Looking: Applying, Follow-Ups, and Interviews

I've been applying to an average of two jobs per day, and as I am finishing Finals and looking forward to going home for the vacation I wonder about some of the protocol when it comes time to follow-up, interview, and the content of my materials.

First- how long is too long to apply?
Even though you have a fierce loyalty to your Internship where you couldn't possibly imagine thinking about any other job, sometime after midterms would generally be a good start. Even if an organization hasn't posted anything because they share the same fondness about the Interns they have now and couldn't possibly think of taking anyone else, sending them your resume or a quick email to see if they are seeking Interns wouldn't hurt. In fact, it would put you ahead of the pack, and for the really good Internships that go fast that's key.
If you're looking now, no worries because I have experience in doing the Hail Flutie pass right before break. Once Finals are over and your head stops spinning, get your resume and cover letter together, and begin searching the organizations that could still need some help.

How long should you wait after applying to contact them?
I like waiting a few days, or calling right after I send it to make sure they received it. In reality they may keep applications open for a few weeks, so during the Interim they will just print out the information and get a pile ready for the picking. Tip- if you apply for an executive agency like I did with the Department of Justice, your resume gets posted on a job bank and stays there for months, so make sure there aren't any mistakes and be prepared to get phone calls from some organizations you didn't know you applied to.

Phone Calls and Interviews
I'm nervous about this one, and the best strategy I can suggest is practice. The Career Center has Interview Preparation that can help. In my public speaking class we learned practicing in front of a group or in a room where you can see your expressions helps tremendously. Ask the general questions you think they could ask, such as
- tell me a little about yourself (balance between telling a novel and just quipping "All you need to know is how great I'd be for the job!")
- why you would be good for the job- match the qualities or interests you have with the characteristics they are looking for, and DO YOUR RESEARCH!! Before the interview look over their website and say why you would match their goals.
- Always have something to ask when they ask if you have any more questions. Ask what is a daily routine for the staff or your job or further clarification on your responsibilities. It shows that you are genuinely interested in the job and you paid attention.

Looking for the New Internship or Job

We're in the midst of Finals, getting everything ready to go home, abroad, or get new housing for next semester...and the cherry on the cake is finding a new internship. For me it's time to enter the Real World series and find my new job because I am a (very, extremely) recent graduate of American University. Where can you turn to for information on your next job?

- Career Center Website- I check their lists of Jobs & Internships at least eight times a day now. Apply to some jobs that you may not have thought about but still may interest you, it could open new doors. And remember to check the listings from the day before because some get added much later.

- Adviser- I met with my Career Center Adviser the Spring of my Sophomore year to secure this Internship that I started in March. I knew I was going abroad but wanted to do this once I got back, so we researched the Department of Justice website until we found a list of places I could apply. In November while on my patio overlooking the Vatican in Rome (shameless plug...bellissima!) I e-mailed all the contacts and had a phone interview while I was there.

- Activities- If you worked with off-campus organizations during your time at AU contact them to see if they need any help. One of the first people I talked to was the American Cancer Society representative that helped us with Relay for Life in April (plug 2- join the AU team! Great experience!)

- Professors- Talk to them after class a few times, especially adjuncts! They will either know of hiring in their offices or other people in the city that are looking for help. Then just remember to thank them and pass the Final.

- Friends- Super important! Friends can connect you with jobs or internships they just had, and they'll know firsthand when things are opening up or their boss may ask them if they know anyone for next semester.

Leaving: Materials for Your Next Internship

There are certain materials you should take with you when you leave to prepare for future interviews and applications.

- Recommendation- REALLY Important!! Ask now or regret it later when people want two or three letters about your performance. Have your boss or Intern Coordinator write up a letter about what types of responsibilities you had, what skills you strengthened, and what kind of work ethic you possessed. Then make sure it's okay to put them down as a reference. It's better to ask instead of throwing their number around without their permission, and to let then know ahead of time so they have thought about what to say.

