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About Hokies on the Hill

The Virginia Tech Hokies on the Hill (HOH) Undergraduate Internship Program provides students with an opportunity to work on Capitol Hill, learn firsthand about the U.S. Congress and politics, and gain real-world experience in the nation's capital -- all while earning credit for a full-time course load.

The program, administered through the Virginia Tech Office of Government & Community Relations in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, is open only to Virginia Tech students. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors may apply.

Students intern from January through early May (tracking the Virginia Tech academic calendar) in congressional offices in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as in government relations offices of private companies. They work on Capitol Hill Monday through Thursday and take a seminar class on Fridays, which typically runs from 10 a.m. to noon at the Virginia Tech Research Center Arlington (VTRC-A) Some offices require students to return to work after class on Fridays.

Students are responsible for securing their own housing for the internship. The directors of the program can offer housing advice based on their knowledge of the Washington metropolitan area and housing utilized by past participating students.

The next Hokies on the Hill internship class will commence in January 2024, for the spring semester. In the fall, students are encouraged to attend a HOH information session on the Virginia Tech Blacksburg campus to meet faculty, hear about the program in more detail, and ask questions.  The next HOH information session will take place at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, in Litton Reeves Hall, room 1800.

Regarding specific academic credit questions, students are strongly encouraged to meet with Hokies on the Hill faculty advisor Dr. Courtney Thomas, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Political Science.

Students should also meet with their own academic advisor about credits to confirm/ensure their academic status.

HOH interns with Program Director Chris Yianilos and former U.S. Senator John Warner

Five HOH interns stand behind Program Director Chris Yianilos and former U.S. Senator John Warner (seated)
HOH interns with Program Director Chris Yianilos and former U.S. Senator John Warner

HOH interns with Donald A. Ritchie, U.S. Senate Historian, Senate Reception Room, U.S. Capitol Building

Eight HOH interns with Donald A. Ritchie, U.S. Senate Historian, Senate Reception Room, U.S. Capitol Building
HOH interns with Donald A. Ritchie, U.S. Senate Historian, Senate Reception Room, U.S. Capitol Building

Applications will be due to the Office of Government & Community Relations, via Handshake, starting on Thursday, September 7, through 12:00 noon on Wednsday September 13, 2023. Hokies on the Hill does not require recommendation letters. If an office participating in the program requires recommendations, you will be notified to provide this additional information once your application has been reviewed.

There are limited slots available for the Hokies on the Hill Internship program.

Some of the characteristics the applicant reviewers look for are good academic standing; past experience; thoughtful consideration to a career path; a genuine interest in the internship; an expression of responsibility and dedication; strong interpersonal and leadership skills; self-confidence; positive attitude and strong work ethic; and a willingness to learn from people who have more knowledge and experience than they do.

An interview, which can be conducted in person, or by zoom, is also a requirement for the application and will be arranged once the application is received. Applicants should be informed by early October as to whether they have been accepted into the program.

Contact Dave Tinsley with any questions about the application process.