Internships for Senator Merkley

Senator Merkley’s office offers internships in both the Washington, D.C. and Oregon offices for college students, recent college graduates, and others looking to experience firsthand how the Senate functions.  D.C. interns will be paired with legislative staff based on their interests and experience.  Interns will conduct policy research, draft correspondence, and support the Senate staff in day-to-day operations. 

To apply for an internship please submit a resume, writing sample, cover letter and three references.  The writing sample(s) should demonstrate your writing skills and political knowledge.  Internships with Senator Merkley are unpaid.  If your institution allows or requires college credit, that can be arranged.

Full and part time internships are available.  Class schedules will be taken into account for the Fall and Spring semesters.  During the school year interns are expected to work at least one full day and at least two half days.  If you are applying for the Fall or Spring semester please include what days and hours you are able to work.  For the summer we expect interns to be full time with the consideration for summer classes if applicable.  If your institution allows or requires college credit, that can be arranged.

Washington, D.C. Office

Our office is interested in interns with all majors and backgrounds.  Preference is given to applicants from Oregon.  To apply for an internship, please submit a resume, cover letter, a short essay describing what you hope to gain from this internship, a letter of recommendation and two references. 

Application deadlines are as follows:

• Spring Semester – November 20
• Summer – March 21
• Fall Semester – August 7

Applications may be submitted in any of the following ways:

Mail	Fax	Email
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley	Attn: Intern Coordinator	DC_intern@merkley.senate.gov
Attn: Intern Coordinator	(202) 228-3997
United States Senate Washington, D.C.  20510

You may reach the D.C. Intern Coordinator at (202) 224-3753 if you have any questions.

*Please note that because of the 2001 anthrax attacks all mail sent to the Senate is now irradiated.  Mail can now take from 2-6 weeks longer than usual to reach the office so please allow enough time if you plan to mail your information.  Also please do not include any DVDs, CDs, or Videos as they will be rendered useless by the irradiation process.

Oregon Office

Senator Merkley also offers internships in his Oregon offices. Interns in the Oregon offices will see how a state office functions and will focus on local outreach and constituent services.  Constituent services usually involves helping Oregonians with Federal agencies.  We will work to match work assignments that are similar to an intern’s interests and background.  Interns will also help with administrative support and day-to-day operations. 

Application may be submitted in any of the following ways:

Mail	Fax	Email
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley	Attn: Intern Coordinator	PDX_intern@merkley.senate.gov
Attn: Intern Coordinator	(503) 326-2900
121 SW Salmon St, Suite 1250 Portland, OR  97204