- Work Samples- even if it's a draft of a letter commending fifth graders from graduating, keep some work you did and either send it to yourself or save it to a flash drive. New bosses ask for samples and it would be great to have something other than a course paper to show them your skills.

Leaving: Building the Network

So there's a week or two left, and there are a few things and people I want to talk to before I leave. One attorney for example I would love chat with about his experiences with Teach for America, because I am seriously considering it. Instead of waiting until the last millisecond to discuss it, I'm going to e-mail him and ask for a good time over next week so we can have a lot of time. Although the Internship probably seems like it's going to go on for eternity, the end is almost here, and soon the countdown will hit zero, sans confetti and crazy sunglasses (dancing in the street entirely acceptable though). Make plans this week to talk to those last few people you've become close with or just want to chat with them about future options.

- Whether it's your boss or the higher-up you've only seen in passing but heard great things, ask to sit down with them for a few minutes. When they know you're leaving they should be able to fit in some time. Talk about how much you enjoyed your time there, a few key things you may have learned while there, and thank them for hiring you. Talk about your future plans, and always leave the door open if you do consider it an option for a post-graduate job, even if it's only Sophomore year.

- Grab their business cards and contact information. See if it's okay to talk to them in the future if you have any questions.

Leaving the Internship: With a Good Impression

It's that time of year again- end of semester, last week of classes, about to start Finals, and of course leaving the Internship. It's been a long, windy, spiral road, but it's been good. I hope. Here's Part 1 in a few posts about what to do in the last few weeks to leave a good impression, building your network, and to have the materials for your next internship.

Leaving the Good Impression-

Fun tip- Even though you are leaving sometimes for good, remember that a) your performance reflects on whether employers will look forward to hiring another AU student or would rather hire..well, anyone else, and b) you may very well need your boss as a future reference. So while currently you're thinking of a dozen ways to end the job with a memorable blast, hold on to the squirrels or seran wrap long enough to debate the pros and cons.

During the last few weeks make sure you keep the same professional manner you had the entire time you were there. Finish off any projects you were assigned, or if it's a work-in-progress make sure you send all the information and materials to another Intern or your boss. Many times like in my current job right after you leave they delete all the documents from your folders, so if you don't send and save what you need it'll be lost.

Also, tie up any loose ends you can think of, not only work-related but if there are people you want to stay in touch with, sit down and chat with them. Let them know when you're leaving and where you'll be going, and exchange contact information. More on building the network later! And if the pros outweigh the cons of the big blowout, I'd love to hear about it.

Moot Court

Every attorney in our office who prepares for court, whether it's in DC or around the country, must go through the rigorous process of preparing to go before the circuit court judges. The Department helps them by setting up moot courts, and have them speak in front of a group of their peers their presentation and afterwards follow with a discussion and attack them with intense constitutional questions. The attorneys all have read both sides' briefs and are prepped with background information and must find every loophole or point at issue to ask them so the attorney is ready for the judges. When I went to a moot court there were about 8 attorneys surrounding the conference table in the Solicitor General's office, along with 2 representatives from the government agency they were defending. They usually get a 15 minute period to speak their presentation, and the judges can interrupt at will when they have questions about the topic. As the attorney went on, "judges" (in this case fellow attorneys who the speaker had to call Judges) pointed out relevant questions, until about an hour later they were finished, satisfied that they were prepared.
The next day was the actual case, so I visited the DC Circuit Court and observed. The room was packed, it was a case involving the Securities & Exchange Commission, and business men were everywhere. The three judges sat and interacted differently with the proceedings, one asking most of the questions, one chiming in every few minutes, and the other contemplating but quiet. Our attorney performed wonderfully, presented our case well, and it was hard to decipher based on the questions which way the judges would go. It was an amazing experience because I was able to see an actual case that could go to the Supreme Court. I'll update you if it does!

New Interns!

