Internship in the United States Congress

ATAA & TUSIAD Start Accepting Applications for Fourth Annual ATAA - TUSIAD Internship Program (ATSIP).

ATAA (Assembly of Turkish American Associations) and TUSIAD (Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association) are starting the fourth 8-week internship program for students and recent college graduates to work at the offices of U.S. Congress members and the offices of ATAA in Washington DC during June and July of 2006. In addition, there will be guidance for internship opportunities at Washington DC think tanks such as the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, as well as Washington area financial institutions.   There will be four kinds of internships for which applicants will be considered:  Internships at Congressional offices sponsored by ATAA.  Internships at Congressional offices sponsored by TUSIAD.  Internships at ATAA offices.  Internships at Washington area think tanks and financial institutions.  ATAA and TUSIAD will do their best to secure as many internships as possible on the Hill. However, the exact number of available internships will only be determined by early spring. The interested applicants are also highly encouraged to contact the offices of their representatives in Congress in order to secure an internship position. This internship program aims to provide an opportunity for Turkish-American students to live and work in Washington DC, and become exposed to U.S. government bodies and policy-making processes. ATAA and TUSIAD, through this program, intend to contribute to the preparation of future Turkish-American political leaders, and enhance the participation of the Turkish-American community in the U.S. legislative mechanisms. ATSIP will provide opportunities for prospective interns to meet with House and Senate members and engage in dialogue on matters important to Turkish-American relations. The interns will also be expected to attend an orientation program at the beginning of their internship program, and convene on a weekly basis, and exchange ideas and experiences during their stay in Washington D.C. There will additionally be a closing conference open to public and the media, where the interns will be expected to present a short report on their internship experience, an issue relating to Turkish-American relations, or social and cultural issues of Turkish-Americans in the United States. Often successful interns receive job offers from their respective offices, and create future  opportunities for themselves. During this eight-week period, the ATSIP participants will have the opportunity to attend social and cultural activities, such as sightseeing tours covering Washington D.C. monuments and museums, as well as open-air music and dance performances.  Intern responsibilities in a congressional office include monitoring congressional hearings, data entry, answering constituent mail, researching legislative issues, and general office duties (e.g. answering telephones, greeting visitors). The preliminary requirements for applications are:  1. Being an American citizen of Turkish decent,  2. Relevant educational background, and maturity,  3. Excellent communication and writing skills,  4. Past interest and experience in community and public service.   TUSIAD Internships:  TUSIAD will solely sponsor up to five internships secured at Congressional offices for the months of June and July 2006. TUSIAD-sponsored internships will entail a monthly stipend between $250 and $750, based on the needs of the intern, for a period of two months. No other costs will be covered by TUSIAD.   ATAA Internships:  Internships at ATAA offices will entail a regular eight-hour work a day. There is no salary involved; however, both for ATAA office internships and ATAA-sponsored Congressional internships, ATAA will provide round trip airfare. No other costs will be covered by ATAA.   Other Internships at DC Think Tanks and Financial Institutions:  Such internships will entail eight-hour work days. No financial aid will be provided. Interns will be responsible for room and boarding expenses, and other expenses incurred as a result of their stay in Washington, DC.

How to Apply: Applicants are required to submit their most recent CV’s together with a one-page cover letter explaining their interest in these fields as well as their expectations from the program. The cover letter or CV should also include the names and contact information of at least 2 references, and information about the applicant’s citizenship status. Applications should be mailed to: ATAA ATSIP Applications 1526 18th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20036. Deadline for applications is Friday, February 17, 2006. The placement of interns at various offices will be decided by the A TSIP Committee. Applicants will be informed of the details of their specific appointments by April of 2006.

For further information, you may contact: Allison Block Director of Programs and Publications, ATAA Phone: (202) 483-9090 Fax: (202) 483-9092 e-mail: allison@ataa.org