The Internship Database, supported by Symplicity, is our exclusive job board only available to students completing our unique internship for credit opportunities.  

*Please note: If you are recruiting traditional American University students through Handshake, you will need to create a separate account for this Internship Database. Our students do not have access to AU’s Handshake until after internship recruitment has ended - if you are seeking students from our programs specifically, please create an account with the Symplicity Internship Database. 

Once logged in to the Internship Database, you will have direct access to our specially curated Resume Book of students actively seeking internship opportunities.  

Extend the reach of your recruitment by contacting students directly for interviews or our team would be happy to assist you with scheduling! Contact us at internandlearn@american.edu.

Showcase your organization and internship program on a timeline that works for you! Available during any month, day of the week, and time of day, virtual employer info sessions allow more flexibility for your recruitment outreach. 

Past sessions have included EPA, The Wilson Center, Former Members of Congress, and more! We'll invite students from our pipeline of thousands of prospective and enrolled students to learn more about your upcoming opportunities. 

The Virtual Internship Fair is your way meet and recruit WSP students. During this fair, our students will stop by your Zoom breakout room with their elevator pitches and resumes in hand. These events are typically held 2 weeks to 1 month before the upcoming semester begins and include students from the immediate incoming and upcoming cohorts. Fairs are traditionally held for each semester as follows: 

Early to mid-January: Spring* Virtual Internship Fair 

Early to mid-May: Summer* Virtual Internship Fair 

Early to mid-August: Fall* Virtual Internship Fair 

*Students who have accepted their enrollment for the following semester are encouraged to proactively seek out internships during the fair prior to their semester of attendance. A resume book of students eligible for recruitment from all semesters will be available for employers after registering for the fair. 

Notifications for these events will be sent through the Internship Database or you can contact our team for more information at internandlearn@american.edu.

Want to get the word out about an opportunity fast? Email our team with your listing for immediate distribution to our incoming cohort at internandlearn@american.edu.

Yes! Site visits and guest speakers in our seminar courses are what make our program so unique. If you are interested in being added to our database of organizations that could host a site visit or guest lecturers that would be available for our seminar courses, please email internandlearn@american.edu.

The Washington Semester, Gap, and Cornerstone programs all follow American University's Career Center recruitment policies. 

If you seek candidates for internships, you may formally recruit Washington Semester students through the Internship Database listings and resume books, Internship Fairs, on-campus interviews, information sessions, information tables, and networking receptions. However, our program reserves the right to deny you access to recruiting services at any time. 

In order to utilize services provided by the Washington Semester Program, you and your organization must adhere to the following policy: American University policy expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, disability, source of income, place of residence or business, or certain veteran status and any other bases under federal or local laws. Compelled by law (the Solomon Amendment), WSP grants one exception to the U.S. military so as to avoid the loss of all federal funding, which includes federal student financial assistance and research grants.

The Washington Semester Program ascribes to Principles for Professional Conduct, set forth by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, and expects employers to review and honor Principles for Employer Professionals.

Many internship sites appreciate the benefits that international students offer-–including multi-lingual skills, cross-cultural competencies, international experiences, and more. All international students in our program have the proper authorization to intern legally on their US State Department F-1 or J-1 issued visas. Read more for details on AU International Student and Scholar Services, including our support for international students.

Some international students are restricted to in-person or hybrid assignments based on their visa requirements. Students will disclose this information in their cover letter and/or interview if this pertains to their case.

• Students must complete at least 152 hours of an internship during the scheduled semester. 

• Internship assignments must represent at least 85% substantive work. 

• Site must provide structured learning experiences, regular supervision, and exposure to professional aspects of chosen fields. 

• Students have a signed “Experiential Learning Form” on file before beginning internship. 

• Supervisors complete 2 evaluations on student performance throughout the semester. 

Acceptable internships provide students with structured learning experiences, regular supervision, and exposure to professional aspects of chosen fields.

• Fall (late Aug-Dec): Three days per week. Internship days vary by program/section. 

• Spring (Jan–late April): Three days per week. Internship days vary by program/section. 

• Summer (mid June-Aug): Four and one half days per week. 

*Considerations for alternate schedules can be considered on a case-by-case basis. Some students may be available to start or end earlier based on their housing accommodations, but at least 152 hours of the internship must be completed during the formal semester. Full-time internships must receive Director approval. Our program follows AU’s Academic Calendar for dates.

Compensation is encouraged, but not required. Some organizations provide one-time stipends to account for budgeting while others provide an hourly minimum wage or cover daily transportation costs. There is no expectation or standard. 

If your organization is a for-profit business and you will not be providing compensation, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the Fair Labor Standards Act specifically as it relates to internship programs.