Internships

Congressman Lieu offers internships in his Washington, D.C. and California offices in three different periods throughout the year:

• Spring: January – May
• Summer: June – August
• Fall: September – December

Although internships in congressional offices are unpaid, students gain invaluable work experience. We also work with our interns to accommodate their class schedules and are happy to help if they need to receive course credit for their internship. Our normal internship hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Washington, D.C.

In Washington, interns' responsibilities will vary. Candidates should be well-organized, responsible, reliable, and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. In addition, a qualified candidate will be generally knowledgeable of legislative issues and current events. Duties will include answering phones, researching legislation, giving Capitol tours, attending hearings and briefings, and assisting the Member and legislative and press staff with various projects. California and/or 33rd District ties are preferred, but not required.

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Brief, 1-2 page writing sample
• Two professional or academic references
• Internship term you are applying for (Spring, Summer, or Fall) and your availability during that time

We are currently accepting Summer 2018 applications. The Summer 2018 application deadline is April 1, 2018. 

Los Angeles

In the Los Angeles office, interns may be asked to do a variety of things, including day-to-day office work such as answering phones, writing letters and assisting with media clips. In addition, interns may be assigned to assist in various constituent case work or work on district-based projects of importance. Interns must be willing to commit to at least 15 weeks and two 8-hour shifts per week. 

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Brief writing sample
• Internship term you are applying for in the subject line (Spring, Summer, or Fall) and your availability during that time  

We are no longer accepting Summer 2018 applications. The Fall 2018 application deadline is August 3, 2018. 

Please note that because of the competitive nature of the internship program, internship positions in only our Los Angeles office are reserved for current college and graduate students only.
 

Testimonials

Diane Lee, Summer 2016 (Washington, D.C.)

"Interning in Congressman Lieu's D.C. office gave me an incredible opportunity to learn about the work that goes on in a congressional office. Having grown up in the 33rd district, it was a truly rewarding experience to work for the 33rd district and engage with our constituents every day, talking to them on the phone, giving tours of the Capitol building to constituents visiting D.C., and writing letters to constituents. I also had many opportunities work closely with staff on various projects and attend briefings and hearings happening all over Capitol Hill. The staff in Congressman Lieu's office welcomed me into their team from day one and were incredibly generous and helpful during my entire time in the office. This is an amazing internship for all who are interested in learning more about Congress and working on Capitol Hill."

Adam Gould, Summer 2015 (Washington, D.C.)

"Interning with Congressman Lieu was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.  Congressman Lieu’s internship program ensures that students are able to fully submerge in life on Capitol Hill and gain knowledge and experiences that are applicable both on the Hill and beyond.  From day one, I was vested with responsibilities and opportunities that continually inspired me and allowed me to grow as both a leader and as a professional.  The staff welcomed the interns as an integral part of the team, and their resources and mentorship were invaluable.  Whether it was attending Congressional briefings or hearings, taking families on tours of the United States Capitol, or engaging with hundreds of constituents, I felt like I truly made a difference and that my impact was both felt and appreciated.  The opportunity to not only witness, but also to engage with the intricacies of Congress has left me with both the capacity and inspiration to continue on a career dedicated to public service.  The Capitol Hill experience is unrivaled and I encourage anyone looking to get involved in politics to apply."
   

Sara Grzywacz, Summer 2015 (Washington, D.C.), Spring 2016 (Los Angeles)

"Interning for the Office of Congressman Ted Lieu in Washington D.C. over the summer was a huge honor and privilege. The Congressman’s staff is an incredibly hard working group of people, yet they always found the time to assist me with any help I needed. They taught me invaluable things about the ins and outs of Congress, while always allowing me to pursue my subjects of interest while doing so. Working with constituents, such as by answering phones and giving tours of the Capitol, was one of the most rewarding aspects of my internship. It was so rewarding, in fact, that it inspired me to further my work with Congressman Lieu by applying to work at his District Office in Los Angeles. I look forward to the new insights I will gain by working in the District Office and know that the knowledge I attain here will help me to be more successful down the road."