The past few weeks we have welcomed two new interns into the Appellate Section, who already have learned so much and have amazing potential. When teaching the software or things you do around the office, make sure you put yourself back in your first week so you don't overwhelm them. Going over all of our responsibilities in one day wouldn't accomplish much because there's a lot of work that could get confused if it's not shown and then practiced. I like to show how to do it, then have them try it on their own and send me a copy. That way they can try it on their own right after instead of trying it a few days later when we might not be there to help if they have any questions. Bring them around the office, introduce them to people, show them the cafeteria. We just had a group lunch outing to Five Guys and it was great for the new Intern and us!

Save, Save, Save

Everything, Everything, Everything. As I am searching for a new job in January, an official one because I'm graduating in December, I realized over the weekend that I could have a whole portfolio of writing samples, articles, and examples of my work in both class and past internships. Except for one teensy issue: I either deleted them or never thought to make a copy and keep it. I'm debating going into a Communications-type field, working as a Press Assistant and learn the ropes, and on paper I have a lot of experience, but what happens when they need an example? Even something as simple as a letter written to constituents congratulating them on graduating elementary school- Keep it! Make a copy or send it to yourself and make sure you don't haphazardly delete it going through a year or two later. When I was abroad my computer crashed with all my papers from classes, so I lost all that material.
Lesson? Even if at the time you don't think it's exciting or useful, think about how you can use it later, especially papers. In my Writing for Mass Communication course we wrote an article every week, which adds up to over ten samples that I could go back to, edit and update then use for interviews. Also at the tech firm I interned in, I created packets for the press when we had conferences on new technology by one of our member companies, which illustrates creativity and examples of what you can do to an employer. So when cleaning out your desktop and folders from another semester gone by or cleaning your desk on the last day of an internship, go through your files and see what you can keep as an example of your work. It will definitely pay off when interviewers are looking for an idea of what you've done in the past.

The Sick Day Revealed

Midterm Week- Best week of the year, right? In fact, few words are needed to describe my exciement since I am recuperating from 4 hours of sleep and a 12 page paper. Beats vacation every time. Speaking of which, what happens when you do need to take a day off for studying time or just feeling sick? What's the right way and the very wrong way to go about telling your employer?
First off, if you know when midterms are and realize a few weeks beforehand that you will be bogged down, let your employer know. They will understand that you are in college and need to prepare for projects and tests. Better yet, they will probably also fondly look back at their times of all-nighters and cramming, and regale you with tales and tips that can surely help you (the best snack at 4am perhaps?). They will not, however, be in the best mood if the day before you think you can't handle it you decide to tell them, because they probably are not prepared to have someone else cover or divvy out the daily work you may do. Try and let them know well ahead of time, because it shows how responsible you are. Never feel afraid to ask for that time off either, because you deserve it.
Sick days are different, of course, because waking up feeling horrible is unexpected and unwanted, but going into work would just make it worse. Sleep! Stay inside, get that heavy warm blanket, and watch soaps all day. But make sure you make the courtesy call or e-mail to your boss explaining that you are sick, so they do not get worried about you. Not calling in leaves them wondering if you take the job seriously, which you most certainly do. A simple e-mail will go a long way in showing your respect and consideration for the organization.

Advancing During the Job

Ever tried saying, "If you ever need anything, just let me know." or "I am really interested in your work, is there any project I can help you with?"

Besides the regular tasks you have to do at work, wouldn't it be great to have that extra research project or substantive task that makes the entire Internship worthwhile? These can't just be handed to you, because since you're there for a short time they won't know what you can handle or what interests you until you say something. The best way to search for one is to ask your boss. While I was interning at a technology firm, I started discussing with my boss writing articles, and then she e-mailed me with a few press releases she was going to publish on the website and asked me to edit them and get ready to write a few. I was so excited! Also, when they found out I was interested in government, they immediately handed me the project of updating their government contacts, keeping me entertained with research and contacting offices for weeks.

