<p>hi, i'm a high school junior looking for a summer internship, and i have a few ideas about who to call to look into them (i want to get into politics so i'm contacting a state senator who i know works with high schoolers), but i'm really nervous, and i have no idea of what to say. does anyone have any advice on how to start this conversation when i call?
thanks so much!! :)</p>
<p>Begin with your elevator speech.</p>
<p>LOL a state senator who “works” with high schoolers.</p>
<p>Ha, you are just asking for it.</p>
<p>you are going to call your state senator?</p>
<p>his unpaid intern will probably answer the phone.</p>
<p>Actually I think volunteering (unpaid) with a state senator is your best bet as a high schooler. I know a few friends who did this during high school with Obama (and others who worked with state reps/treasures, etc.).</p>
<p>^thanks, that’s basically what i’m planning to ask about. i was just wondering what to say when i call since i’ve never called about getting an unpaid internship before- does anyone have any advice?</p>
<p>Check their website first, most politicians have a tab for internships, and usually ask you to submit your resume/cover letter. Then you’ll have information for when/if you call.</p>
<p>^that’s a good suggestion, but i couldn’t find any links on his sight…should i just call and ask them if they offer internships? or how i go about getting one?</p>
<p>Call. Say: “Hi, my name is — and I’m interested in applying for an internship.” If there’s silence, ask if they can connect you to the person in charge of coordinating internships, or provide you with an email address. </p>
<p>If they don’t have an internship coordinator or offer internships, ask about volunteering. If they blow you off, call again later. If they blow you off again, go to the office.</p>
<p>You’ll be fine.</p>
<p>It’s easy. You’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Great, thank you so much!! :)</p>
<p>Great advice, Richmond. We coordinate internships for hundreds of high school students every summer and I can back this recommendation up 100%. Some organizations have a hiring manager that coordinates internships; many don’t. But political offices usually do have someone in charge of coordinating internships and volunteers. Persistence is key, because these people are often over tasked and a high school intern is probably not on the top of their priority list. Here’s a link to some additional advice I offered to prospective high school interns in another thread:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1106552-tools-finding-internships-high-school-help-please.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1106552-tools-finding-internships-high-school-help-please.html</a></p>