“Every day in the office flies by and the warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere of everyone who works here is ever flowing. It is a beautiful feeling to be inspired daily”—read about Colby-Sawyer student Bethany Guimond’s inspiring internship at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
Read More“The Internship Seminar is aimed at creating the professional you. This semester we have undertaken informational interviews, discussed current news and issues, and explored topics such as salary negotiation and professional social media. All of the assessment tasks and class engagements are equipping us with the necessary skills for ‘the real world’”—read about Bond University student Kathryn Randle’s internship at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars.
Read More“Working at the CRFB allows me to step away from the relatively abstract theory taught in a classroom and position me directly into the real world where academic theory is put into action”—read about SUNY Plattsburgh student Brin DaleyKeyser’s internship at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
Read More“Working in the various offices, legislation, press, the front office, has given me a new understanding and appreciation for the work that goes on in a Senate office. I have learned and use numerous skills that I would not have gotten anywhere else”—learn about Colby-Sawyer student Aaron Dupuis’ internship in his home state senator’s office and his thoughts on moving to DC from a small town.
Read More“My experience here provides me with insights in government, international trade and the professional working world. I believe this will make me more valuable for future potential employers and give me a competitive advantage over other applicants”—read about how this Bond University student feels about his time interning in DC.
Read More“I volunteered at events where I met ambassadors from all over the world. I have also had the chance to network with numerous Foreign Service Officers, Civil Service Officers, and Retired Peace Corps Volunteers. I am so incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to witness the inner workings of U.S. foreign policy”—rad about this Daemen College student’s experience at the Department of State.
Read More“I couldn’t have completed my first internship in a better place”—read about this Duquesne University student’s internship at the American Heart Association.
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"This summer I had the tremendous opportunity to intern in the editorial office at Street Sense. I was able to combine my passions for journalism, political science, and social justice while developing articles on homelessness and poverty in Washington, D.C.
I wanted to spend my time in D.C. fully emerged in my field of study. Street Sense not only met my expectations, but far exceeded them. I was able to pitch story ideas; follow through with data collection, interviews, and relevant event coverage; write stories that I was passionate about, with a full team of interns’ and the editor’s full support; and ultimately see my portfolio of published material grow drastically over the course of the summer.
Working with Street Sense was like working with a tightly-knit family, and I was made to feel right at home. Street Sense vendors and interns worked closely with both the editor and executive director of the publication, as well as other staff members. Everyone had a crucial role in the development of the bi-weekly newspaper, and everyone’s importance was well recognized. As an editorial intern, I was tasked with not only developing content through my own reporting, but also editing various submissions that were published throughout the bi-weekly cycles, designing page layouts with InDesign, photographing and reporting on various events pertaining to the issues important to Street Sense, and helping to maintain the online material and archives.
Not only did I receive great professional experiences this summer, but I also am truly thankful for the personal experiences I had as well. I finished my summer in D.C. with great new friends that I was able to bond with through WII’s programs and classes."
—Mark D. Thayer, Roger Williams University Junior, Summer 2015 Intern at Street Sense
"This summer I had the opportunity to intern at Men’s Health Network. This internship combined both of my interests, public health and politics.
During my time at Men’s Health Network, I helped with health screenings and did a lot of advocacy for Men’s Health Month, which was in June. One of my tasks was to go down to the Congressional Office Buildings to advocate and promote Men’s Health Month and a congressional health screening our organization was hosting. This screening was free to all members of congress, their staff, and anyone who was in the building that day. Later in the month, we also helped organize a congressional workout. After Men’s Health Month was over, I attended a variety of health panel discussions and went out into DC to advocate and ask people how they could help a loved one be a healthier man.
This internship was amazing as I was able to gain on the job experience in my field. I learned a lot, and had the opportunity to network with many great people.
Along with interning at Men’s Health Network, I also took a class called Inside Washington. This class gave me a better idea of the lobbying aspects of government, and along with my internship, has helped me understand Washington, DC in a new way. I look forward to working in DC in the future."
-Tyrus Jackson, Rutgers University Junior, Summer 2015 Intern at Men's Health Network
"This semester I had the opportunity to intern at the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). My autistic little brother is my inspiration on why I want to be involved in the politics, but I felt like I needed to expand my knowledge beyond the issues that my brother and family face. Thankfully, my time at AAPD has taught me quite a bit about current issues in the realm of disabilities. I received calls from all over the country from people who wanted assistance with a particular set of circumstances they were going through, so I found helpful resources located close to where they lived. I researched articles about current events in the disability community and compiled them into the Disability Daily, an e-mail sent out 5 days a week to approximately 3,000 AAPD members. My supervisor, two fellow interns at AAPD, and I worked together to host monthly Emerging Leader Program (ELP) events to bring together people with disabilities and a variety of speakers for socialization and the opportunity to learn more about what can be done in society to improve lives in the disability community. A couple times I attended the Tech Forum, meetings between representatives of disability organizations and technology companies such as AT&T and Comcast, and learned about efforts to make technology more user-friendly for people with disabilities.
