As GOP Takes Over, Students Mourn Loss of Jobs

Want to work on Capitol Hill this summer? Gotta check your party affiliation.

Due to the recent turnover of power in the Congress, Harvard students with strong party affiliations will find themselves in a changing job market.

"For Harvard students who are Democrats, it will certainly be more difficult," said Christine M. Genaitis '97, who interned in the office of Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass) last summer.

"I know of at least four internships which will not be available next summer," said Genaitis. "My congressman lost the chair of his subcommittee. I don't think he'll have the room to accommodate, or the need for, those workers anymore."

On the other hand, Republicans are optimistic.

"The market is very good for young Republicans," said Christopher L. Garcia '95, vice-president of the Harvard Republican Club. "There are plenty of internships going for people."

However, some people see the changes as business as usual in the country's capital.

"Capitol Hill is always in a state of flux," said Dana M. Curtis, Counselor for Careers in Government in the Office of Career Services. "There might be more of that," said Curtis, "but there is always a need for interns on the Hill."

"Most students just end up working for their own individual congressmen," said Genaitis. "Most don't choose Republican or Democrat."

However, students with strong party affiliation might have a problem.

"I'd have trouble working for a Republican," said Avery W. Gardiner '97, who interned in Washington D.C. last summer.

"I wouldn't draw partisan lines," said Gardiner, "but I'd draw ideological lines."

Gardiner suggested that students might shift from legislative internships to jobs with political activist or watchdog groups.

"Students without party affiliation shouldn't be working on Capitol Hill," said Bradford P. Campbell '95, president of the Harvard Republican Club, "They should apply to the State Department for jobs."

"Anyone willing to work for nothing can still find work," said Campbell

"I wouldn't draw partisan lines," said Gardiner, "but I'd draw ideological lines."

Gardiner suggested that students might shift from legislative internships to jobs with political activist or watchdog groups.

"Students without party affiliation shouldn't be working on Capitol Hill," said Bradford P. Campbell '95, president of the Harvard Republican Club, "They should apply to the State Department for jobs."

"Anyone willing to work for nothing can still find work," said Campbell