The 10 Steps to Getting an Internship

1.  Define your goals and objectives.  What kind of internship, where (local, DC, state), with whom, etc?

2.  Construct a well organized and concise resume and cover letter.  Career Services can help with this step.

3.  Develop a list of targets and contacts.  Targets are places and/or person for whom you would like to work .  Contacts can range from relatives and friends to representatives and officials from your own state.  Also, don't forget W&L Alumni.

4.  Send Resume and cover letter out.

5.  Follow up by calling to make sure your resume was received and arrange for a personal interview or meeting.  It is important to be persistent, so that your resume does not get lost on the bottom of the pile.

6.  Have any or all of your "connections" call on your behalf.  A good recommendation can bring your resume to the top of the pile.

7.  Before the interview, research the agency or Member.  Also, keep up to date on the current issues facing the office (national and local if possible).  See the Almanac of American Politics or Politics in America.  Read Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report or National Journal.

8.  After the interview, write "thank you notes," call, or if possible, stop by and personally thank the office for giving you the chance to interview.

9.  Continue to stop by and call. Persistence is the only way your resume will not get lost.  Do not hesitate to bring by another copy of your resume each time you visit the office.

10.  Treat your internship search like a job or a class. Do your homework, set aside a specific time to work on it, and most of all, be persistent.