This past summer, I was lucky enough to pack my bags and move to Washington D.C. for the summer, to work for the Republican National Committee. This internship was an amazing opportunity to have, especially during an election year. I wanted to share how I got my internship, what the work was like, and some of my best experiences.
I began my journey by applying for various different internships January of this year. Tirelessly, I applied to a plethora of programs. Doing this, it made me appreciate that the RNC was easy and straightforward with their application process. Their application consisted of 3 questions that were direct and relevant to the position. I had to explain why I was a Republican, who my Republican role model was, why I was interested in this internship, and to tell them something about myself that’s not on my resume. You better bet I put down that I could rap all of Forget About Dre by Eminem.
I answered the application questions truthfully and wrote from my heart. There is one piece of advice I have to offer for the written part. When answering the question about your “hidden talent,” do your best to relate that talent back to your work ethic or work personality. I’ve interviewed hundreds of people. I can say that, when I ask this question, I’m looking for someone with personality that can demonstrate how their talents will translate to assets for my office.
A few months after submitting applications, I was notified that I had been selected for a phone interview. It was a short interview, and I had a great conversation with my interviewer. The questions were relatively similar to the application. I felt comfortable answering them. My advice for the phone interview is to disregard what everyone says: don’t dress up or sit down. I paced around my living room, barefoot in my gym clothes. This is how I chose to answer the questions because it’s what makes me confident and comfortable during a phone conversation.
I accepted my internship offer toward the end of the school year. After, I was placed in the Constituent Services department. I honestly had no idea what that meant at first. Later, I found out I would be answering questions and letters of people who called the RNC. Although it doesn’t sound great in principle, it was actually kind of funny some days. I got to work with some really awesome people. The most exciting part about a DC internship is the experience you get outside of work. I lived on GW’s campus, and I loved being a walk away from the White House, the mall, and Georgetown. The Mall at night is 10 times prettier than it is during the day, and I would also recommend Baked and Wired in Georgetown for your cupcake fix.
I wouldn’t trade my internship experience for the world, I’m already looking for reasons to go back to DC next summer. It was completely worth all the applications and interview prep, don’t let the initial formalities scare you out of the best decision of your life.
Julia S
FFL Contributor
Julia is an Ole Miss Rebel, breakfast enthusiast, and Pure Barre junkie. She believes anything is possible with a little sunshine and some lipstick and loves messy buns and cozy sweaters. When she's not in the Lyceum reading WSJ, she's probably cramming for some test or watching Gone With the Wind.
