Architect of the Capitol Internship Program: An Opportunity to Serve and Preserve

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) internship program offers current students a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience on Capitol Hill, serving Congress and the Supreme Court while preserving America's Capitol. This program is designed to be substantive, challenging, and rewarding, providing interns with invaluable skills and knowledge for their future careers.

Overview of the Architect of the Capitol

Tracing its beginnings to the laying of the Capitol cornerstone in 1793, the AOC is responsible for the operations and care of more than 18.5 million square feet of facilities, 570 acres of grounds and thousands of works of art. The Capitol campus is home to 30,000 daily occupants and hosts about 3 million visitors annually. The AOC is rooted in a tradition of unique craftsmanship and ingenuity.

The AOC is the builder and steward of the landmark buildings and grounds of Capitol Hill, serving Congress and the Supreme Court. The staff preserves and maintains the historic buildings, monuments, art, and inspirational gardens on the Capitol campus.

Internship Program Details

The AOC summer internship program is for current students and offers paid opportunities to explore a federal career within the AOC while completing their education. The AOC strives to make the intern experience substantive, challenging, and rewarding. You may be eligible if you're currently enrolled in high school, college, trade school or another qualifying educational institution.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the AOC internship program, applicants must meet specific requirements:

Be at least sixteen (16) years of age by June 30, 2026.
Be currently attending a high school, college, or university.
Participation in the Summer Intern Employment Program is limited to a total of three years. Candidates are eligible to participate no more than three years, collectively or consecutively, in the Summer Intern Employment Program. Candidates who have reached the three years in the program will be deemed ineligible to participate this calendar year.

Application Process

Applications usually open in November and close the following January. Some applicants already had their eyes on the AOC internship program and waited many months for the USAJOBS.gov application to open. Others learned of an opening through mentors, shared connections or even family members. Gothard came to the AOC after seeing the intern opening listed on USAJOBS.gov.

Internship Positions

AOC summer internships include:

12 weeks of paid participation
Real world experience on the Capitol campus
Learning and sharing knowledge with experienced professionals
Tours and networking with fellow interns

Internship positions include:

Architecture Aide
Communication Aide
Engineering Aide
Horticulture Aide
Law Aide
Information Technology Aide
Audiovisual Aide
Gardener Aide
Visitor Assistant Aide

Specific Internship Roles and Responsibilities

The AOC internship program offers a variety of roles, each with its unique responsibilities and contributions to the agency's mission.

Architectural Aide

This internship provides professional experience for students who are seeking or pursuing an Architectural degree. This is also for students who have Computer Assisted Design and Drafting (CADD) experience. As an Architecture Aide, students will provide assistance to Architects with basic architectural design services, as well as administrative and project management related support. Additionally, students may assist with CADD, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and other design needs for projects throughout the Capitol complex.

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High school students must have experience with computer aided design (CAD) and/or geographic information systems (GIS). College students must have a major in architecture or other related fields such as architectural engineering, architectural history, environmental design, landscape architecture, etc.

Other Disciplines

From carpentry and photography to clerking and gardening, the AOC internship program exposes students to a host of opportunities within the federal government.

Intern Experiences and Outcomes

The AOC's robust intern program has continued to grow in its scope and program offerings. It's common for AOC interns to be placed in jurisdictions and offices that correspond with their own interests.

Examples of Intern Projects and Contributions

Martin, a Cecil County, Maryland, native and University of Maryland student, spent his summer working outside, mostly in the USBG Regional Garden and raised plant beds. At the AOC, he was able to engage both passions: exploring the historic campus while working with numerous native plant species at the USBG. His capstone project discussed the emergence of a "volunteer plant" in one of the terrace's raised beds.
JT Washington, an ACBA student, assisted the cabinetry shop in the Library Buildings and Grounds jurisdiction. Over the summer, he created custom cabinetry, shelving units and a vessel to contain ceremonial dishware.
Mason Lamb, an ACBA student and Architecture Aide in the House Office Buildings jurisdiction, had the chance to work on several long-standing projects, including renovating old telephone closets that are now being used for staff taking video calls, and creating fact sheets for each House office building.
Nathaniel Smitherman, an ACBA student, served as an Architecture Aide with the Senate Office Buildings jurisdiction. He often went for runs between their shared apartment and Capitol campus buildings, taking time afterwards to sketch what he saw.

Benefits of the Internship Program

Internships, by definition, are professional apprenticeship experiences that give students the opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional environment. It is the opportunity to expand horizons and apply classroom knowledge in the real world.

Professional Development and Networking

Each intern had opportunities to explore the nation's capital further - even through AOC-specific programming like tours and workshops coordinated through the Employee Program Branch. Zeckowski enjoyed meeting interns across different jurisdictions and spending time on Capitol Hill.

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Additional AOC Programs

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) strives to provide various opportunities for individuals to gain experience and develop their careers. In addition to the internship program, the AOC offers a cooperative education program and the Architect of the Capitol Management Program.

Cooperative Education Program (Co-op)

The AOC cooperative education program (co-op) provides qualified architecture and engineering students the opportunity to learn from and be mentored by dedicated AOC employees.

Architect of the Capitol Management Program (AMP)

The AMP affords an opportunity for candidates to be competitively selected and assigned to special trainee positions which will prepare them to permanently transition into positions in a technical, administrative or craft/trade field through on-the-job and formal training assignments.

Important Information for Applicants

Drug Testing

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC’s suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. The AOC will schedule, provide and cover the cost for the drug test.

E-Verify

The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.

Other Important Considerations

Moving expenses are not authorized. Relocation expenses are not authorized.
All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice.
This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol.

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