Internships
The staff of the D.C. Summer Institutes work with fellows closely during the fall and spring semesters leading up to the summer to find and secure internships that both sync with the Institute's topic and meet the student's academic and career interests.
The Internship-Finding Process:
Internship sites are student-interest driven, and the scope for summer internships is broad. Our goals are to integrate fellows into the day-to-day operations of the organization and to help them leave at the end of the semester with tangible work products.
In your application for admission to the Institutes, you will indicate some organizations or types of organizations at which you would most want to work. The more specific you are in your application, the better. The DCSI administrators will approach the organizations (or use the vast W&M D.C. alumni network to find employees at these or similar organizations), find out the details on how to apply, identify the correct contact person, and advocate on your behalf. Staff members will work with you to shape your applications and resumes accordingly, and discuss application strategies.
Additional Internship Suggestions:
Note: You will almost certainly have to interview for all or most positions. We will continue the process until you have secured an internship. Fellows may also find internships on their own, providing they meet the professor's approval.
Application and Interview Resources
Be sure to utilize the Cohen Career Center for assistance in creating and revising application materials, as well as preparing for a potential interview.
Income
Paid internships are not very common in Washington, especially in the summer. In the past, a small number of fellows have been compensated for their work.
Supervision and Grades
The program staff works with each fellow's workplace supervisor to ensure a successful and productive experience for the fellow and the employer.
The Institute staff works with each fellow's internship supervisor(s) to assemble a detailed evaluation of the fellow's work experiences for the summer. Fellows also write papers and do class presentations and projects reflecting on their internship experiences. The professor takes all of these components into account when he or she assigns final grades.
