Applications are being accepted for Summer 2023! Apply Now
Internships
An internship is one of the most important investments you can make in your future. In today’s competitive workforce you need to graduate with experience and we can help. Our program guarantees an internship placement. Dedicated staff works to match you with an internship that fits your interests, skills and career goals.
Gain real-worldexperience. Step away from the sideline and prepare to learn by doing. Having experience in a particular field or industry can give you a competitive edge after graduation; even entry-level jobs prefer experience. Internships also strengthen confidence in your work and show you what it’s like to work in that field.
Grow your network. In Washington, who you know is just as important as what you know. Internships allow you to meet professionals in your field and other interns that share common interests. Knowing people in the right positions can make all the difference when it comes time to find your first job or get letters of recommendation.
Cultivate professionalism. You’ll gain insight into what it’s like being a Washington working professional and hone in on soft skills like communication, leadership and time management. Additionally, you’ll learn about company culture, structure and employee relations which will all help inform your future employment decisions down the road.
“The staff did an excellent job placing me in an internship that fit my interests and goals. The program also provided me with other opportunities that I would not have had if I had been in D.C. on my own.”
Caleb Ashley, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Intern, Citizens Against Government Waste
Remote Internships
Recently, professionals all around the U.S. and globally transitioned to remote work and learning because of the pandemic.
Many organizations that host TFAS interns made this shift and have been eager to keep providing meaningful professional experiences to interns working remotely from around the U.S. and in Washington, D.C. In addition to normal internship duties, students are able to gain collaboration and communication skills that will be important as telework becomes more prevalent.
For summer 2023, TFAS anticipates that many organizations will continue to provide hybrid or virtual internships for students as they adjust to changing modes of operating in today’s more flexible and dynamic work environment. While TFAS will strive to place students in internships that meet their preferred work arrangement, students should be aware that not all internships will provide in-person work opportunities and are encouraged to focus on the substance of the work rather than the mode in which it is conducted.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Each internship experience in the Public Policy + Economics track is unique and your duties will likely vary day-to-day. There will be some typical intern duties, but you’ll also be assigned substantive work that will help you in your future career. You may cover hearings on Capitol Hill, work on public policy research papers, attend meetings and research critical government initiatives.
Picture yourself working on one of these exciting projects:
Giving a tour to visitors on Capitol Hill.
Attending a Congressional briefing and writing a detailed report.
Attending meetings with a think tank policy expert.
Researching data for a report on immigration reform initiatives.
Planning and developing a social media campaign for human trafficking awareness.
Attending a strategy meeting with coalition groups advocating for new comprehensive energy policies.
Researching housing and health policy for an annual report.
Helping draft and plan content for the launch of a new website.
Preparing civic education tool kits for social studies teachers.
Contacting Congressional offices to set up a briefing on the charitable assistance program.
Assisting with budget forecasting and creating information portals to organize vital data.
Where Will I Intern?
