Veterans Congressional Internship Program

History of the Program Founded by Rear Admiral [Ret.] James J. Carey [Navy] Founded by Rear Admiral [Ret.] James J. Carey [Navy] Saw the need for opportunities to allow veterans to bridge the professional gap from military service to civilian career Saw the need for opportunities to allow veterans to bridge the professional gap from military service to civilian career Best option to accomplish this goal: Best option to accomplish this goal: –Create a program specifically designed for veterans –Use already existing Washington Scholars Fellowship Program (WSFP) Model –

The WSFP Model Program Modeled off WSFP Program Modeled off WSFP –Gain professional experience –Get to know inside Washington –Create network of professional contacts –Gain potential college credit –Obtain the credentials necessary for lifetime career

Unique Aspects of Veterans Program Only open to military veterans Only open to military veterans Only places veterans in congressional aid roles Only places veterans in congressional aid roles Bridges the “gap” between academic, military, and professional experience Bridges the “gap” between academic, military, and professional experience Lays the groundwork for a lifetime career as a Congressional Staff Member Lays the groundwork for a lifetime career as a Congressional Staff Member

Why Congress 60 year steady decline in number of members of congress who are military vets 60 year steady decline in number of members of congress who are military vets Almost all full-time congressional assistants need previous “on the hill” experience to get hired Almost all full-time congressional assistants need previous “on the hill” experience to get hired Chance to become directly involved in the formation of national public policy well before age 30 Chance to become directly involved in the formation of national public policy well before age 30

Time Frame of Fellowships [Each Fellowship is 10 weeks with flexible start date] Summer Summer –Start: late May/ early June –End: mid-late August Fall Fall –Start: September –End: December Winter/ Spring Winter/ Spring –Start: January/ February –End: March/ April

Perks and Advantages of Program 10 week paid internship 10 week paid internship –Housing Scholarship –Weekly Stipend Scholarship Access to a Unique and Powerful Network Access to a Unique and Powerful Network –Alumni of the WSFP –Excellent networking and professional contact tool Professional “on the hill” experience Professional “on the hill” experience –Great hiring advantage on your resume –Congressional Staff experience is a prerequisite for most Congressional Staff jobs

How and When to Apply Go to Go to Click on “Veterans Congressional Internship Program” Click on “Veterans Congressional Internship Program”

How and When to Apply Follow instructions on the application page Follow instructions on the application page –Be sure to denote that you are applying for the “Veterans Internship Program” –Also indicate Fall, Winter/Spring, or Summer APPLY NOW!!!

Examples of Success Bo Posch Bo Posch –Fall 2008 Fellowship as Military Assistant Fellow on staff of Senator Ensign of Nevada –Hired Jan as Military Legislative Assistant to Senator Kit Bond of Missouri – –In his own words:  95% of finding a job on the Hill is "having a job on the Hill“  Combat experience and proficiency in the active military component was an asset that many Military Legislative Assistants DO NOT have, and was a strong plus in the Congressional hiring process

Questions Questions concerning application process or program logistics Questions concerning application process or program logistics –Ken Abbott   Questions concerning experience in the program Questions concerning experience in the program –Bo Prosch 