Internships

A select number of internship opportunities are available in my Belleville, Carbondale, Chicago, Rock Island, Springfield and Washington, D.C. Offices for qualified students. Internships are available during the summer, fall and spring semesters. This program is designed to enhance your participation in public service for the people of Illinois.
 
Washington, D.C. interns will have the chance to observe the day-to-day operations of the United States Senate. Interns will be exposed to a fast paced and ever-changing environment. Duties include, but are not limited to, answering constituent phone calls, processing constituent correspondence, welcoming guests to the office, assisting with tours, attending hearings, conducting research and drafting memorandums. 
 
Illinois interns will gain first-hand familiarity with how elected officials help constituents navigate issues with federal agencies. Interns will experience how legislative activities impact the lives of constituents in their communities. Duties in state offices include, but are not limited to, fielding calls from constituents, researching and responding to constituent correspondence, attending briefings, drafting letters and working on other staff projects. 
 

Session

Session Dates

Application Deadline
Spring 2025 January 13 - May 16, 2025 September 27, 2024
Summer 2025 June 2 - August 15, 2025 February 28, 2025
Fall 2025 September 8 - December 12, 2025 June 20, 2025

**Please note that if you are an organization hoping to place an intern with the Office of Senator Duckworth, you must complete an intake formThis link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab. 2-6 weeks prior to a session’s application deadline, and candidates should be encouraged to complete the Office’s Internship Application. Questions can be directed to internships@duckworth.senate.govThis link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.. 

Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth Internship Scholarship Program

The Office of U.S. Senator Duckworth created a scholarship program to provide access to our internship programs to applicants who cannot afford to work without pay or who cannot otherwise afford the living expenses in the city where the internship is located. The Scholarship Program is available in the following Office locations: Belleville, Carbondale, Chicago, Rock Island, Springfield and Washington, D.C.

Scholarships are reserved for interns who can work full time (at least 32 hours), and they pay an annual salary rate that is approximately equivalent to $17.95 per hour. The number of hours worked per week impacts the annual salary rate. Applicants receiving funding through a third-party program such as a university or nonprofit are not eligible for the scholarship program.

The Office can only provide a limited number of scholarships for individuals with demonstrated financial need. To be considered, please fill out the required information that follows the general internship application. Acceptance to the internship program is not a guarantee of funding. All internship applications will be evaluated independently from certification of financial need.

If you have any questions, please email internships@duckworth.senate.govThis link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab..

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to be a college student to qualify?
    • While most interns are college students or recent graduates, anyone who is over 18 is eligible to apply.
  • Do I have to be from Illinois to apply?
    • Applicants from anywhere can apply; however, preference is given to candidates with Illinois ties.
  • What if I am not available to start on the first day of the session?
    • Session dates are flexible within the range of dates listed. Interns cannot start before the first date of a session. The option to extend an internship beyond the end date of a session may be available to select interns.
  • What are the typical working hours for an intern, and is there any flexibility in the schedule?
    • Part-time and full-time internships are available. Part-time interns must be available to work a minimum of 16 hours per week. All work is conducted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time Monday through Friday. To be considered full -time, interns must work between 32 and 40 hours per week. Interns will establish specific schedules with their intern coordinators.
  • Are remote or hybrid internships available?
    • Remote and hybrid internships are available for Illinois interns. DC interns are required to work in the office except under special circumstances.
  • Can interns receive academic credit for their internship, and if so, what is the process?
    • Interns must work with their academic institutions to determine if they are eligible to receive academic credit for their internship.
  • When can applicants expect to hear from the office after they apply?
    • Applicants can expect responses within four to five weeks of application deadlines.
  • Can international students apply?
    • International students can apply. However, to receive a scholarship, applicants must be eligible to receive pay from the federal government.

 

 
Internship ApplicationThis link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.