Internship positions exist within various fields and institutions, including Congressional offices, think tanks, federal agencies, policy shops and non-governmental organizations. Here is a sample of our past internship placements:
1st Amendment Partnership
60 Plus Association
Advanced Energy Economy
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
America First Policy Institute
America’s Future Foundation
America’s Service Commissions
American Action Forum
American Council of Trustees and Alumni
American Enterprise Institute
American Financial Services Association Education Foundation
American Legislative Exchange Council
Americans United for Life
Asian Pacific American Advocates National Center
Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
Atlantic Council
Ballotpedia
Bar Admissions Challenge Project
Campaign Financial Services
Capital Caring Health
Capital Research Center
Center for Christian Civics
Center for Education Reform
Central Union Mission
Character.org
Citizens Against Government Waste
Competitive Enterprise Institute
Congressional Offices on Capitol Hill
Consumer Choice Center
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Corazon Latino
DDC Public Affairs
Democracy Initiative
Economic Innovation Group
Energy Innovation Reform Project
FreedomWorks
Georgetown Law Center
Health & Medicine Counsel of Washington
Higher Learning Advocates
Institute for Free Speech
Institute for Sustainable Development
Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee
Knowledge Ecology International
Law & Economics Center, George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School
League of United Latin American Citizens
Mercatus Center at George Mason University
Mil Mujeres Legal Services
NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
National Campus Leadership Council
National Down Syndrome Society
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
National Foundation for Women Legislators
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Navajo Nation Washington Office
No Labels
North American Association for Environmental Education
Open Gov Hub
Parents Defending Education
PKH Enterprises
Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland
Public Affairs Council
Public Alliance
Public Spend Forum
Republican Governors Association
Republican Main Street Partnership
Small Business Association
So Others Might Eat
Speech First
Students for Liberty
The Brookings Institution
The Federalist Society
The Hertog Foundation
The Institute on Religion and Democracy
The Politics Company
U.S. Copyright Office
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, Justice, Transportation
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Office of Government Ethics
Voice of the People
Washington Council of Lawyers
Women in Government
World Bank
“My time at the USDA has been an incredible learning experience. I had no prior experience with either agriculture or housing before coming here, so I was able to not only gain firsthand knowledge of the functions of American government, but also discover the true value of many aspects of agencies that I did not previously know existed. The USDA serves a key role in the federal government’s response to the opioid crisis. Having the opportunity to work on that issue has been extremely meaningful, both in knowing that I contributed in some small way to alleviate a massive public health threat, and in gaining valuable experience that I can use to formulate my perspectives as I move into adulthood.”
Peter Simmons, University of Tulsa Intern, U.S. Department of Agriculture
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Each internship experience in the International Affairs track is unique and your duties will likely vary day-to-day. There will be some typical intern duties, but you’ll also be assigned substantive work that will help you in your future career. You may conduct research for a think tank expert, attend strategy meetings and briefings or write briefing papers related to international affairs.
Picture yourself working on one of these exciting projects:
Working on a strategic assessment of WMD development and proliferation in North Korea and Iran.
Attending a briefing in the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee and writing a detailed report.
Attending meetings with a leading expert on the Middle East.
Researching data for a report on new global trade initiatives.
Planning and developing a social media campaign for human trafficking awareness.
Attending a strategy meeting with representatives from international NGO’s concerned with climate change.
Coordinate details of a new initiative to combat cyber security threats.
Working with an embassy on immigration procedures and policies.
Planning the details of a visit of foreign dignitaries to Washington, D.C.
Where Will I Intern?
Internship positions exist within various fields and institutions, including Congress, think tanks, embassies and international non-governmental organizations. Here is a sample of our past internship placements:
Africa Faith & Justice Network
Africare Inc.
Alliance of Democracies
American Academy of Diplomacy
American Foreign Policy Council
American Friends of Kurdistan
American International Health Alliance
American Security Project
American Society of International Law
Arab America
Association for Community Empowerment
Association of Diplomatic Studies & Training
Atlantic Council
Atlas Corps
Atlas Network
Bank Information Center
Bretton Woods Committee
Business Council for International Understanding
Center for a Free Cuba
Center for a Secure Free Society
Center for European Policy Analysis
Center for the National Interest
Central American Resource Center
Consortium of Universities for Global Health
Counterpart International
Education for Peace in Iraq Center
Ethiopian Community Development Council
Eurasia Foundation
Foreign Policy Magazine
Free Russia Foundation
Free the Slaves
French-American Chamber of Commerce
Fusion Industry Association
GeoPoll
German Marshall Fund
Global Fund for Children
Grameen Foundation
Helsinki Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hoover Institute in Washington
Hudson Institute
Institute for the Study of War
Inter-American Dialogue
Inter-American Foundation
International Bar Association
International Foundation for Electoral Systems
International Rescue Committee
International Technology & Trade Associates
International Trade Administration – Office of European Country Affairs
Jamestown Foundation
Janes Intelligence
Leonardo DRS
Malaria No More
McCain Institute for International Leadership
National Bureau of Asian Research
National Defense University
National Democratic Institute
National Endowment for Democracy
National Immigration Forum
National Security Institute at George Mason University
National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce
Partnership for Transparency Fund
Praescient Analytics
Relief International
Religious Freedom Institute
RWR Advisory Group
Terrorism, Transnational Crime, and Corruption Center
The Fund for Global Human Rights
The Institute of World Politics
United Mission for Relief and Development
United Nations Association of the National Capital Area
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Office of International Affairs
US-China Business Council
US-Taiwan Business Council
WEConnect International
Women in Military Service for America Memorial
World Learning
“The US-Taiwan council provided me with an incredible opportunity to engage in foreign policy analysis and political/economic research on US-Taiwan-China relations. It furthered my career and connected me with people from all over D.C. in the Taiwan field.”