In order to get the most out of it, ask at lunch or walking to the metro what fellow employees are working on, and leave th hint that they can't miss that you would love to do anything related to it that could build your resume and be fun for you. This could bring new projects to your desk and soon make you an integral part of the office where people can come to you with many different tasks so that you won't have to be pigeon-holed into one specific area.

Having the Cake Too

Is there an Internship or two you are thinking about that you really want to do but keep putting it off? I was always interested in the news, and the idea of interning on CNN or NBC was fascinating to me, jumping of course from coffee runner to producer in all of five months clearly the way it would be. However, I realize that this is my last semester as an undergraduate, and I really have no more chances to take some of those internships that I was interested in, and in fact when I looked into taking an internship in January after graduation, they usually don't call it an "internship" and the application process is much harder.
So what did I learn? I loved every Internship I've experienced, but I've also learned that early on in your college career a good idea would be a list of interests and places you might want to work, because there is never enough time. Rank what you want for the goals you're setting after college, and also what you might absolutely love to do that may not match up with your major but it's a hobby that could possibly be a fallback later in life. Midlife crises aren't a joke, people (eh, who am I kidding).
Also, there's always the Hail Mary shot after Graduation if you want to go for it as your first job out of college. Start comparing what they are looking for and what skills or experiences you have had that could be integrated into their company, and go for it. Why not? You have an equal shot as everyone else if you are confident and passionate about what you want to do. Grab a big piece of cake, and enjoy it too!

Behind the Scenes All Access Pass

Also known as your ID Badge, entrance code, or key- the way to get to all the underground and hidden places not open to the public. I have a photo ID for the DOJ, and there are metal detectors at every entrance that only allow people with IDs to pass, so basically everything in there is considered hidden. But that means that I must find every painting, historical fact, and museum in this building Lara Croft-style before I leave in December! So far I've discovered the marvelous Great Hall, an enormous room where they do public speeches and congratulations throughout the year. Also, on the top floor is the Main Conference Room, with flags lined up on each side of the blue carpet as reporters are escorted in to the room with cameras and microphones set up around the room. On the 5th floor I walked down a side staircase and opened the doors to a magnificent golden corner, with a large mural along one side heading into the library. Flying figures hold the olive branch and traditional justice symbols (I know, lame I know this stuff, but exciting for me), and the fight for justice through history unfolds as you walk to the library. In the main lobby of the library there's a dedication to Robert Kennedy, who served as Attorney General. I still think I haven't seen a lot, but it's very exciting to walk around different halls to see what surprises are behind them.
This is especially true on the Hill, where you can find lots of underground cool places. Take the subway from the Senate to the Capitol- how cool is that? Your own transportation to and from the main area of voting, and you can avoid the cold or the heat and still get the job done! Then on the other side if you bring a tour group from the House side you walk by paintings done by artists from every state. And of course, there's the Rayburn Cafeteria, which definitely always seemed to change places, leading me to think I stepped into Hogwarts and the forefathers enjoyed playing tricks on people. I feel I could go the same way every time and still end up in a random corner with a Representative's office that everyone forgot. Leaving breadcrumbs still wouldn't help, and a map would be strikingly outdated or just wrong.
Leaving your desk to go with co-workers to enjoy things like this enhances your experience, because you'll definitely enjoy the random statues in the basement between Canon and Rayburn, or the mazelike hallways to get to the flag pickup office. Take advantage of that pass, get lost and enjoy!

