Harkin Encourages Iowa Students to Apply For Summer Internships

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 14, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that Iowa college students can now apply for summer 2011 internships in his Washington, D.C. and Iowa offices.  An internship in Harkin's personal office, or with the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, is designed for college undergraduates, graduates, and law students.  Interns gain a valuable and unique education about the federal legislative process, while assisting the staff in the areas of legislation, press, casework, and outreach to the state.  Intern responsibilities include performing office duties, writing and researching current legislative issues and acting as general support to the Senator's staff.

"My own political career started with an internship.  Years ago, when I interned for Representative Neal Smith in the House of Representatives I learned firsthand how government operates.  It was an invaluable experience, one that I encourage all young men and women who share this interest in public service to experience," Harkin said.

Part time and full time internships are available in Harkin's Washington, D.C. personal office, on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee that Harkin chairs, and in his five Iowa offices (Des Moines, Davenport, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City).  Interns typically work during one of three sessions: spring, summer and fall.

Students who are interested in becoming an intern can apply via the web at http://harkin.senate.gov/students/intern.  Questions can be directed to the intern coordinator in Harkin's Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3254.  The deadline to apply for a summer internship with the HELP Committee is March 4, 2011, the deadline for Harkin's D.C. personal office is March 11, 2011 and the deadline for state offices is April 15, 2011.