<p>Just wanted opinions on this internship opportunity. I've always had an interest in politics and intend on pursuing it as a career in the future. Today, as part of my AP Government class, I invited a speaker (the Mayor of our city with 600,000 people) to speak to my school. His sons went to my school about 10 years ago, and he's always been involved in the school. I arranged it all weeks in advance and had contact with the Mayor's office. Anyhow, after the speech, I escorted him to the parking lot (about a 10 minute walk), and along the way we talked. I told him about my interest in politics, my desire to attend school in Washington D.C., etc. This is when he offered an internship position to me at City Hall. He mentioned to call his office tomorrow morning and he'll arrange it.</p>
<p>Though I'm not particularly interest in local politics, it's widely anticipated that the Mayor will run for the U.S. Senate this next election cycle. I'm thinking if I can utilize this internship at City Hall, it may put me in a position to be more involved with his Senate campaign.</p>
<p>Any thoughts on this? Also - how big of an EC/hook would this be for a student pursuing a (somewhat) political field?</p>
<p>Definitely follow through on this. Not only will it provide you with valuable experience (which most high schoolers cannot easily find) you would also have a smashing recommendation letter to use in all future internships through college.</p>
<p>You could be working with publicity, programs for disadvantaged, etc., and if this guy has special interests, you would get insight into some really unusual areas.</p>
<p>this is what's called an 'in', if i recall. this is where networks start. do it, fool! not even so much for college, but for the potential, damn it!</p>
<p>Thanks for your input everyone. I DEFINITELY want to pursue this, I just hope it wasn't something he mentioned in passing that he doesn't intend to follow through with. I guess I'll find out tomorrow. </p>
<p>Although I love politics, I'm not wealthy and I don't have any political connections.. yet, so I'm hoping that this may be my "in".</p>
<p>Definitely take it!! I just recently got an internship in a field I was very interested in (world affairs) and it is absolutely great; i get to come to presentations with the President of Mongolia, Afghan ambassador to the US, and other cool people like that. While your internship may not be the most fun (expect licking and stamping lots of envelopes and other repetitive tasks) it is a great eye-opener and gives you direct experience. You also never know what other opportunities could arise because of this internship (i.e. a job offer, a scholarship, etc.) </p>
<p>As for being a hook, It depends on when you're applying to college (if you're an 08'er, then it's not going to make an especially huge impact). If it doesn't help you for your college app, it'll at least help you with certain aspects of your life.</p>