Congratulations on your admission to the UC Davis Washington Program! This page serves as your essential manual for preparing for your upcoming quarter in Washington, D.C. From cohort calendars and ground transportation to professional grooming and internship hour requirements, you will find every resource needed to ensure a smooth transition and a successful professional experience.
Jump to Section:
- Cohort Program Calendars
- Professional Development Workshops
- Arrival & Ground Transportation
- Navigating to the Center on Foot
- Packing Checklist & D.C. Living Tips
- Internship Hour Requirements
- Professionalism, Dress Codes & Grooming
- Interview Skills & Strategies
- Navigating Internship Offers
- Professional Email Templates (17 Examples)
Cohort Program Calendars
The calendars below are living documents for current participants only and are updated frequently to include payment schedules, financial aid guidance, and workshop materials. Refer to the section for your designated quarter.
- Summer 2026 Cohort Calendar
- Fall 2026 Cohort Calendar
- Winter 2027 Cohort Calendar
- Spring 2027 Cohort Calendar
Professional Development Workshops
Current participants should register for workshops on the Workshop Registration Page.
Review these materials if you missed a session. Mock interviews may also be scheduled via email at [email protected].
- Resume: Slides | Relevant Coursework Resume Template | No Relevant Coursework Resume Template | 185 Verbs
- Cover Letter: Slides | Template
- Internship Search: Slides | Recording
- Interview Skills: Slides | Recording
For additional resources, visit the UC Davis Career Center.
Arrival & Ground Transportation
Plan to arrive at the Washington Center during designated check-in hours. Consult airport websites for the latest ground transportation and Metro accessibility.
Reagan National Airport (DCA) - Preferred (5 Miles)
- Uber/Lyft: Coordinate with other students to share fares.
- Taxicabs: Approximately $20.00.
- Super Shuttle: Approximately $15.00 one way (1-800-BLUE-VAN).
- Metrorail ($1.35): Take Blue line toward Addison Road to Farragut West (17th St Exit). Walk 4 blocks north to Rhode Island Ave NW. Only for minimal luggage.
Dulles International Airport (IAD) - 27 Miles
- Uber/Lyft: Fares of $50 or more are typical.
- Super Shuttle: Approximately $30.00. Catch at Curb 1D or 1F.
- Washington Flyer Taxi: Approximately $60.00 (703-661-6655).
- Flyer Coach to Metro: $8.00 coach to West Falls Church Station, then $2.30 Metro fare.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) - 32 Miles
- Uber/Lyft: Fares of $50 or more are typical.
- Super Shuttle: Approximately $35.00 one way.
- Taxi: Approximately $73.00 (410-859-1100).
Navigating to the Center on Foot
The Center (1608 Rhode Island Ave NW) is equidistant from three Metro stations. Use the following directions once you exit the station:
[Image of Washington DC metro map]
| Metro Station | Walking Directions to the Center |
|---|---|
| Dupont Circle (Red Line - South Exit) | Walk down 19th St two blocks to M St, turn left, cross Connecticut Ave, and follow signs for Rhode Island Ave NW for 2 blocks. |
| Farragut North (Red Line - L St Exit) | Turn left and walk one block to 17th St, turn left and walk 3 blocks to Rhode Island Ave NW, turn right. The Center is the second building past the parking lot. |
| Farragut West (Blue/Orange - 17th & I Sts Exit) | Walk north on 17th St toward K St, turn right on K St, turn left on 17th St, turn right on Rhode Island Ave NW. |
Packing Checklist & D.C. Living Tips
Mailing & Shipping Information
Ship packages no more than three days before arrival. Address: [Your Name], 1608 Rhode Island Ave NW, Apt #New Resident, Washington, D.C. 20036.
The "No Slip" Rule: Check your 4th-floor mailbox for notices. If there is no slip, your package hasn't arrived or hasn't been sorted yet.
D.C. Living Tips
- Grocery Bags: Plastic bags cost 5 to 10 cents. Bring reusable bags to save money and help the environment.
- Transportation Subsidies: Check if your workplace offers travel reimbursements or subsidies.
- Metro SmarTrip: Provided during the academic year; summer students must purchase their own ($2.00 fee) at CVS/Giant or online.
Packing Essentials
- Docs: Real ID, Student ID, medical insurance cards, and necessary medications.
- Apartment: Pillows, XL-twin sheets, hangers, travel mug, laptop/charger, towels, toiletries, shower shoes, and hair dryer.
- Professional: Full suits, shoes, socks, belt, professional bag, walking shoes, and rain gear (umbrella, raincoat, boots).