Megan Nair, Southwestern University Intern, US-Taiwan Business Council
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Each internship experience in the Journalism + Communications track is unique and your duties will likely vary day-to-day. There will be some typical intern duties, but you’ll also be assigned substantive work that will help you in your future career. You may report for the national desk of a newspaper, assist with the production of a radio program, record a video of a protest or do research for an investigative series.
Picture yourself working on one of these exciting projects:
Covering the latest legislative battle by attending a hearing or Press Conference on Capitol Hill.
Reporting on the steps of the Supreme Court as protesters exercise their first amendment rights.
Attending a national security press conference at the Pentagon.
Planning and developing a social media campaign for a client at a dynamic D.C. PR firm.
Meeting experienced reporters at a lunch at The National Press Club.
Writing a news story about a new member of Congress.
Recording video at the election rally of a Presidential candidate.
Contacting media outlets to help generate interest in a client’s new book.
Researching and fact-checking the claims of a political candidate for a TV producer.
Talking with a Capitol Hill staffer off the record about an FBI investigation.
Filing Freedom of Information Requests at the Federal Election Commission.
Where Will I Intern?
Internship positions exist within various fields and institutions, including print and broadcast media outlets, news services, internet publications, public relations firm, Capitol Hill press offices and advocacy organizations. Here is a sample of our past internship placements:
Al Arabiya Television
Aviation Week Magazine
Berman and Company
Catholic News Service
CRC Strategies
Fed Net News
Fierce Markets
German Press Agency
The Globe Post
The Hill Newspaper
Homeland Security Today Magazine
i24News TV
kglobal Public Relations
Kiplinger Media Company
Laslo Congressional News Bureau
Law Street Media
National Defense Magazine
Radio America
The New York Times
The Stream
Telemundo
Transport Topic News
Voice of America
The Washington Examiner
The Washington Times
The Well News
Young Voices Public Relations
“My internship provided me with valuable experience that helped me grow as a writer. I learned from news-hungry journalists who were always willing to help and guide me in the right direction. I wrote front page stories and interviewed multiple people throughout the Washington, D.C. area. This was honestly the most amazing experience and this internship showed me that I want to live in D.C. as a working journalist.”
Darla Dunning, Valdosta State University Intern, The Washington Times
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Each internship experience in the Business + Government Relations track is unique and your duties will likely vary day-to-day. There will be some typical intern duties, but you’ll also be assigned substantive work that will help you in your future career. You may meet with business leaders and key staff members on Capitol Hill, learn how companies interact with federal agencies, attend Congressional hearings, research legal issues of federal regulation or write for a company publication.
Picture yourself working on one of these exciting projects:
Developing a strategic marketing plan for a business group advocating a bill on Capitol Hill.
Attending a Congressional briefing or hearing and writing a detailed online report.
Researching data for a report on how business leaders deal with cyber terrorism threats.
Attending a strategy meeting with coalition groups advocating for new comprehensive energy policies.
Planningmeetings, attending conferences or assisting in coordinating events with coalitions with similar goals.