The Balance Beam- The Perfect Dismount

How can you balance an internship with a full credit load, and maybe even a part-time job? There is a very teetering balance between what takes priority, and it's sometimes hard to know the limit before you experiment and try it out.
My first internship I thought I needed to have as many hours as possible to get hired, and so since I had a few night classes I ended up working close to 25 hours a week, which is a lot especially the first time out in the field. Exhausted after a long day of work, I also did not factor in any time between work and class to eat or change- something you should definitely take into consideration. Doing a Chemistry lab in heels and a pantsuit is a memorable point of that year, for good or bad still TBD. When you work out hours with a possible employer, try and make a schedule beforehand and estimate the time it takes you to get from work to class, and give yourself enough time to relax and enjoy a meal- you deserve it!
Also trying to accomplish all my projects and homework was a challenge. I never felt comfortable doing it at work most of the time, so I had to make sure it was done the night before, even if I didn't have class that day til 5:30 or even 8:10. Definitely time this out well or risk unnecessary all-nighters.
If you can do homework at work, never leave too much to do during that time, because you never know what might need to be done. I had a paper due last week after work, and barely was able to finish it in time because we had to make a court run near the end of the day. Being able to do both is great, just make sure to estimate how much time you think you'll need.
Hopefully these tips and experiences help so you can make that perfect performance, both at work and class!

Mail Time

The thing I've definitely learned throughout all my Internships is to never think any task is too menial for you. I have been neck deep in a pile of unopened mail, calling every member of Congress looking for contact information, and looking at a scanner most of the day and even though you may not see these things as necessary for the office to run, they do help with the flow of communication and it shows your employer that you can be ready for the bigger stuff.

You can't be a Chief of Staff first day in. Then where would all the fun parts go? A lot of responsibility starts to spring up as you gain more experience and move up in the ranks, so you don't have as much time to make connections or enjoy free time that comes with being the classic intern ready to do everyone's bidding. Some of the best networking, socializing, and lessons can be had when at the bottom, running around with your friends who work in the same building, reconnecting with people that have similar interests, and happy hour hopping to see if you can spot the people that have gotten to the top. Also, you can gain a lot of knowledge from the professionals who just started out- a great staff has people that love to give you advice on things to know for the future and send you invites to the top events in the city. I have gotten lots of hints and funny stories about their LSAT experiences from the attorneys at my office, and I know that after I find out my score they will be able to guide me when I decide where to go for law school.

So even though filing or opening mail doesn't seem to be a factor that could break down your entire organization, just remember that what you're learning while doing it or during your experience is more important tenfold- and remember when you're at the top to give props to the Interns in your office!

Casual Fridays

TGIF! Fridays are great at work- not only because it's little slower than usual, everyone's talking about weekend plans, and the idea of sleeping late is so close you can already hear the afternoon traffic waking you up instead of the annoying clock, it's also dress-down day! Our office during the week is usually business casual, nothing too fancy, and on Fridays jeans and an appropriate top is acceptable. I definitely err on the side of caution and leave the sneakers and t-shirts behind. Although I wish we could throw in a pj day like in high school (or those dreaded 8:30s), there is always a positive for wearing appropriate clothing at work.

1. Don't stand out too much- Make sure the first few days or weeks to check out what everyone's wearing. There is a big difference between business casual like in my office where a khakis and a nice top is okay and a Hill Internship where a skirtsuit would probably be considered the right stuff.
2. Never wear anything too short or revealing-Reputation is major in the DC area and most likely anywhere else you're looking, so be careful.
3. Definitely ask about Fridays- One Internship my first Friday I came in a pantsuit and everyone else came in with jeans. Embarrassing.

Can't wait til next Friday!

Office Adventures

Over the summer we had between seven and ten law students intern with our Section, and along with the attorneys we went to a lot of fun events and places around DC that I would highly recommend, especially to socialize and getting to know your co-workers better.

- Nats games- This was great, because the new stadium is amazing! Set right on the river as a backdrop on one side and the US Capitol on the other, everywhere you sit has new sights. My favorite part is the new HD megascreen- even if you weren't there the quality could put you right in the middle of the action. There also is a variety of seats you can purchase, the cheapest ones only $5, and although they are high you could still see everything. Tip- During the week show your government ID and get a few dollars off too, hit the $10 ones! And what makes an office outing even better than Ben's Chili fries? That's right, couldn't think of anything either. While cheering, or more like pleading, for the Nats, we were able to joke and chat, meet new attorneys next to us, and learn where the law interns came from and how they liked DC.

