CONGRESSIONAL MANAGEMENT FOUNDATION
Allison Zelman

Currently a senior majoring in international relations at Connecticut College in New London, Allison Zelman spent her junior year in Chile at the School of International Training in Culture, Development, and Social Justice in Valparaiso where she studied from late February until June of 2006. In the past, Allison worked in Perugia, Italy at the Fair Trade Organization; in New Zealand at an adventure park (where she led kayaking, mounting climbing, and white-water rafting); and in Monteverde, Costa Rica at Cloud Forest School (where, as an intern, she was a teaching assistant for a bilingual second grade and worked as a soccer coach). Last summer Allison was an intern at CNN Medical News in New York, and she worked for Deep-Dish TV in Manhattan researching and writing political news and documentaries. In addition, Allison worked in New London at Four Acts Film Company and in Lakeville, Connecticut at HMS Productions. She made contributions by working at the League of Conservative Voters, Strauss/Baker Democratic Financing Committee, and TriArts at the Sharon Playhouse. A student representative for the Planning and Budget Committee at Connecticut College, Allison also belonged to Connecticut College Democrats, Students Take Action Now for Darfur (in the Sudan), and Amnesty International. She served as head prefect at the Berkshire School and was a wilderness leader in New Hampshire at the Brook School in the White Mountains. Allison applied to the Washington Internship Program in mid February, and within a month and-a-half WIP placed her at Refugees International – one of the internships Allison requested – in the communications department. Prior to this offer, the Embassy of Chile accepted Allison, but she wasn’t ready to leave South America in time to start this placement by the date the embassy requested. Equality Maryland also wanted Allison, but this internship didn’t feel just right at a time when Allison began thinking in terms of a government-related job that would also solve a problem related to the number of weeks she would be available. Allison was delighted with the forth internship WIP arranged for her: at the Congressional Management Foundation on Capital Hill where she was accepted on the last day of May and then worked from June through August. Allison’s comprehensive account of her experience is presented in its entirety:   
     
            “Politics became an interest of mine that could someday be my career. I decided that Washington, D.C. would be a great place to gain experience in government and make connections. I imagined being a congresswoman or senator one day or working for a lobbying firm. I spent a stipend from my college on the Washington Internship Program because I was going to be in Chile throughout most of the application process, and WIP would be extremely helpful in placing me and helping with housing. The Washington Internship Program also offers classes and an international group of people whom I could easily get to know. Without WIP, applying for placements and going through interviews while in Chile would be extremely difficult. The Washington Internship Program was essential in placing me with the Congressional Management Foundation, which is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting a more effective Congress. It consults House and Senate offices through publications, events, and ideas for better management.”
 
            “I vividly remember arriving to work on the first day and feeling lost in such a big, powerful city, yet everyone in my office could not have been warmer. They welcomed me onto Capitol Hill, and before long I felt like a normal employee. My boss was incredible. She had graduated college not too long ago and completely understood my situation. She encouraged me to explore D.C. and insisted that I take off time to attend Congressional hearings, speakers, and other internship events. In my little desk cubicle, which was located directly next to hers, we quickly developed a wonderful work relationship.”

            “This office accepts only two interns, which allowed for plenty of work to keep us busy. The other intern was an economics major from Wheaton College in Illinois. Between her finance skills and my passion for politics, we collaborated brilliantly. The other intern started four weeks before I did, so she showed me how to fulfill the normal intern duties: getting mail, answering phones, sorting newspapers, and creating reports of staff meetings. She also taught me to network in a city where such skills are essential. Every Monday morning we had office meetings. All eight people would sit around the conference table and review priorities, specific tasks that needed completing, and national news that would affect our organization.”
 
            “The Congressional Management Foundation gives out Golden Mouse Awards every year for the best websites among senators and congressmen. I created spreadsheets of different criteria to be considered. Every day we evaluated five to six websites. Although tedious at times, it was interesting to learn about every legislator. CMF was also completing a revised edition of its well-known publication Setting Course. I took responsibility for fact-checking and updating all information. In addition, CMF was hired by a research firm to create Online Town Halls in which twenty to thirty constituents signed online to hold live discussions with their congressman. While I was there, the topic was immigration, and I helped during trial runs and provided suggestions for improvement. I was then able to go to the Congressman’s office during the forum and help coordinate the entire event. In addition to meeting the Congressmen, which was incredible, I was able to witness how congressional offices run, and I sat in on numerous debates on political issues.”
 
            I also made deliveries to House and Senate offices. It was thrilling to walk through the halls of the House and Senate, a binder in hand, and then enter an office. I loved seeing the adrenaline racing through every office. There were always people running around, discussing politics, and watching CSPAN as they following the news in the very building were it was being made. Walking down the corridors, I saw senators and congressmen I respected as well as ones I despised, surrounded by chiefs of staff, legislative assistants, and public-relations managers. I felt like I was really a part of Capitol Hill.”
 
            “I attended a Senatorial hearing on Rumsfeld vs. Hamdon. The Senate was discussing Rumsfeld and Bush’s decision on torturing prisoners. Some senators thought that the Geneva War Conventions must always be followed. Others stated that for exceptions, Congress must give permission rather than the president deciding by himself. The Attorney General and some Republican senators argued that in cases like the War on Terror, torture may be necessary to save lives. It was incredible watching this important debate among people who actually make the decisions for our country. I was engaged the entire time. The second hearing I attended was on the War in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Lebanon. Rumsfeld attended this hearing as well as Senators Clinton and McCain. I had not been a fan of Hillary Clinton until I witnessed her impressive statement to Rumsfeld. She listed all his wrongdoings, backed up her claims with facts, and then asked why she should believe him in the future. This brave speech was so powerful and brilliant in content and delivery. The hall was packed with members of the press, Congressional staffers, high-profile lawyers, writers, and many intrigued interns. It was one of my favorite moments in D.C. Senators about whom I had read countless articles suddenly became real- life figures. I was so excited to be a part of that political process.”
 
            “I also attended a wonderful intern event where Senator Barack Obama and Tim Russet from Meet the Press both spoke. They discussed the importance of public service and offered thousands of job ideas and hints on how to enter this field. It was inspiring being surrounded by so many interns of my generation, all of whom shared similar dreams of entering government. Senator Obama talked about the road that led him to his current position. Events like this one make Washington, D.C. a stimulating city.”

            “One of the things I loved about my internship was working for a small group of people who became my mentors. They offered stories, hints, and advice on the positive and negative aspects of working in politics. I could ask them anything, and they responded truthfully from a wealth of knowledge. At first, I was concerned about working for a bipartisan organization. I personally have strong political views and considered being an intern for a congressman, yet this experience helped me gain a great overall view of how the legislature functions. I was able to meet many senators and congressmen, both Democrats and Republicans. I was able to spend time in all the House and Senate buildings and work with people who have dedicated their lives to government. The motivation that surrounded me helped give me direction. I could not have asked for a better first internship in Washington D.C. I learned that I don’t want to enter a career in management consulting. However, I made wonderful contacts and friends while enjoying a wide range of experiences. After this past summer, I am certain that I want to enter the political field and hope to do so in a wonderful city like Washington D.C.


Alison Zelman on WIP Potomac River cruise with interns:
Devansh Patel, Varun Raman, and Paul Kirby (left to right)

Back to Sample internships main page