Internship Information
The internship is an integral part of the Washington Program. Washington Program staff work closely with program participants to help them find an internship that fits their educational goals and interests. Students are ultimately responsible for researching what internships are available, preparing applications, and making their final choice based on the offers they receive.
The UC Davis Washington Program, located in the Internship and Career Center in South Hall, has a library of reference books and a database that provides information on hundreds of internships and descriptions of the organizations that offer them. In many cases, the Program has evaluations of internships written by past Davis students. Washington Program staff and student alumni of the Program can answer questions, provide advice, and assist with applications.
Searchable and downloadable Master Lists
Internship opportunities organized alphabetically, by Major, and by interest area.
Internship Responsibilities
Internships provide a variety of experiences. Interns typically have substantive responsibilities, such as research, writing, attending and reporting on congressional hearings, planning activities, and involvement in other aspects of the organization. Interns usually take on some general office duties. As a student, you have already developed many of the skills you will need to have a successful internship: writing, research, analysis, and computer competency. You should be the kind of person who can work well both independently and as part of a group. Most of all, you need to be personally committed to learning as much as possible from the experience.
Students in the Academic Program offered Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters typically work three to four days per week, 24-32 hours, to leave time for courses and research projects. Summer Program students that do not enroll for academic credit usually work five days per week. Those registered for academic credit usually work four days per week. Most internships are unpaid. Some summer internships are paid, although usually at a nominal rate. Students should choose their internships based on their educational and career value. Any stipends or other financial arrangements are the responsibility of the individual student to work out with the internship supervisor.
Internships with Early Deadlines
Deadlines for some internships occur earlier than Washington Program deadlines because of the need to satisfy a security clearance. These include organizations such as the Department of State, Department of Defense, and the White House. For more information on the application process, please contact our staff or visit the organization's web site.