<p>Do any of you know how helpful it would be to have the recommendation of someone like a congressman ? I'm a political science major hoping to transfer from a state university to an ivy. I was thinking of applying to work in either the office of a congressman or a senator, but am not sure which to choose. The office of the senator has an opening but because they usually have multiple offices around a state I'm not sure how much I would have contact with the guy and the recommendation, according to a staffer, would only be from within the office rather than from him directly. The congressman, I believe, only has 2 offices around the state, and one he's more likely to be at. They said he would give recommendations, which I believe would be more "personalized"- I assume that means it would be coming directly from him. All of this would be after performing an internship. Which one would be better ?</p>
<p>As a poli sci major, yes I think it would help.</p>
<p>Well, I know it would be helpful, but I'm interested in knowing just how helpful you think it would be. I also wonder which one I should go for the congressman or senator.</p>
<p>I'd go for the congressman since it sounds like you might actually see him and get to know him easier than the senator. And as for how helpful, let me rephrase. As a poli sci major, the internship is likely to be extremely helpful. If you were majoring in something that the internship had little relevance towards, then it wouldn't be that great.</p>
<p>I agree with brand. Congressperson.</p>
<p>Well thanks for the replies, but do you think it would increase my chances for admission a great deal or just be a great added thing to have ?</p>
<p>The most valuable recommendations will be from professors who can speak to your academic abilities. IF a school allows supplemental recs, then you might want to submit one from an employer WHO KNOWS YOU WELL. So if your congressman will know you well, it's a maybe. A rec from a politician who barely knows you, maybe saw you a couple of times when he visited his home state office, will not hold much sway, imo.</p>
<p>And, sad to say, but congressmen are not necessarily held in particularly high esteem at the moment.</p>
<p>Don't seek out recommendations because they are from a VIP or VIP-wannabe. Seek out recommendations who can tell your intended school how you will perform there. </p>
<p>It will not be a great added thing to have if it is not clear that he knows you well. It will, instead, be a detraction; looking like you seek to name-drop.</p>
<p>"And, sad to say, but congressmen are not necessarily held in particularly high esteem at the moment."</p>
<p>Lol, well, it seems that they're about to clean house in Washington.</p>
<p>If that congressman or senator is an alumnus of your target Ivy school, their personal recommendation (or phone call) could add considerable weight. Otherwise, the experience is always useful for your major. Just watch up for the "sick sick sick" e-mail during the internship. :)</p>
<p>Thanks...oh no, they're probably going to think I had to do something described in an e-mail to get the rec...</p>
<p>It really isn't a big deal unless you want to go to one of the service academies...congressmen seem big i guess, but I think that the more personal, the better.</p>