Internships

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

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

Standard internship hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, we are happy to work with our interns to accommodate class and work schedules. Some schools offer course credit for internships. Stipends are available for some internships, please reach out to our office to find out more details.

Washington, D.C.

Legislative Internship

In Washington, legislative 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 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 no longer accepting internship applications for Spring 2020.

​Press Internship​

Press interns' primary responsibilities will include: compiling and distributing daily news clips, maintaining press lists, monitoring media coverage, designing graphics, drafting social media content, updating the website and other tasks as assigned. College students with a background in journalism or strategic communication are encouraged to apply. Video or photography experience is a plus. Candidates must have strong written and verbal communication skills, a solid news sense and the ability to work under tight deadlines. Prior experience in press or communications in a professional setting is preferred. 

If you are interested in a press internship with the Washington office, please send all of the information listed below in an email to the D.C. intern coordinator at lieu.staff@mail.house.gov with "Summer 2019 Press Internship Application" as the subject line. Please call the Washington office at (202) 225-3976 with any questions or concerns.

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Brief, 1-2 page writing sample (i.e. draft press releases, news clips, newsletters) - non-academic writing preferred
• Two professional or academic references
• Internship term you are applying for (Spring, Summer, or Fall) and your availability during that time

We are no longer accepting internship applications for Spring 2020.

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 (2-3 pages)
• Internship term you are applying for in the subject line (Spring, Summer, or Fall) and your availability during that time  

We are currently accepting internship applications for Spring 2020.
The Spring 2020 application deadline is November 15, 2019. 

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

Intern Testimonials

Tarena Lofton, Spring 2019 Press Intern (Washington, D.C)

"I could not have asked for a better office to intern with than Congressman Lieu. Everyone in the office is extremely friendly, supportive, and invested in making sure that their interns develop the skills that they need to be successful. Each person in the office is dedicated to creating an environment that was not only educational, but also fun. As a press intern, I worked closely with both the Communications Director and Press Secretary. I was able to gain firsthand experience that allowed me to grasp a better understanding of what it is like to work in the communication field on Capitol Hill. Working for a member of Congress that is heavily involved in media and social media provided a unique experience that helped me learn how to better navigate the communications field. Each day I was challenged and given work that helped me develop skills that could be applied post-internship; whether that be working on or off Capitol Hill. Interning in Congressman Lieu’s office was one of the my most rewarding experiences thus far. I highly recommend this internship for anyone who is interested in learning more about Congress."

Joseph Auer, Spring 2019 Legislative Intern (Washington, D.C.)

“Working for Congressman Lieu has been one of the most rewarding internship experiences I could have asked for. The program run out of his D.C. office offers incredible opportunities to learn about Capitol Hill and see government in action. His staff is objectively one of the best, and they encourage you to explore a wide range of issues and gain hands-on experience in their own daily tasks. I was fortunate enough to work with both the legislative and communications staffs, giving me a holistic view of the Congressional experience. Whether it be prepping materials for hearings, attending briefings, collecting press clips, or writing letters to constituents, this internship helped develop my professional skills and was incredibly educational. Learning about Congress is a must for anyone who wants to work in public service, and you would be hard-pressed to find a more welcoming environment than Congressman Lieu’s office."

Tammy Truong, Fall 2019 District Intern (Los Angeles, CA)

“Working for Congressman Lieu in the District Office has been a fulfilling experience. The office culture is open and friendly. I have shared many laughs with the staff and other interns here. Staff especially were supportive and encouraged us to communicate with them if we had any questions. Through this internship, I became familiar with District Office operations, particularly with the constituent cases the office handled. I also had the opportunity to learn about local issues by attending meetings with community members. Being at a District Office has widened my view as to the extent Representatives can help their constituents and the local community.”

Kimia Mohebi, Fall 2019 District Intern (Los Angeles, CA)

“Interning for Congressman Lieu has been one of the most fulfilling and educational experiences I’ve ever had. The program at the district office is one that offers a plethora of opportunities that taught me so much about the importance of constituent services. The staff is well organized, hardworking, and extremely helpful in giving us engaging and important opportunities which encapsulate the help the office provides to constituents. They also encouraged us to explore our own interests within the field of public service, whether that be veterans’ services, town halls, casework, foreign affairs issues, or community events. This internship, overall, helped me expand my communication and professional skills. Working in a district office, particularly Congressman Lieu’s, is integral to understanding and appreciating the democratic process and serves as a constant reminder of the hard work and dedication required to take part in the realm of public service.”