Attending a networking dinner of policymakers and industry leaders.
Working on a plan to enhance association membership participation for a national convention.
Researching talking points for your boss’s upcoming testimony before Congress.
Where Will I Intern?
Internship positions exist within various fields and institutions, including government affairs offices of national corporations, private firms and trade associations. Here is a sample of our past internship placements:
Advocacy Associates
Airlines for America
Alpine Group
American Council of Life Insurers
American Forest and Paper Association
American Lodging and Hospitality Association
American Society for Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition
American Trucking Association
Association of National Advertisers
BSA The Software Alliance
Caterpillar
Computing Research Association
Council for Responsible Nutrition
CSX
Dell
Diversity in Government Relations Coalition
eBay
Essential Minerals Association
Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America
Ford Motor Company
Gavel Resources
Grant Thornton
Health Industry Distributors Association
Healthcare Leadership Council
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Infineon Technologies
International Paper
Lobbyit
Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation
Mehlman Castagnetti
MetLife Inc.
National Association of Business Political Action Committees
National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
National Federation of Independent Businesses
NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association
Pharmaceutical Care Management Association
SEMI
Semiconductor Industry Association
Siemens
Small Business Administration
Stateside Associates
Technology CEO Council
The Hohlt Group
US Fashion Industry Association
World Shipping Council
“My internship has provided me with an excellent insight into the policy-making process and I have enjoyed going to briefings on Capitol Hill and meeting with Senators and Congressmen. This program provided the perfect intersection of business and politics…I hope to be working in government relations one day.”
Jeffrey Quin, Texas A&M University Intern, International Paper
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Each internship experience in Leadership + the American Presidency track is unique and your duties will likely vary day-to-day. There will be some typical intern duties, but you’ll also be assigned substantive work that will help you in your future career. You may cover hearings on Capitol Hill, work on public policy research papers, report for the national desk of a newspaper, write for a company publication, or plan events or conferences.
Picture yourself working on one of these exciting projects:
Attending a Congressional briefing or hearing and writing a detailed online report.
Talking with a Capitol Hill staffer off the record about upcoming legislation.
Attending meetings with a think tank policy expert.
Researching data for a report on immigration reform initiatives.
Planning and developing a social media campaign for a charitable cause or client at a dynamic D.C. PR firm.
Where Will I Intern?
Internship positions exist within various fields and institutions, including Congressional offices, think tanks, policy shops, media outlets, advocacy firms and non-governmental organizations. Here is a sample of our past internship placements:
60 Plus Association
American Legion
Americans for Tax Reform
AMP Global Youth
ASPIRA Association
Campaign Financial Services
Campaign for Youth Justice
Campus Vote Project
CentroNia
Character.org
Committee for Economic Development
Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute
Congressional Offices
Cool Blue Media
Council for a Strong America
Endangered Species Coalition
Environmental Investigation Agency
Everybody Wins! DC
Faith & Politics Institute
Food & Friends
Jump$tart Coalition
Kid Power, Inc.
Mil Mujeres Legal Services
Millennial Action Project
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Prevention of Blindness Society
Rock Creek Conservancy
Social Impact 360
Story Partners
Student Conservation Association
The Alpine Group
The Politics Company Inc.
The Salvation Army National Capitol Area Command
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Department of Transportation
Voices for a Second Chance
Voto Latino
White House Historical Association
“My internship exceeded all of my expectations. I fell in love with my internship site. I gained amazing connections to help me get a job after graduation. When I was there I never felt like I was at work.”
Kaytlyn Anzivino, University of Northern Iowa Intern, Food & Friends
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Each internship experience in Capital Semester is unique and your duties will likely vary day to day. There will be some typical intern duties, but you’ll also be assigned substantive work that will help you in your future career. You may cover hearings on Capitol Hill, work on public policy research papers, attend strategy meetings at a gathering of diplomats, research critical government initiatives, or plan events and conferences.
Picture yourself working on one of these exciting projects:
Attending a Congressional briefing and writing a detailed report.
