Internships in Washington D.C., United States

Internships in Washington, D.C. come in many shapes and sizes, and all students can benefit from the learning opportunities available. No matter what type of opportunity you choose, be sure to compare programs to ensure you’re getting the most from your experience. 

Short term internships and summer internships vs. long-term internships. Most interns in D.C. are students, so the first thing you’ll need to decide is when to do your internship. Are you interested in a short-term internship over summer break or are you looking for a semester-long program that will offer academic credit and classes on the side? When considering how long you want to intern, be sure to consider how the internship fits in with your studies and your career objectives. A four-week internship can be just as valuable as a 12-week stint as long as you have clearly defined goals. 

Popular fields of work. You can find an internship in Washington, D.C. in almost any field, but those interested in specific areas might have better luck finding the perfect fit. Students of law, political science, and public administration clearly have a leg up in this government-heavy region, but there are options as well. Those studying business or finance will have no problem finding placements in one of the many international companies based here, while hospitality students can take their pick in one the city’s hotels, restaurants, and tourist hotspots. 

Paid vs. unpaid internships in Washington D.C. While some Washington D.C. internships include a salary, others come without pay. Before you turn down that unpaid internship though, take a look at what else the program includes. Many internship programs also offer things like academic credit, leadership and management classes, or group outings, which will assist you in your professional life and career field.