INTERNSHIPS

Overview

Capital Semester student, Danielle Campbell, at her internship, New Leaders for New Schools

Capital Semester students intern approximately 25 hours a week, and gain hands-on experience in the nation’s capital. They learn the tools of their trade and make the contacts needed to succeed after graduation.

Capital Semester internship sites are very diverse and placement depends on the track into which a student is accepted.

Upon acceptance into the program, students are required to fill out a detailed internship questionnaire which helps the staff to identify the students' goals for the semester. After a phone consultation, the program staff works to match each student with an internship that best meets their interests, skills and the needs of the sponsoring organization.

Public Policy Track

Students in the public policy track will be provided with a first-hand look at the workings of the U.S. economy and/or political system. Internships sites will include Congressional offices, international organizations, think tanks, federal agencies, embassies, nonprofits, lobbying firms and public policy groups.

Intern duties often include:

• Attending congressional hearings
• Conducting research
• Coordinating events
• Managing databases
• Writing reports for publication
• General administrative work

Applicants with specific internship placement requests are encouraged to contact the organization directly and request application requirements as soon as possible. Students may arrange their own internship if it meets the requirements of the program and has been approved by the program staff.

"My internship showed me the academic and intellectual side of how professionals monitor the relations between different governments and states. I was exposed to the practices, language and conventions of the international relations community. It has prepared me to enter this field and be taken seriously."
Cyndy Yossundharakul
The University of Texas at Austin
Intern, Institute for World Politics

Political Journalism Track

Through her internship with Al Aribiya News Channel, Marci Manley attended a private interview with her supervisors and then Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Students in the political journalism track will be provided with a first-hand look at the world of Washington journalism. Internship sites will include print and broadcast media outlets, news services, internet publications and PR firms.

Intern duties often include:

• Covering congressional hearings
• Drafting articles for publication
• Editing and producing news stories
• Writing press releases
• Assisting with media relations
• General administrative work

Students may arrange their own internship if it meets the requirements of the program and has been approved by the program staff.

“My internship exposed me to the public relations side of journalism, which I found to be extremely beneficial professionally. I've made valuable connections and have been published in both online and print publications. It was such a rewarding experience and the skills that I developed have opened up many future opportunities for me."
Kassidy Taylor
Keene State College
Intern, Aerospace Industries Association