Filing Freedom of Information Requests at the Federal Election Commission.
Researching data for a report on how business leaders are dealing with cyber terrorism threats.
Attending a strategy meeting with representatives from international NGO’s.
Planning and developing a social media campaign for human trafficking awareness.
Researching talking points for your boss’s upcoming testimony before Congress.
Where Will I Intern?
Internship positions exist within various fields and institutions, including Congressional offices, think tanks, policy shops, embassies, federal agencies, media outlets, and non-governmental organizations. Here is a sample of our past internship placements:
Advanced Energy Economy
American Academy of Diplomacy
American Shortline and Regional Railroad Association
Asia Policy Point
Association of Enterprise Opportunity
Civic Nation
Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute
Congressional Offices
Embassy of Israel
Faith & Policy Institute
Institute of World Politics
James Wilson Institute on Natural Rights and the American Founding
kglobal Public Relations
Mil Mujeres
National Defense University
Navajo Nation
North American Association of Environmental Education
Praescient Analytics
The Charles Group
U.S. – China Business Council
U.S. Department of Transportation
Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation
Voice of America
Washington Council of Lawyers
We-Empower
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
“Anyone can take a political science class and read about happens in a Congressional office, but working there offers insights and benefits that no text can grant. I have been able to hear the concerns of constituents and work alongside true public servants.”
Jacob Detiege, Millsaps College Intern, Office U.S. Congressman Cedric Richmond
“The program staff was very responsive to my interests and needs. They worked to place me in an internship where interests were matched.”
Ryan Ramseyer, United States Air Force Academy Intern, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Internship Placement Process
Why TFAS?
TFAS internship partner, Computing Research Association works to effect change that benefits both computing research and society.
We have strong relationships with hundreds of D.C. organizations. In the last 50+ years, we’ve placed more than 8,000 interns with thousands of organizations in the Washington Metropolitan area. Our vast network of connections ensures your resume ends up on the top of the hiring manager’s pile.
From the time you enroll in our program, dedicated staff will guide you through the internship placement process. You’ll be assigned your own internship coordinator that will ensure you are placed at an organization that matches your interests.
We guarantee an internship placement. Internship competition is stiff in Washington. Each summer more than 40,000 students flock to the Nation’s Capital to intern. D.C. is home to thousands of organizations in various fields including, Congress, federal agencies, think tanks, Fortune 500 Companies, government affairs firms, embassies, nonprofits and international non-governmental organizations.
“A highlight from my internship was being able to watch congressional hearings and listen to the committee meetings. It was wonderful to see how government works up close.”
Elizabeth Rencher, Colorado State University Intern, National Council of State Housing Agencies
How it Happens
Tell us about yourself. Once you enroll in our program, you’ll complete the Internship Questionnaire. This is the first step in getting to know you, it outlines your skills and experience, the issue areas of interest to you and your preferred organization types.
Develop a game plan. Next, we chat with you over the phone to better understand what you are looking to gain from your internship experience. During the call, we will discuss specific sites and outline a strategy for securing the best options for you.
Tailored internship resources. Our team will review your resume and provide personalized feedback to ensure you are a competitive candidate in the Washington market. Additionally, we will make sure you are ready to ace the interview. We will provide you with practice questions, interview tips and resources on researching organizations.
By your side the whole way. Once the program starts we will prepare you for your first day and be there for you throughout the summer to ensure you have the best experience possible.
94% of students said that the program helped them to develop professional skills for workplace.
Keep in Mind
Communication is key. Our placement team will stay in contact with you providing updates and guidance until you are placed. If you are not selected for a position after an interview or if you truly feel the internship would not be a strong fit, the process will continue until a placement is confirmed.
Timelines. Applying for the program early always ensures that more opportunities are available, but does not necessarily guarantee an early placement as the process can last up to three months. Good things take time!
Internship sites are all accessible by public transportation making your commute to your internship and class a breeze.