My semester at AAPD allowed me to experience what it's like to work at a nonprofit organization and see a glimpse of what my future may look like after I graduate college. While there were smooth and rough points throughout my internship at AAPD, which are a part of life no matter where people are or what they do, I would not trade the time I spent there and the people I met for anything."
-Lisa Slaikeu, Gustavus Adolphus College Junior, Spring 2015 American Association of People with Disabilities Intern
"Over the past four months it has been an honor and a privilege to intern with the Committee on Homeland Security in the US House of Representatives. Since my internship began in January, there has been no shortage of work as the homeland of the United States has been faced with national security challenges that not only define our age, but will define our generation.
During my time with the Committee I have been entrusted with numerous responsibilities and tasks to help the office run more smoothly. These tasks have included answering phones, delivering and filing documents, assembling binders for staff and members, conducting legislative research and drafting memorandums on government reports and hearings. Some of the specific projects I have worked on include research for a staff visit to the Middle East, immigration research and putting together materials for a Congressional Delegation’s trip overseas.
The opportunities and experiences I have been a part of have drastically helped me to develop professionally and personally. Interning with the Committee has allowed me to have a better understanding of how the professional work environment functions and how to build relationships with colleagues that are passionate about similar issues. Lastly, on a personal note my internship experience has allowed me to narrow my career list to working as a policy staffer on Capitol Hill or in counterterrorism and intelligence with the FBI or CIA."
-Andrew, Fairfield University Junior and Spring 2015 Intern at Committee on Homeland Security, U.S. House of Representatives
“This semester I was able to intern at the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in their International Affairs Department. My internship with the Coast Guard taught me a lot about the fast-paced D.C. office environment and the teamwork that is required to get things done. This semester I was part of a two-day forum which was an amazing experience because I was able to witness eight countries come together and discuss ways to improve maritime security. I have developed training to support the Department of State, U.S. government policy engagement, and theater security cooperation plan. The office environment has been great and every day I learn something new. This internship was a huge success for me and I am so fortunate to have been able to intern with the Coast Guard.”
Having an internship in Washington D.C. helped me realize what my goals were for myself and what I want to pursue after graduation. Because of this experience I discovered my passion for international development projects and plan to pursue experience in that field.
-Nathalie Mathis, Dominican University Senior, Spring 2015 U.S. Coast Guard Office of International Affairs Intern
"This spring I had the opportunity to intern at the Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF), which is a lobbying affiliate of the Humane Society of the United States. Here at HSLF we advocate for federal and state animal protection legislation, conduct research on members of Congress, and endorse humane candidates running for office.
Some of my responsibilities as an intern included returning phone calls and responding to letters from concerned members, compiling informational records on congressional candidates, assisting with the preparation for the Annual Humane Awards, and attending hearings and press conferences on Capitol Hill about animal welfare issues. I have even been lucky enough that some of my ideas and writings have appeared on our Facebook page to gain more awareness on various legislative priorities.
Overall, this opportunity has enabled me to develop my knowledge of animal welfare issues and the function of social welfare organizations within the realm of politics. I have learned about various state laws, including ag gag laws, restrictions on dog tethering, and requirements for caged hens, as well as federal laws, including those to prohibit horse slaughter and the ivory trade and those to regulate factory farming. I have also learned about the numerous affiliates of HSUS and their role in the field of animal welfare. Interning here has been a great experience and has certainly given me a broader perspective; I am motivated and confident to pursue a career in this line of work."
-Kaitlyn Hanzl, Coastal Carolina University Senior, Spring 2015 Humane Society Legislative Fund Intern
Sabrina Caserta, a junior at Roger Williams University, had the opportunity to interview an actor at an exciting event and had her article published on her first week interning at The Hill. Sabrina talks about her experience below.
“When The Hill’s In The Know Reporter, Judy Kurtz, was looking for a volunteer to cover an Oceana Event on Tuesday night, I jumped at the opportunity. I interviewed actor and Oceana board member, Sam Waterston. I also spoke with some other board members and attendees for background, as well as Rhode Island Senator, Sheldon Whitehouse. By 10 am the next day, my article had been submitted for editing and back-read. By 4 pm that day it was up on the web! Out, covering the news, is where I feel I need to be. I’m very appreciative of the opportunity.”
