12.09.19

Quincy, Illinois, Student Interns In Durbin's Washington, DC Office

WASHINGTON – Quincy, Illinois, native Oliver Hart spent this fall interning for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), working behind the scenes in the Senator’s Capitol Hill office as an intern.  Each year, close to 50 interns work in Durbin’s Washington, D.C. office.

“I started my career on Capitol Hill as a college intern for Senator Paul Douglas of Illinois,” Durbin said. “I will never forget that day in February of 1966 when he agreed to hire me as an intern to work in his office.  As a student from East St. Louis, Illinois, going to work in the office of a U.S. Senator was one of the most exciting things I had ever done.  I know what a valuable experience it can be and we strive to make sure all of our students get a glimpse into the workings of the United States Senate.”

Oliver is from Quincy, Illinois, and is currently a junior pursuing a degree in political science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  On campus, Oliver is involved with Students for Environmental Concerns and spends much of his time registering students to vote for upcoming elections. 

“I have really enjoyed my time interning in Senator Durbin’s office this fall,” Oliver said.  “It’s been great seeing the way things work in the Senate and getting to play a role in the office of my Senator.  The experience has helped me get a better idea of what I want to do after college.” 

The intern responsibilities include assisting full-time staff in responding to constituent related topics, assisting with information inquiries, attending committee and agency hearings and briefings, researching legislative issues and policy questions, and observing floor proceedings.  During that time, the students gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process, learn about the inner-workings of the federal government, and develop valuable research skills.

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