TUSIAD-US and TCA Now Accepting Applications for
“Summer Internship Program” on Capitol Hill

The US Representative Office of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD-US) and the Turkish Coalition of America  (TCA) are pleased to announce that they are now accepting applications for the “Summer Internship Program”, an 8-week internship program for students and recent college graduates to work at the offices of members of the US Congress for the summer of 2008.

Both TUSIAD-US and TCA will each sponsor up to five interns. Although each organization will be actively securing internships, interested applicants are also highly encouraged to directly contact the offices of their representatives in Congress to secure internship positions. 

The program will provide an opportunity for Turkish-American students to live and work in Washington DC and become exposed to U.S. governmental bodies and policy-making processes. TUSIAD-US and TCA, through this program, intend to contribute to the preparation of future Turkish American political leaders, and enhance the participation of the Turkish American community in the American political life.  Internship responsibilities in congressional offices usually include monitoring congressional hearings, performing data entry, answering constituent mail, researching legislative issues, and performing other administrative duties.

The “Summer Internship Program” will provide opportunities for prospective interns to meet with House and Senate members and engage in dialogue on matters important to Turkish American relations. Interns are expected to attend an orientation at the beginning of their internship program and exchange ideas and experiences throughout their stay in Washington D.C. with the program organizers. During this eight-week period, program participants will have the opportunity to attend intellectual, social and cultural events, such as meetings at think-tanks, congressional hearings, events at the Turkish Embassy and sightseeing tours of Washington D.C. monuments and museums. In addition, at the conclusion of the program, interns will be expected to present a report evaluating their internship experience and remain generally engaged within the Turkish American community.

TUSIAD-US and TCA will each sponsor up to five internships at congressional offices for two months in between June and August 2008. These internships will entail a monthly stipend between $250 and $750, based on the needs of the intern, for a period of two months. No other costs will be covered by TUSIAD-US and TCA. 

Requirements for application include:

1. Being an American citizen of Turkish decent, 
2. Relevant educational background and maturity, 
3. Excellent communication and writing skills, 
4. Past interest and experience in community and public service. 

How to Apply:

Applicants are required to submit their most recent CV’s together with a one-page cover letter explaining their interest in these fields as well as their expectations from the program. The cover letter or CV should also include the names and contact information of at least 2 references (names, phone numbers and e-mails), and information about the applicant’s citizenship status. Applications should be e-mailed to Liam Hardy (Lhardy@tusiad.us) or mailed to:

TUSIAD-US
Summer Internship Program
1250 24th St., NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20037

Deadline for applications is February 15, 2008. The placement of interns will be decided by TUSIAD-US and TCA. Applicants are expected to be informed of the details of their specific appointments by mid-April of 2008. 
For further information, you may contact: 

Liam Hardy
Research Assistant, TUSIAD-US
Phone: (202) 776-7770
Fax: (202) 776-7771
e-mail: Lhardy@tusiad.us