- Extras: Travel bag for weekends, nightlife attire, first aid kit, and a journal.
Internship Hour Requirements
Academic quarter participants (Fall, Winter, Spring) must complete a minimum of 240 work hours by the end of the term (averaging 24 hours per week). Taking time off does not reduce this total.
Summer participant hour requirements are as follows:
| Summer Enrollment Status | Minimum Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Non-Credit Option | No minimum (240 recommended) |
| 4 Units | 240 hours |
| 8 Units | 400 hours |
Professionalism, Dress Codes & Grooming
Employer requirements vary, so better to slightly overdress than underdress.
- Business Professional: Conservative dark suits (black, navy, gray), cardigans, ties, conservative patterns, closed-toe heels or flats, and no white socks.
- Business Casual: Slacks, knee-length skirts, collared shirts, nice sweaters, sport coats, and blazers. No sandals or sneakers.
- Casual: Clean dark jeans, polos, and button-downs. No beach, club, or gym attire.
Grooming Guidelines
- Neatness: Clothes must be clean and ironed. Sock length should hide skin when sitting.
- Etiquette: Hair and facial hair must be neat. Dyed hair should be a natural color. Use fragrance sparingly or not at all.
- Fit: Avoid revealing, midriff-baring, or low-cut items. Check garment transparency under office lights.
Interview Skills & Strategies
Interviews showcase your personality, interpersonal skills, and ability to handle pressure.
- Mastering Common Questions
"Tell us about yourself": One-minute professional summary focusing on education and skills. Do not mention hobbies or family.
"Strengths": Align with the job posting and frame as feedback (e.g., "My manager noted..."). Avoid "hard worker" or "driven".
"Weaknesses": Choose a minor, fixable flaw like public speaking nerves. State how you are improving.
"Why should we hire you?": Highlight 3 or 4 unique reasons you are a match and back them up with value you can add.
Handling Unknowns: Use "Hmm... great question" to buy time. Think out loud. If you don't know a concept, emphasize being a quick learner.
- Specialized Interview Formats
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- Meal Interview: A formal evaluation where manners count. If alcohol is offered, be conservative in consumption.
- Panel/Group: Introduce yourself to everyone. Shake each hand and maintain eye contact. Do not repeat other candidates' answers.
- Phone/Zoom: Arrive 10-15 mins early. For phone, stand up and smile to improve projection. For Zoom, look at the camera, not the screen, and use a blank wall background.
- What to Ask (and Avoid)
Ask: Day-to-day responsibilities, exemplary intern accomplishments, and next steps in the process.
Avoid: Pay, hours, feedback on your performance, or "did I get it?".
Navigating Internship Offers
Accepting Offers
Accept verbally over the phone, then follow up immediately with an email confirmation restating acceptance and confirming start dates. Once you accept, you cannot change your mind.
Requesting More Time
Tell them the opportunity is interesting and ask, "When would you need my final decision by?". Do not let them know you are considering other offers. Respond by the date they provide.
Rejecting Offers
Be extremely prompt. Thank the coordinator sincerely and tell them you must decline. You do not have to justify your reason.
Professional Email Templates
Use these as a polished foundation and tailor them to match your voice. Click the dropdowns below to view the templates.
- Accept Internship Offer
- Subject: Acceptance of Internship Offer. [Dear Internship Coordinator], I am thrilled to accept the internship with [Organization] this coming [Quarter]. I will arrive in D.C. on [Date] and start on [Date]. Please let me know if there are additional forms. Sincerely, [Full Name].
- Application Submission
- Subject: Application for [Quarter, Year] [Position] at [Organization]. [Dear Internship Coordinator], I am a junior at UC Davis participating in UCDC. Attached are my resume, cover letter, and references for the [Position]. Sincerely, [Full Name].
- Inquiring About Internship Availability
- Subject: Inquiring About Internship Availability. [Dear Internship Coordinator], I will be in D.C. during [Quarter] for UCDC. I am inquiring if [Organization] offers internships for this term and how to apply. Sincerely, [Full Name].
- Networking Email (Career Advice)
- Subject: Request for Career Advice. [Dear Ms. Smith], My name is [Full Name], a student at UC Davis interning at [Organization]. [Reference Name] recommended I reach out to gather career insights. Sincerely, [Full Name].
- 13 Additional Templates: (Includes Application Follow-Up, Research Inquiry, Confirm Interview, Decline Offer, Interview Scheduling, Interview Thank You, Withdrawal, Reschedule Emergency, Request More Info, Decision Deadline, Request More Time, Signature Line).