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Veterans Congressional Internship Program. History of the Program. Founded by Rear Admiral [Ret.] James J. Carey [Navy] Saw the need for opportunities to allow veterans to bridge the professional gap from military service to civilian career Best option to accomplish this goal:
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History of the Program • Founded by Rear Admiral [Ret.] James J. Carey [Navy] • Saw the need for opportunities to allow veterans to bridge the professional gap from military service to civilian career • Best option to accomplish this goal: • Create a program specifically designed for veterans • Use already existing Washington Scholars Fellowship Program (WSFP) Model • www.washingtonscholars.org
The WSFP Model • Program Modeled off WSFP • Gain professional experience • Get to know inside Washington • Create network of professional contacts • Gain potential college credit • Obtain the credentials necessary for lifetime career
Unique Aspects of Veterans Program • Only open to military veterans • Only places veterans in congressional aid roles • Bridges the “gap” between academic, military, and professional experience • Lays the groundwork for a lifetime career as a Congressional Staff Member
Why Congress • 60 year steady decline in number of members of congress who are military vets • Almost all full-time congressional assistants need previous “on the hill” experience to get hired • Chance to become directly involved in the formation of national public policy well before age 30
Time Frame of Fellowships [Each Fellowship is 10 weeks with flexible start date] • Summer • Start: late May/ early June • End: mid-late August • Fall • Start: September • End: December • Winter/ Spring • Start: January/ February • End: March/ April
Perks and Advantages of Program • 10 week paid internship • Housing Scholarship • Weekly Stipend Scholarship • Access to a Unique and Powerful Network • Alumni of the WSFP • Excellent networking and professional contact tool • Professional “on the hill” experience • Great hiring advantage on your resume • Congressional Staff experience is a prerequisite for most Congressional Staff jobs
How and When to Apply • Go to www.washingtonscholars.org • Click on “Veterans Congressional Internship Program”
How and When to Apply • Follow instructions on the application page • Be sure to denote that you are applying for the “Veterans Internship Program” • Also indicate Fall, Winter/Spring, or Summer APPLY NOW!!!
Examples of Success • Bo Posch • Fall 2008 Fellowship as Military Assistant Fellow on staff of Senator Ensign of Nevada • Hired Jan. 2009 as Military Legislative Assistant to Senator Kit Bond of Missouri • In his own words: • 95% of finding a job on the Hill is "having a job on the Hill“ • Combat experience and proficiency in the active military component was an asset that many Military Legislative Assistants DO NOT have, and was a strong plus in the Congressional hiring process
Questions • Questions concerning application process or program logistics • Ken Abbott • kabbott824@gmail.com • 410-340-1648 • Questions concerning experience in the program • Bo Prosch • bo.prosch@gmail.com