As a Washington Mentorship Program student, you spend two days each week in an academically supervised Mentored Field Practicum (MFP) in an office setting. You work with your professor to prepare for the MFP and to ensure that the field practicum provides a successful foundation for further academic and professional success. After the first two weeks of frequent class meetings, the MFP class meets once every other week. Throughout the semester, you read and analyze current literature in the field and other texts pertinent to the professional experience. You also write papers and keep a journal designed to help you evaluate the MFP and its contributions to your academic development. In addition, you meet regularly one-on-one with your professor to discuss your MFP experience. Through the Mentored Field Practicum, you gain the skills, experience, and contacts necessary to maximize your education and your knowledge of D.C. as a learning laboratory as well as a world-class city.
The Washington Semester Program maintains a database of Mentored Field Practicum sites, including details about each position's scope of work and evaluations from past participants. You get individual guidance during the selection and interview process, beginning with a week-long orientation that includes a résumé critique and mock interviews. Throughout the semester, the program and your professor remain in close contact with you and your MFP supervisor to assure the best possible experience and learning outcomes.
Examples of Recent Mentored Field Practicum Sites
- A Wider Circle
- ABC Radio
- America's Most Wanted
- BBC News
- Council on Hemispheric Affairs
- Democratic Policy Committee—Communications Studio
- Earth Day Network
- Embassy of Colombia
- Embassy of Kuwait
- Fox News
- Inter-American Development Bank
- League of Conservation Voters
- Library of Congress—European Division
- McLaughlin Group
- National Coalition for the Homeless
- National Geographic
- National Institutes of Health
- NBC Sports
- Organization of American States
- Peace Corps
- Republican National Committee
- Save Darfur Coalition
- Sports America
- Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- U.S. Department of Education
- U.S. House of Representatives
- U.S. Senate
- Washingtonpost.com
"During the WMP, I interned within the leadership of the Senate. This program allowed me to meet and network with more people than I ever expected."
Joel Antwi, WMP Class of 2008
"One of a kind. The internship introduces you to Washington in a unique and exciting way."
Nicholas Krosse, WMP Class of 2008
"Simply an eye-opening experience that will benefit my career greatly."
A.J. Cerami, WMP Class of 2008
