Exploring Internship Opportunities with Senator Maggie Hassan

United States Senator Maggie Hassan is dedicated to representing New Hampshire values by working with members of both parties. Her focus is on expanding middle-class opportunities, supporting small businesses, and ensuring America's safety, security, and freedom. As the second woman in American history to be elected both Governor and United States Senator, alongside fellow New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Hassan's office offers various internship programs. These programs provide invaluable experience in legislative and press roles within the Washington, D.C. office, as well as in-state internships in New Hampshire offices.

Internship Programs Overview

Senator Hassan offers internships in both her Washington, D.C., and New Hampshire offices. These internships are paid positions, with stipends potentially available to candidates who meet legal age and work requirements. The internship program is intended for those who have completed at least a year of college, although applicants with compelling experience may qualify.

Washington, D.C. Internships

The Washington, D.C., internship offers students the opportunity to learn how the Senate functions and how it interacts with the House of Representatives, as well as the Executive and Judicial branches of the federal government. There are two primary types of internships available in the Washington, D.C., office: legislative and press.

Legislative Internships

The legislative internship in Senator Hassan's Washington, D.C. office provides interns with a comprehensive understanding of the Senate's operations. Legislative interns may have the opportunity to sit in on committee hearings and briefings, assist with legislative projects, attend educational events in and around Washington, D.C., and lead Capitol tours.

Press Internships

For individuals interested in political communication, press internships are available in the Washington, D.C., office. Press interns work closely with the communications team and help support all aspects of their work. This includes assisting with monitoring the news, drafting written materials, and managing social media.

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New Hampshire Internships

The New Hampshire internships provide a local perspective on how Senator Hassan's office engages with community stakeholders and helps constituents resolve issues involving federal agencies. Opportunities may include attending community meetings and events, fielding phone calls from constituents, drafting letters, as well as conducting research and writing memos.

The Value of Internships in Political Science

An internship focused on political science is beneficial for high school students interested in pursuing a political science major in college and, ultimately, a career in government, politics, or public policy. These internships offer practical experience and insights into the workings of government, enhancing a student's understanding of political processes.

Exploring Other Internship and Program Opportunities

Senate Page Program

A spot in the Senate Page Program is one of the most coveted internships among students interested in political science. Page positions are available both during the school year and over the summer and combine employment in the Senate (performing tasks like delivering messages) with rigorous academic coursework.

Colorado Senator Michael Bennet knows about the Senate Page Program and the benefits it provides high schoolers-he served as a page when he was a junior in high school. Just 30 pages are selected to serve per session. They’ll live in Washington, D.C., get the opportunity to meet some of the nation’s most prominent leaders, and listen to debates over pressing political issues, all while continuing their studies.

The Senate has welcomed young students to assist in its day-to-day operations ever since. Senator Maggie Hassan’s office continues the tradition, welcoming high-achieving juniors and seniors from the Granite State between the ages of 16 and 17 to play a role in the functioning of the federal government.

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State Legislature Page Programs

Many states offer legislative page programs that provide students with hands-on experience in state government.

Washington State Legislature House Page Program: This program provides young Washingtonians the opportunity to participate in the process of state government. Pages perform duties such as presenting the flags, running errands, and assisting in offices. The State of Washington is known for its robust page program-hundreds of students participate annually. Pages are sponsored by legislators and serve for one week during the legislative sessions, assisting with everything from office tasks to delivering messages.
Florida House of Representatives Messenger Program: This long-standing tradition dates back to 1865. Participants serve for one week, observing the legislative process up close while performing their duties.
Georgia General Assembly House Page Program: Open to Georgia students between 12 and 18 years of age, this program connects the state’s elected leaders with students interested in the legislative process. Page’s duties include delivering documents, bills, and letters to legislators in the House Chamber.
Other State Programs: Several other states offer similar programs, including those in Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and North Carolina. These programs provide high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to participate in the legislative process by assisting with errands, delivering messages, and distributing bills.