- Happy Hours- Definitely a must, even if you have somewhere to be a little later. Chef Geoff's near us has specials, and there are lots of website people go to to check out what places around them have fun things going on. This is also great because you don't have to schedule it too far in advance or have a huge group attend, just send out an office e-mail to see if anyone's free and interested.

- Trivia Night- Yes, I work with lawyers, so clearly we came in as the frontrunners with this one :) Fado's in Chinatown has one every Monday night, with questions ranging from what movie did Britney get her debut to when was the first flight to Mars. We unfortunately just missed the top three, but it was still a lot of fun clustering around tables trying to beat everyone.

- Softball Games- Our team played on the National Mall against other Sections in the Department, and even though we lost there were a few close ones that would probably put us right above the Nats' standings.

- Fogo de Chao- As a last hurrah for the interns, we went out to this wonderful Brazilian steakhouse where the food just keeps on coming. Though expensive, you can eat as much salted meat as you want, and try all different types- I had filet mignon wrapped in bacon, garlic chicken and steak, everything you can imagine. Afterwards be prepared not to eat for awhile!

Definitely take advantage of the city's events and restaurants, because you can really bond with the people you work with and start lasting connections. And you can even find things you've never thought of trying before- I went with my roommate to a few Nats games afterwards and this past weekend we watched an opera that was simulcasted from the Kennedy Center to the stadium- I knew I loved that screen!

Ready for Your Close-Up?

Yes, interviews, the face-to-face time that probably concludes the days or weeks of informal e-mailing or phone calls with the possible boss. My interview here was actually after months, but hopefully that is a rarity (unless you're going for sensitive clearance, then get ready for a very, very long process with a minimum of maybe 6 months). After interviewing for the other positions, I learned a lot coming into the Justice Department, but every one is unique.

1) Dress! Obvious one, I went for nice pants and a blouse. Don't go to either extreme- full tux or jeans and sneakers leave at the door.

2) Prompt- I came about 15 minutes early, but in actuality I had to wait in front of the security gates while they called my boss, so it was right on time.

3) Comfort-While I was waiting the secretary asked me if I needed anything, and I went for water, which according to my Internship Professor was a good choice. A flat-out refusal is a little standoffish and off on the wrong foot.

4) Even if you've discussed some questions and answers already prior to the interview, this is the best chance to reiterate. Instead of saying things like "Well, like I said before" as if the interviewer had forgotten, I said things such as "My past experiences had taught me ...", etc.

5) I asked a few questions while we were walking visiting where I would work- I hope it showed I was definitely interested and wanted to learn more.


This week was a lot of fun- we started putting together a monthly report of all the cases that came through for our office. This is much more substantive since we have to discuss the case and what it means for appealing. And I found out in one of my classes all the cases we're going to be working on this semester are all cases attorneys in my office worked on, so I will definitely be asking them about their experiences!

How I searched for Internships

How I searched for and applied to all of my internships does not have a single, easy process. In fact, I went through many different contacts, avenues, and websites to find them and then apply. Here's a quick list for each of them, and you can comment to and say how you got yours too!

Congressman's Office- December my Freshman I decided to look around for an internship in the spring, and I immediately went to the website of my NJ Congressman. After learning a little about this biography and what committees and focuses he works with, I wrote up a cover letter that described my classes and wish to work on the Hill. Even though I didn't have any work experience yet, there were still political classes I had taken and speakers that I listened to that could contribute to my resume. I found the e-mail of the staffer, and sent them everything. Within twelve hours she got back to me and we had a weekly schedule set up for January.

Lesson: Don't let having no experience stop you from applying- employers know the Catch-22 that even though they want experience, you have to start somewhere, and everything you do could count as experience.

