INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

The Polish American Congress (PAC) seeks undergraduate and graduate students in good standing, currently enrolled in academic programs in the United States (US citizens or permanent residents, preferably of Polish heritage), for full and part-time internships in the Washington, DC Office. Internships are unpaid. Students may arrange to obtain credit for their work. Applications deadlines are:

• December 15 – for Spring Semester
• April 15 – for Summer Semester
• August 15 – for Fall Semester

Interns work on individual and team projects that include:

• Conducting in-depth research on specific pieces of legislation, particularly those affecting the Polish American community;
• Conducting projects relating to immigration issues;
• Attending various events such as congressional hearings, press conferences, lectures and briefings (e.g. organized by Heritage Foundation, Freedom House, coalitions on immigration policy, East Central European ethnic groups, as well as other foundations and organizations);
• Conducting research on various matters concerning Polish Americans and Poland,
• Performing various office duties, as assigned.

Typical intern program

Example issue paper

Former intern’s reflections

Two internship programs are currently being offered: A Regular Internship Program and an Extended Internship Program. For detailed description of both programs please see below.

REGULAR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

1. Semesters offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer;
2. At least a one-month commitment is required;
3. During the Fall and Spring semesters we offer flexible hours (full time, part time and everything in-between) to accommodate the student’s schedule. Of course, the more time a student can give us – the better. During the Summer semester a full time engagement is preferred;
4. Placement: The Washington D.C. Office of the Polish American Congress.

EXTENDED INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

1. Semester offered: Summer;
2. Minimum of 2 months, full time (40 hours per week) commitment required;
3. Maximum two persons accepted per year;
4. The program consists of a one-month placement in the Washington D.C. Office of the Polish American Congress and then approximately one-month (4 weeks) placement in one of the Congressional offices on Capitol Hill;
5. The Polish American Congress conducts the recruitment, initial screening of applicants, as well as will issue letters of recommendation, if applicable, after the program is completed.

General notes regarding internship in the Washington D.C. office of the Polish American Congress applicable to both programs:

1. The internship program is built upon three components: legislative, research and office. Sample activities include research on particular pieces of legislation; attending press conferences, seminars, lectures etc. (after each outside event you will be asked to write a 1-2 page report); updating databases, and participating in everyday office activities. Depending on the semester and the number of interns in the office, you may be asked to work as a team with other interns. A detailed, individualized program is prepared for each intern and discussed with him/her during our first meeting at the office.

2.  For all positions, applicants must be at least a Junior in college in the US. We are particularly interested in taking on only responsible and reliable persons – professionalism and dependability are a must. Also, our interns must possess strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and be able to work both independently and as part of a team. They must have as well a strong interest in matters / issues relating to Poland, Polonia and/or Central Europe. Language and computer skills are highly desired – proficiency in the Polish language is a plus, but is not required.

The Polish American Congress is an umbrella organization representing 3,000 Polish American organizations, ranging from national fraternal benefit societies, such as the Polish National Alliance, Polish Women’s Alliance, Polish Roman Catholic Union, Polish Falcons and others, including veteran, cultural, professional, religious and social associations, with an aggregate membership of over one million.

Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and short writing sample to:

Dr. Barbara B. Andersen
Internship Program Coordinator
Polish American Congress
1612 K Street NW, Suite 410
Washington, DC 20006

Or by email: pacwash@pac1944.org Please indicate internship in the subject line.

In applying for the Extended Internship Program please also include 2 letters of recommendation. If you have any questions you can contact Dr. Andersen at (202) 296-6955.