Lawmaker Offering Summer Internship

Assemblyman Robert Hertzberg’s office is accepting applications for the 40th Assembly District summer internship program.

The program, open to high school and college students, offers a chance to gain experience working in an office environment as well as a firsthand look at the inner workings of government.

“An intern isn’t going to come in here and answer phones,” said Russ Blank, an aide to Hertzberg (D-Sherman Oaks). “We’ll give the students substantive projects that they can start and finish and really contribute with.”

Each internship will be tailor-made to fit the intern’s qualifications and personal goals.

Blank said some students simply want office experience and others are trying to use the position as a steppingstone to a political career.

Some of the more ambitious projects undertaken by interns have included tracking a councilman’s voting record, writing letters to constituents and analyzing legislation.

Interns--who are unpaid--will also be responsible for the staffing of advisory commissions, promoting legislative issues, assisting with constituent services and community outreach.

All interns must know how to use a computer or at least be a fast learner, Blank said.

No matter what the individual goals, Blank said, anyone interested should apply before the mid-June deadline.

“We’re never sure how much space we’ll have, but we’ll always try and find a spot for someone,” said Stuart Waldman, another aide to Hertzberg.

Applications are available at Hertzberg’s office, 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 305, in Van Nuys.

For more information, call the office at (818) 376-4040.