Other Internship Opportunities

New York City Internships: This internship program, open to New York City high schoolers over the age of 16, provides the opportunity to harness the potential of one of the world’s great cities. Internships are available in a variety of departments, ranging from Administrative Services to Operations to the Press Office.
Department of the Treasury Internships: The Department of the Treasury offers a handful of interesting internship opportunities (including positions for students with an interest in studying political science) for high school students who are accepted at an accredited college or university.
Other Federal Agency Internships: This eight- to ten-week program allows high schoolers who are accepted at an accredited college or university to build professional and personal skills while working in a field of interest. Internships are available in a variety of areas, including fields of interest to prospective political science majors, like educational policies and project management, and communications.
Virtual Internships: The organization is always searching for unpaid, virtual interns who are passionate about politics, public affairs, writing, and reporting to assist in a variety of positions.

Other Programs

United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP): While not an internship, students with an interest in politics will want to look into this prestigious week-long, intensive, Senate-sponsored program. The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is open to outstanding high school juniors and seniors and is designed to provide students with an in-depth look at the Senate as well as provide a better understanding of how the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government work.
Workshops Foundation Congressional Seminar: The Workshops Foundation Congressional Seminar isn’t an internship, the opportunity requires paying a fee. That said, the program offers an incredible chance to experience the legislative process up close. Participants meet Senators and Representatives, attend briefings from those involved in all areas of the political process, and visit landmarks around Washington, D.C.
Boys Nation and Girls Nation: The Boys Nation program teaches young leaders about the structure and function of the federal government. Two representatives are selected from each state-Hawaii is the only state that doesn’t participate in the program-and act as Senators in a mock government. Senators caucus at the beginning of the session, organize into committees, and conduct hearings on bills, ultimately gaining firsthand experience with the legislative process. A complementary program to American Legion Boys Nation, Girls Nation operates similarly. Two “Senators” are chosen from each state and participate in a mock legislature-submitting bills and resolutions, participating in senate sessions, and electing officials such as president and vice president.
Campaign Experiences Program: The organization connects youth to campaigns to assist with everything from door-knocking and phone banking to registering voters through its Campaign Experiences Program.
Other Political Organizations: EMILY’s List allows students to gain political experience while helping elect Democratic, pro-choice women to office. Interns assist in their departments, participate in staff events, and gain a deeper knowledge of the political process.

The UNH Experience: Interning for Senator Maggie Hassan

UNH students have shared their experiences interning for Senator Maggie Hassan, highlighting the valuable skills and insights gained. Abigail, a UNH student, participated in The Washington Center Program and the UNH Small Family Community Fellowship Program, interning as a Legislative Intern for Senator Hassan in Washington, D.C.

Key Learnings from the Internship

Adapting to New Situations: Interns often find themselves in new and challenging situations, such as giving Capitol tours. Overcoming the fear of public speaking and adapting to unfamiliar tasks are essential skills developed during the internship.
Strengthening Professional Skills: The internship experience enhances professional skills, which are crucial for future job and internship interviews. Gaining experiences that can be discussed in interviews is invaluable for future success.
Time Management: Managing multiple projects and prioritizing tasks are critical skills learned during the internship. Time management in a professional setting differs significantly from academic time management, and mastering this skill sets interns up for future success.
Professional Workplace Experience: Working in a professional office environment provides interns with valuable insights into workplace dynamics. Interns learn how to interact with constituents, write proposals, and develop other professional skills.
Building on Experiences: Each experience shapes individuals for the next one. Skills and knowledge gained during the internship can be applied to future academic and professional endeavors.

Applying for an Internship

To compete for a spot at one of the service academies, students must be nominated by a member of the Congressional Delegation. These service academies are designed to put young men and women through extreme challenges to prepare them to serve the country, while also helping them reach their full potential. Senator Hassan's office receives numerous applications from outstanding students, and they encourage students to also contact Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s office as well as the office of either Representative Chris Pappas or Representative Maggie Goodlander. Qualified candidates only need one nomination. If another office has selected you for a nomination, please notify our office immediately.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Washington, D.C., internships is March 15th.

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