Q:
Can I spend more time at my internship if
I want to?
A:
Sure. As long as it doesn't interfere with
any of your other classes, you can spend as
much of your time there as you'd like. Some
students get very involved with their internships
on a "volunteer" basis, but most
soon learn that there are also many things
they'd like to see and do in Washington, D.C.,
so they learn to find a balance.
Q:
How do I get an internship?
A:
We provide you with an instant network of
organizations to look through. Six to eight
weeks before the semester begins, you'll gain
access to all of the internships in our database
that are relevant to your field of interest.
We'll give you all the information you need
about each organization, including descriptions
of internship positions and address and phone
numbers for our contacts. You can start your
search right away, or wait until you arrive
in D.C. Either way, you'll have nearly two
weeks at the beginning of the semester to
attend interviews and make your selection.
We suggest you have at least three interviews.
Before you arrive, we will also provide you
with resources to help you write an effective
résumé and cover letter.
Once you arrive
in D.C., you can take advantage of an internship
bazaar, held during the first week of the
semester, where representatives from hundreds
of local organizations are on hand to meet
students, and sometimes hire interns on the
spot. You will also have access to hundreds
of former student internship evaluations.
These forms are filled out each semester by
students just like you. They contain honest,
uncensored opinions about their internships.
When you secure
your internship, you and your supervisor will
sign an internship contract. This way everyone's
clear on what your responsibilities are, you
are assured of doing substantive work, and
there are no surprises.
Q:
Am I guaranteed an internship?
A:
Every student who's come through our program
has secured an internship. Many have had several
offers. Interns and volunteers are the life-blood
of Washington, D.C.-- you may not get your
first choice, but there is someone out there
who will value your help. Most alumni suggest
starting your internship search as early as
possible, so you'll have more choices.
Q:
Are the internships paid?
A:
The majority of internships are unpaid. There
are a small percentage of internships that
offer a stipend; however you should look for
a meaningful experience in your internship
first and foremost, and not count on being
compensated financially.
Q:
Do I have to choose an internship in my program
of study?
A:
No. One of the great things about the components
of the program is that you can customize them
to fit your career and academic interests.
For example, if you are interested in journalism
and american politics, you may enroll in the
Journalism seminar and intern in a political
organization or vice versa.
