Congressional Works and Policy Studies (CWPS) Internship program for undergrad and grad students
Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) Congressional Works and Policy Studies Internship program offers internships to energetic and self-motivated undergraduate students looking to increase their experience in public policy, service and leadership. The Indo-American Internship program provides Indian American students with opportunities to gain practical experience on the federal legislative process, policy studies, work process of offices of legislators, and think tanks.
The internship program is designed to provide opportunities to develop their leadership and professional skills, encourage political engagement, and foster interest in public service careers. The Internship is a nonpartisan program devoted to promoting and encouraging diversity and inclusion on Capitol Hill and policy studies.
Goal
The FIIDS Internship Program aims to provide Indo-American students experience and knowledge of working on legislative and policy matters, functioning at Capitol Hill, and inspire them to pursue career in policy making, public service or political leadership.
Work Opportunities
- Full-time work in a federal agency, or congressional office or think tank or FIIDS office.
- Broaden your knowledge of the function, processes, laws and policies.
- Meet with elected officials, advocacy groups, think tanks experts, and public interest organizations, and Indo-American professionals in Washington, D.C..
- Get to know your fellow interns and extend your network.
Learning Opportunities
- Study upcoming policies and international issues in general and specific to US-India relations, South Asia and India Pacific regions
- How work is done in elected officials’ offices
- How federal policy is made and implemented.
- How the business of governing is done through the office of a Representative, Senator, or federal agency.
- Study upcoming policies and international issues
Washington D.C. Internship
Perform general office duties and have an opportunity for involvement in one or more of the following:
- Attend committee hearings and prepare reports for Congressional record
- Research policy and legislation
- Draft correspondence, blogs, articles, and summaries
- Attend the office at meetings and briefings
- Answer constituent mail and assist with correspondence
(Local) District Office Internship
Perform general office duties and have an opportunity for involvement in one or more of the following:
- Perform casework for constituents
- Record constituent sentiment on policy issues
- Answer constituent mail
FIIDS D.C. Internship
- Attend think tank events, committee hearings and prepare reports
- Attend think tanks events and panels
- Research policy and upcoming legislation
- Draft summaries, blogs, articles, and newsletters
- Coordinate advocacy meeting with elected officials
- Coordinate meetings with community and advocacy organizations
Remote internship:
- Remotely attend think tank events, committee hearings and prepare reports
- Research policy and upcoming legislation
- Draft summaries, blogs, articles, and newsletters
- Coordinate and attend meeting with elected officials
- Coordinate meetings with community and advocacy organizations
- Create campaign and marketing material
For DC Where You’ll Live
- The Washington, D.C. metro area, within commuting distance of Capitol Hill.
- living arrangements: make your own arrangements (typically interns find shared places)
- Access to the metro, stores, and restaurants.
How is the COVID 19 pandemic impacting congressional internships?
Due to the evolving situation of Covid, the internship may or may not be in person. We will monitor the situation and consider if and how the pandemic may impact summer internship and recommend in person or online/remote internship. So far during the pandemic, each congressional office has determined its own internship policies with regard to COVID-19. Last summer, the response varied considerably between offices, with some canceling internships, and others moving to a fully-remote experience. We expect a similar situation next summer, depending on the pandemic’s status at that time.
Who should apply?
- Are you an Indo-American who is interested in the US-India relations, India related matters and Indian diaspora and would like to study policies, policy making, political science, law etc?
- Have you demonstrated your commitment through involvement in Indo-American organizations or communities?
- Would you like to learn an insider’s view of US policy towards India?
- Are you interested in networking with experts and other like-minded interns?
Consider the FIIDS Internship
Interns are selected on the basis of:
- Commitment to a career related to public policy, international relations, political science, or Indo-American communities;
- Leadership, public service, integrity, and community interests;
- Academic achievement;
Application requirement
Required Documents include:
- Resume,
- Cover letter,
- Statement of purpose,
- Recommendation letter (one from academic and one from Indo-American organization/community leader)
- And proof of US citizenship/permanent residency
To Apply: Fill out the following form
For any questions reach out to khanderao@fiids-usa.org or info@fiids-usa.org