Washington Center

Finding Internships

Internships are the highlight of most students’ Washington experience. Typically working three to four days a week, UC students have interned with members of Congress, the White House, cabinet agencies, advocacy groups, scientific organizations, public relation firms, and the news media. Experiences range from responding to constituent inquiries, researching legislation, assisting in laboratories and writing news stories.  Participants gain valuable work experience and firsthand exposure to the capital’s policy and political process, and often leave with stories and acquaintances that last a lifetime.

Students are not assigned internships. Instead they work with program administrators in Washington and on campus to find a position that matches their interests and skills.

Washington offers thousands of internship opportunities. In addition to the federal government, virtually all national advocacy groups maintain a headquarters or office in the capital. Click here for a list of links that contain tips, data banks and other resources to assist in thinking about, and applying for, internships.