a wide range of activities. \nWhile in Washington, you will get an experience that goes beyond the in-office activities. Interns get a chance to witness first hand the Congress of the United States. While I worked in the Senate, I saw the nation's leaders up close and personal. Not a day went by that I didn't get to see a member of Congress, frequently getting to speak with the most powerful people in the world. \nWhether it is getting to see senators at work every day or slipping into the House of Representative's gallery for a few minutes to watch the proceedings, all Capitol Hill employees get an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives. Furthermore, for the rest of your life you will be able to boast on resumes that you worked in Congress.\nWorking on Capitol Hill can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a young person's life. I will never forget my time working for the U.S. Senate. The experience of working for Congress allowed me to contribute to the operation of this country while learning so much myself. If you are interested in working as an intern, you are in for an experience that you won't soon forget.