<p>My professor is encouraging me to do an internship with our local Congressman in the spring. I would think it'd be cool, but it'd really leave me strapped for time as I'm already in several groups and it'd require around 100 volunteer hours at his office. On the plus side, I could get a recommendation from him. But I read in a college app book that those kinds of recommendations (where they just say a few things and then have his impressive signature) aren't that great if they aren't personal - and it probably wouldn't be personal because it's not like I'd be chatting with him on a daily basis. I'd just probably see him several times and work in his office. So is it worth doing?</p>
<p>Well it's only worth it if it's something you are interested in doing, which it doesn't sound like it. What is your major/areas of interest? If you are just doing it for the rec; don't.</p>
<p>Economics - that's what I told my professor, but he said that it was very related to my major. I dunno...any other thoughts?</p>
<p>Just 2c. If you are heading into political circle in the future, first hand experience at a Congressman office would be invaluable. The experience may be even better if the internship is this Fall -- election time. As for the recommendation aspect, I believe one will get "noticed" if he/she is doing a great job. Often, it is often the "great-job"-type personal recommendation that counts the most. Again, if you are into politics, you should keep a connection to a known politician in your back pocket. You never quite know when that link would become useful down the road.</p>
<p>To be honest, you need to really want to do the internship. As you said, its a huge time obligation, and it has the potential to hurt your GPA.</p>
<p>I think a decent amount of people have rec's from politicians, so I don't think that it would make a huge deal on an application...</p>
<p>megtfc said it all.</p>