Summer internships are no longer just for newbies.
Whether you’re a college student looking to gain experience or a professional looking to switch careers– internships can play a pivotal role in landing a career that matters.
These prestigious summer internship programs come with plenty prestige and a hefty list of perks. Here are the programs to consider:
White House Internship Program
The White House Internship Program is a highly coveted internship program. Current students, recent graduates, and veterans gain valuable experience in public sector. Interns work closely with the President, First Lady, and other White House staff.
An intern’s assignments may include “conducting research, managing incoming inquiries, attending meetings, writing memos, and staffing events” according to the program’s website. Interns also participate in weekly meetings, speaker series, and community service projects. What makes this internship so unique, is the intern’s access to the Oval office. The host interns during the fall and spring semesters as well as in the summer.
Congressional or Senate Internship
The House and Senate both offer internship programs. The process for locating internships for Senators and Representatives varies. The House lists available opportunities on a website, while the Senate requires that you contact the Senator’s office directly. The House program is available in the fall, spring, and summer with the summer being the most competitive and popular section. While to intern in a specific Senator’s office requires you to go directly through their staff, you can apply for positions with committees. One example is the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
This internship is open to undergraduate students, recent graduates, and graduate students. As you search for internships, remember that each office will give preference to students from their state and in the case of Representatives from their district. This opportunity to see more behind the scenes of lawmaking.
Organizations like the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and College to Congress help place talented young professionals in congressional and federal agency internships.
Supreme Court Internship Program
The United States Supreme Court has had an internship program for more than 40 years. To participate in this program students must have completed more than two semesters of undergraduate work.
The program has opportunities in a few sections of the court including the office of the Counselor to the Chief Justice. Interns are expected to provide administrative support to their respective office assignment. One huge bonus about this internship is that interns get the opportunity to attend court sessions. Like other government internship programs, opportunities are available in the fall, spring, and summer.
Washington Post Summer Internship Program
The Washington Post has a summer internship program for juniors, seniors and graduate students interested in the media industry. This internship opportunity is available for many areas of the news including reporters, social media producers, and multi-platform producers.
They start accepting applications for the program in early September. If you land this internship you are in great company with Pulitzer Prize winners like Leonard Downie, Jr.
The Council on Foreign Relations
The Council on Foreign Relations (also known as CFR) offers students who have focused on international issues an opportunity to work in their DC office. Interns perform research on foreign policy and international affairs issues.
They write blogs, attend events, and sit in on meetings related to international affairs. This internship is designed for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in social sciences. They have a few options for internships including the Robina Franklin Williams internship program.
This program is dedicated to diversity and inclusion in international relations. Internships are available on a semester basis with a minimum hourly commitment and in some cases may require fluency in a language in addition to English.
More Helpful Resources
For more internship opportunities visit our Resources page.
