<p>I’m really interested in working in politics, got the college degree in Political Science but since I graduated a year ago, I haven’t had jobs in my field at all. One of my former professors who led a study abroad program I took part in (so I know him better than other profs.) recently got elected as a Senator for my state. I contacted him about volunteering and now his chief of staff wants to meet with me next week to discuss volunteering. I really admire the guy so I am happy about volunteering and I hope I will be able to network and get my foot in the door and eventually get a paying job on a legislative staff, but since this meeting is only about being a volunteer/intern, should I bring my resume? I don’t want the person I am meeting with to think that I think it is a job interview. Does it hurt to bring a resume along if you are just talking about volunteering?</p>
<p>Take your resume, it won’t hurt, it shows professionalism. Volunteering can be a stepping stone to a paid job, but focus on doing the volunteer work maybe in several areas of the new senator’s projects which interest you most. Good luck.</p>
<p>Parent here…I believe you are being given an opportunity, and should be prepared. This means an up to date resume, dress professionally, and think about why they should accept you. The Senator may have told his chief of staff to consider you for a paid postion if the COS thinks you can contribute at this point in time. It may be at the COS’s discretion to bring you on as an intern, or staff.My congressional internship(while in college) led to a paid position(after college). Good Luck!</p>
<p>Thanks APOL…what steps did you take to get a paid job after your internship?? In my case, I actually interned for one of my state’s legislators in the summer of 2004. I interned at my state’s capitol building and it was an awesome experience. I don’t live in that area anymore which is why I am trying to volunteer for a State Senator whose district office is closer to where I now reside. After I graduated a year ago, I just didn’t know what to do in order to get a paid job on a legislative staff. I feel like too much time has gone by to reconnect with the people I worked with there. I know for a fact that they really thought I did a great job as an intern. It’s a shame because I always thought internships really got your foot in the door. I tried to contact my supervisor there a few months ago, I sent him my resume and a letter asking for advice on locating job opportunities within the legislature. I sent this guy the letter the same time I sent the state senator the letter, the Senator responded but my supervisor from my previous internship did not. Its been about 3 months since I sent it, should I follow up with another letter, or an email or a phone call?</p>
<p>In my humble opinion-ALWAYS bring a resume and a list of references. I work and also volunteer a lot. Every pro bono opportunity I strive for, I bring a resume and references. Whether or not you are being paid is not relevant. You are still asking to be taken into the fold, so to speak, so give them your credentials.</p>