Tech firm- I checked the Career Center's website every day for a month and a half over the summer, constantly updating my resume and applying to places.

Lesson: I definitely waited too long for finding a summer job, something you should probably start looking for in March, I started in May after classes ended.

Summer law firm- The next year I learned from the above, and started looking for jobs at home a lot earlier. I went online and Googled lawyers in my area, then e-mailed my resume and cover letter to everyone that had their contact information online.

Lesson: You can find lots of companies just by searching online without subscribing to monster.com. Also, even though your home isn't in DC, definitely talk with your Career Center advisor because they may have AU alumni or can lend a hand searching.

DOJ- I applied while I was studying abroad in Rome in the Fall, and had found a listing online of the sections and their Intern contacts. After a few got back to me, my employer scheduled a phone interview in November with plans to start in January.

Lesson: You don't have to wait if you're abroad to send some interest e-mails out. They will understand the limits to communication and your start date.

Internship Overview

Hello! Welcome to my blog, where I muse about the daily things that go on at my internship, as well as tips and ideas I can share for when you begin your internship. First, I guess I'll start with just a little of my background- I am a Senior at AU majoring in Communications, Law, Economics, and Government. I will be looking forward to graduating in December, and then have to listen to my own tips and advice as I search for a new job. Since Freshman year I have interned somewhere within this great city, because there is always someone looking to hire, especially when so many are willing to work for nothing- economics and supply & demand at its best, right? I loved and learned a lot from each of my internships, and for me it was interesting to apply what I learned in class at work, and certainly vice-versa.
I began interning for my Congressman from the state of New Jersey, where I answered phones, led tours, and was able to attend hearings and have the behind-stage pass to explore the places on the Hill I've always dreamed about. For political enthusiasts, this is akin to having not only front row passes to Bon Jovi, but being picked out of the crowd and taken backstage to have a chat with the band. Amazing.
Next I worked for a technology firm in their Communications Department, where I put together press packets and materials for upcoming press conferences and kept the firm up-to-date on all the news about our member companies.
I worked for a Presidential campaign, and over the summer last year I worked for a local law firm at home, cataloging clients' information and open new cases, similar to what I do now.

Now, I work at the Department of Justice, where I do case management work, such as

• Creating a list of and searching the Opinions from the thirteen appellate courts from around the country and see if our attorneys worked on the case, determine whether or not we won, and forward the papers and information on to them
• Set up new cases in our system database
• Communicate to the Division our wins/ losses
• Cite check opinions from the attorneys

I enjoy it because it directly relates to what I am interested in when I graduate. Last night in fact during my law class we discussed exactly what I do every day, discussing how many federal courts there are, how cases can be sent to the circuit courts, etc. The attorneys and staff are wonderful people, we socialize and try and get together around once a month for events, and over the summer we had softball games and even a trivia night.

Now, enough about me- what about what you're looking for? It's still the very beginning of the semester, and you are looking online or thinking about what you want to do. My advice first is definitely keep your options broad and open, even if you absolutely, 100% know you want to work somewhere. Don't pigeonhole yourself into one area! For example, if you're into politics, remember there are hundreds of agencies, organizations, Congressmen, and other places you can look. I started on the government side first, then I wanted to see the other side of things, where I saw the private firms and how they worked. Also, internships for me now are also about discovering what I like and don't like about what it entails. Even though you're not getting paid, you still are a high commodity in the area and can search and look until you find one that you thinks suit you. Like my Internship professor said, there's a reason to take an internship people don't normally think of, and that is to see what you don't like. This is the time to figure out what things annoy you or you want to do everyday on a weekly basis at work. Do you want to sit and answer phones all day? How about never picking up one? Enjoy talking to people your age, or are you comfortable being the only intern there? Every internship gives you more perspective about what you want to do, and, such as substitute coffee-maker or errand runner, what you want to avoid and ask about at your next interview.