DC Wiki FAQ!
Welcome! Read through some Frequently Asked Questions about spending a summer or semester in Washington - with answers directly from DC alums!
(Alums - don't forget to identify yourself in the answers.)
Why should I intern in DC?
Washington DC is the major center of policy and government in the United States. It is the nexus for many leading industries as well, with defense, information technology, biotech and non-profit organizations all maintaining major offices here (or in the surrounding suburbs). It is also an international city -- home to foreign embassies and international organizations and aid groups. It is a cultural center, with major museums, theaters, sports and entertainment venues such as the Smithsonian Museums, National Art Museums, the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, National Theater the Washington Redskins, the Washington Nationals baseball team, Wizards basketball and more! There will opportunities to socialize network with thousands of other young people who will be the leaders in government, business and international affairs, no matter what your particular internship focus. -Rene' Smeraglia '78 (RES)
Some of these internships aren't paid! How do I afford to live in DC?
While it is true that housing costs in the DC area are among the highest in the nation, many other ammenities are less expensive and more varied than in your typical suburb. For tips on living on your student/intern budget when you get here, check out the Washington Post Intern's Guide at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/cityguide/features/2007/interns-guide/index.html - RES
Isn't DC dangerous? Where should I live?
Washington DC is a major urban center, and as with most such places, there are high crime areas that most people wisely choose to avoid at certain times. However, the majority of citizens are as law-abiding, friendly and helpful as in your own city or home town. Washington is also a major tourist destination, government and trade center, which means law enforcement is vigilant about making sure people feel safe to walk the streets, visit the government buildings and monuments, and attend the social and cultural events that make urban living attractive. Rely on your sponsors to guide you to safer areas of the city to live or visit, or consult your DC Alumni to help you screen possibilities. -RES
Where are some good local sites to find internships or housing?
Next answer goes here
I'm not that interested in politics - should I still intern in DC?
Although politics is often considered the life-blood of Washington DC, most Federal jobs and internships are non-political. Washington hosts the headquarters operations for most Federal agencies, from the major Departments whose names we recognize, like Agriculture and Commerce, Education and Homeland Security to dozens more independent Federal agencies we may never have heard of, like the African Development Foundations, International Broadcasting Bureau, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and dozens more. Linking from Fedworld http://www.fedworld.gov/govlinks.html, I located an internship information page for each of the latter three organizations in minutes. Although organizations won't always have a big "Internships" link on their home page, links to Jobs/Employment/About Us/Opportunities will usually get you the information you seek. --RES
It's all so overwhelming! Where do I find Internships specific to my field of interest in DC?
The Federal Government maintains a web site offering tips for sorting through the many fellowship/apprenticeship/internship options at http://www.studentjobs.gov/e-scholar.asp In addition to information about available opportunities, there is a page listing government agencies http://www.studentjobs.gov/agencies.asp, with links to each agency's employment opportunities page (sometimes the intern information is obvious, sometimes you have to dig), agency home page (learn what they do), and in many cases, specific articles about internships. Not all of these opportunities are in Washington, so be sure to specify your interests. These sites are a subset of the Office of Personnel Management's StudentJobs.gov site, specifically designed to assist both grads and undergrads seeking help in finding their first government job http://www.studentjobs.gov/ --RES
What are the first steps to finding an internship in DC?
Step one is to contact Dan Gomez-Palacio and let him know you're interested. Then do your research on the companies/agencies/organizations offering internships. Just like the college application process you went through a few years ago, you have to be very aware of timelines and deadlines for submitting applications and supporting information, as these will vary with the organization and the type of fellowship/internship you're applying for. Finally, reach out to the DC Alumni to see if we can assist or act as a reference for your application. - RES
What's the best part about living in DC during the Summer?
Although the DC area itself has a tremendous amount of summer appeal, with its beautiful monuments, parks, Potomac waterfront, open-air concerts and historic sites, the part most Washingtonians appreciate about DC in the summer is how easy it is to get somewhere else (meaning somewhere interesting, relaxing, fun or just less crowded). Day trips can take you from the wilderness of the mountains of West Virginia and the Appalachian Trail to the water sports of the Cheasapeake Bay and beaches of the Eastern Shore (of Maryland, on the Atlantic Ocean). Short drives bring historic Williamsburg, Monticello, Gettyburg and Harper's Ferry into focus, and from Union Station you can catch a train to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City, and three major airports increase your chances of getting a super-saver or low-cost commuter air fare to east coast getaways for less than the cost of driving. --RES
What are your favorite things to do in the Summer in DC?
My favorite activities around the city during the summer are golf, browsing through the historic and shopping districts of small towns in Virginia and Maryland, and weekend getaways to the New Jersey shore for sun and surf (Cape May, Ocean City & Atlantic City are less than 4 hours aways by car). - RES
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