Internships
Information on Internships in Washington
(Information from this section has been collected from The Insider’s Guide to Political Internships: What to Do Once You’re in the Door, edited by Grant Reeher and Mack Mariani)
Washington internships are challenging, rewarding and fun experiences that allow students the opportunity to learn how the federal government, associations and non-profits operate and interact. One of the things that you will notice during a Washington internship is that the government is run by people in their twenties and thirties. Most of these staff members were once interns too so they know how it feels to be in your shoes. Internships are full of administrative duties such as answering the phones, opening mail and many other tasks. You, along with many other students your age will be working together in an office. It is a time to learn how the United States Government operates and your first opportunity to start networking.
As an intern your main requirements will be to provide administrative support, act like a professional at all times when in the office, use discretion with office business and to always have a positive attitude. To have a successful internship experience we suggest that you get the details of the job correct, ask to be assigned more duties when possible, read everything that you are allowed to read in the office and especially GET OUT OF THE OFFICE whenever possible and enjoy everything Washington, DC and surrounding areas have to offer.
