NORFOLK, Neb. – Northeast Community College offers a variety of opportunities for students to seek internships.
That was broadened to try to become an intern in Washington, D.C., working for U.S. Rep. Mike Flood. The Norfolk native represents the 1st Congressional District and is recruiting Nebraskans to become interns and work in his office.
Austin Stewart, a special assistant to Flood, spoke Wednesday, Jan. 30, to business and other students about applying for internships.
The good thing about getting an internship in Washington, D.C., is that it often leads to employment later, with about 95% of interns going on to get a job in a Congressional or Senate office.
So far, Flood only has received one internship application from Nebraska for the next opportunity, with it often only being from one to three, Stewart said.
Stewart, who originally is from Arlington, Va., was introduced by Northeast student James Doyle, vice president of FBLA, which helped to sponsor Stewart’s talk.
“I’m one of the few to make the cut (of not being from Nebraska),” Stewart said. “I think it helps that I know how to drive well in D.C.”
Stewart grew up only about 10 minutes from the Capitol. He said being so close gave him some familiarity with politics, and working for Flood has increased that. Wednesday was the first time he was able to travel to Norfolk, although he had heard a lot about it from Flood.
Everybody in Washington, D.C., including politicians and staffers, are friends, although the media often will portray it in a different way, he said.
The two main types of staff roles in a Congressional office are Legislative and Constituent Services. About 4,000 letters are sent out from Flood’s office in the typical month.
Flood is one of those members who tries to do as much as possible. Stewart, 25, said there have been times when he put days in with Flood from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. the next morning. Then, Flood will get up at 6 a.m. and be ready again for another long day.
“Sometimes I think he is an alien the way he wakes up and just goes,” Stewart said, drawing laughs.
Stewart, who served as an intern himself, said being an intern is mostly a “9 to 5 job,” with lots of opportunities to go out and network. Working as an intern involves a lot of walking.
When he was an intern, Stewart said he walked an average of 18,000 steps a day.
Stewart, who also answered questions from students, said it doesn’t matter what political affiliation interns are. Be eager to learn and meet people and have a strong academic record. They can be any year in college, including recent graduates.
Usually, Flood’s office offers two internships for the summer. Stewart distributed flyers for applications. Forms also are available on Flood’s website.
Internship Opportunities
James Doyle (at podium), a Northeast Community College business major and vice president of FBLA, introduces Austin Stewart, who is a special assistant to U.S. Rep. Mike Flood of Norfolk. (Northeast Community College)
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