DC Interning 101 – how to be successful in DC

It’s that time of the year… hordes of summer interns again descend on Washington, D.C., leaving many of us rolling our eyes. But to make you the best intern in your office, we’ve made some simple rules to follow. We hope they’ll help you have a successful and fun internship.

So allow us at ClotureClub.com put you under our wings.

Rule #1 – The Badge

Please, for the love of god, hide your badge. you don’t need to be advertising. It does not contain magical powers. You will be noticed trying to cut the line at a bakery, or attempting to use it as a metro card. You WILL be laughed at, and/or land a clutch spot on the DC Intern Blog. Wear it when you need to, mainly when you enter in the morning, or are on a tour. Not 7:00pm at Hawk and Dove.

Nobody cares.

Rule #2 – Learn your surroundings

Yes, Capitol Hill is spectacular, but take a few moments to learn it. PopVox wrote a great article about the naming system of rooms and numbers for house and senate. Hint: there are 4 House buildings (unlikely you’ll ever go to Ford), and 3 Senate buildings.

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Rule #3 -Don’t lie if you don’t know.

Don’t pretend to know every nuance of an issue, or that you know the Member’s position. Don’t tell people at the bar that you “handle” this or that issue. The only issues interns handle are tours and flags, that is, if the staff assistant is smart enough to delegate that task to you. You are an intern — an easily replaced, temporary cog in the big government machine. Sure, staffers and Members are easily replaced too, but you are not one of them, yet. This isn’t to say you aren’t a big help or important to the office — odds are, you are. If interns were more trouble than they were worth, there would be no interns. You do contribute — but be honest about how you contribute.

Warning, when giving a tour, know your material. The Red coats, official visitor tour guides, will call you out!

Rule #4 – This isn’t a night club

Many times interns have been sent home because of what they’re wearing. Dressing like you’re going to the club when you come to work is a no no. Dress professionally. Tell mom to send you money, and visit one of the many clothing stores at Union Station.

Rule #5 – Keep it to yourself.

Don’t blog/facebook/gchat/tweet about it. Write down all your funny stories for a tell all book some day. More often than not, publicly divulging the details of your time here will end your career, not make it.

Rule #6 -The Name Game

Remember names. In the future, you never know how far remembering the name of somebody you  met and made a positive impression with will get you.

Rule #7 – Be a Yes Man (or Woman)

Don’t say no to seemingly mundane tasks. Staff does them all the time when you’re not around. Think having a bachelor’s in international affairs qualifies you to lick envelopes? No, having a tongue does. Hours of prep time to write a letter isn’t worth it at all if it doesn’t get in the mail. So help the office be productive.

Rule #8 – You’re not running for office.

There are enough politicians in this town. Your role, just like that of the staff, is to get the behind the scenes business of governing done – this means helping whomever you answer to get their jobs done easier, faster, and smarter.

Rule #9 – Have fun — but not too much fun.

Often times interns are enjoying their experience. But let’s not forget this is Washington DC, and a professional environment. There are many events, or receptions to attend. Attend a few, meet friends and network. By all means!  Don’t be the intern who shows up late to work hung over every day. You will be spotted — and a reference from a member of congress is key! Don’t blow it trying to show Jenny you can out drink the Legislative Director. Let’s face it — you can’t.

Rule #10 – Wrap it up

Yeah, we said it. DC was known as the murder capital of the world, now it’s the STD of the world. Nasty! Don’t give the gift that keeps on giving. Maybe attend Sen. Coburn‘s STD lecture?

So if you follow these basic guidelines, you’ll have a great and rewarding experience as an intern!

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