2024 CPC Internship Application opening November 2023

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Internship class of 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Political Science student?

No, students from all programs are welcome to apply.

Do I need to be a part of a campus club?

No, although we encourage students to join their local campus clubs, you do not need to be a part of one to apply.

Whom do interns work for?

Interns are directly employed by an MP’s office, Senate office, Opposition Leaders Office, or Conservative Party HQ. The intern program is separate and distinct from the regular employment with the hiring political office.

Is this a paid internship?

Yes – This is a paid internship.

What does a typical summer entail for a summer intern?

Interns are hired in a political office where they work 37.5 hours a week. After work and on weekends, interns will hear from high-profile guest speakers and participate in intensive political training. Interns will also work on numerous projects and assignments throughout the summer and participate in a summer-long group project that puts their political skills to the test. The Conservative Internship Program is demanding; however, it is also one of the best opportunities available to students across Canada to gain valuable political, social, and employment skills while building a network of valuable contacts. Interns who work hard are recognized and rewarded. In fact, some of Ottawa’s most senior staff members are former Conservative Party interns.

What backgrounds do interns typically have?

The most successful applicants are willing to fully commit themselves and fully engage in all program speakers, training and development opportunities, volunteering activities (phone banking, canvassing, charity work, helping at events, etc.), and work to develop professional relationships with colleagues, interns, EDAs, and Conservative activists. It is essential to be willing to work hard and to participate in activities to hone political, business, and social skills.

What makes an intern successful?

The most successful applicants are willing to fully commit themselves and fully engage in all program speakers, training and development opportunities, volunteering activities (phone banking, canvassing, charity work, helping at events, etc.), and work to develop professional relationships with colleagues, interns, EDAs, and Conservative activists. It is essential to be willing to work hard and to participate in activities to hone political, business, and social skills.

Does the internship provide housing in Ottawa?

No. When moving to Ottawa you will be required to find and pay for your own accommodation. However, there is affordable housing within walking distance of Parliament Hill and the downtown area, including sublets from university and college students, and from the various local residences. Many housing opportunities are posted online at the university off campus websites, Craigslist Ottawa, and Kijiji Ottawa. Average rents and rental info can be conveniently found at http://www.uottawa.ca/housing/off-campus-housing.

What do I need to be eligible to apply to the internship?

If you are registered as a student in a recognized post-secondary institution and are currently a member of the Conservative Party of Canada, you are eligible to apply. It is a competitive process and applicants are encouraged to fully complete the application process and provide an updated copy of their résumé. You have a greater chance of being accepted into the intern program if you can demonstrate party involvement/activism. Many interns come into the program with volunteer experience from past federal/provincial/municipal election campaigns, volunteering for their local EDA, MP and/or CPC HQ.

How do I purchase a Conservative Party of Canada membership?

Go to conservative.ca and click on “Join”.

How can I check to see if my membership has lapsed?

Please visit https://www.conservative.ca/membership-check/ or call the Membership Services department at 1-866-808-8407.

I do not know my Conservative Party of Canada membership number. What should I write on the application form?

Please visit https://www.conservative.ca/membership-check/ or call the Membership Services department at 1-866-808-8407.

If I am graduating from university or college in April 2024 am I still eligible to apply?

Yes.

When does the program run?

The program runs for 4 months, from Monday, May 6th, 2024 until Friday, August 16th, 2024. Please note CPC Intern Orientation day is May 1st, 2024 until May 3rd, 2024. Your actual employment typically starts the following Monday. Should you be accepted into the program it is recommended that you contact your office directly for specifics on their expectations, start/finish dates, hours of work, and job duties.

If I am graduating from high school in Spring 2024 and have been accepted into a post-secondary institution for Fall 2024, am I eligible to apply?

Unfortunately no, it is required that all interns be in Ottawa and able to work full time starting the first week of May. Please apply next winter!

Am I required to attend all intern training/events?

Attendance for official events is mandatory. Training and speakers are arranged only once and there are no opportunities to make-up missed training or events. Should there be a conflict with work obligations or serious personal circumstances please contact Allison Haley allisonhaley@Conservative.ca. Please note that absences from training/events without reasonable explanation may result from your removal from the program. It is a privilege and not a right to participate in the 2024 CPC Summer Intern Program.

What is the application process for the internship?

The application process includes completing the application form (found on the Campus Conservative website) writing four short answer questions, (as outlined on the application form) and including a CV and cover letter. At least one political reference is recommended. This person could be a Conservative Member of Parliament, Senator, Candidate, National Councillor, campus club president, campaign team member, or a director from a Conservative Electoral District Association.

Does the political reference need to supply an actual letter?

It is helpful to have a letter from your reference, but not required. All references will be called, so a reliable phone number and/or email address should be provided. Your reference should be someone who sufficiently knows you and your work/political experience. They need to be reachable and willing to act as a reference for you.

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