Internship Process

Compiling Your Application

Before starting your internship search, it's essential to put together a compelling application. This includes refining your resume, crafting a strong cover letter, and gathering any necessary materials that showcase your skills and experiences. Visit our guide on compiling your application to get started.

The Internship Search Process

Discover countless internship opportunities across industries, no matter your major! Use our internship by major tool to explore internships based on your current or prospective major, including examples from past students. Browse our Potential Student Internships book for inspiration and start your search with the support of our dedicated staff.

As a Washington Program student, you’ll gain exclusive access to internship resources, expert guidance, and a database to help you navigate the process with confidence. Through workshops, application prep, interview practice, and offer evaluation, we’ll equip you with the tools to secure a meaningful internship in D.C.

Getting Started

A successful internship search starts with clear career goals and a strong understanding of available opportunities. Use search engines, internship platforms, and organization websites to research options. Check out the search engines below to get started!

  • General
  • • Indeed: Best for general internships spanning policy, marketing, research, and advocacy.
    • Linkedin: Best for students seeking tailored searches by career interests.
    • Idealist: Best for students interested in nonprofits or think tanks. 
    • Glassdoor: Best for Researching company reviews, salary data, and interview experiences, in addition to job searching. STEM friendly.
    • Handshake: Best for college students and recent graduates looking for internships, job opportunities, and campus-specific opportunities.
    • FastWeb: Best for general college students and recent graduates looking for scholarships, internships, and entry-level positions.
    • Foreign Policy Association Job Board: Best for careers in international affairs, foreign policy, diplomacy, and global relations.
    • Global Jobs: Best for international job seekers looking for opportunities outside of their home country.
    • Google Group for Jobs in DC: Best for networking and job opportunities in Washington, D.C., particularly for government, policy, and advocacy roles.
    • Google Jobs:  Best for searching across multiple job boards, company websites, and aggregators for a streamlined job search experience.
    • InternJobs: Best for internship seekers looking for short-term, temporary, or project-based roles across various industries.
    • Internweb: Best for matching students and recent graduates with internship opportunities.
    • MediaBistro: Best for careers in media, publishing, and creative fields (e.g., journalism, marketing, PR).
    • Monster: Best for broad job searches across many industries, including full-time and part-time roles.
    • National Labor Exchange: Best for government job seekers, particularly those interested in federal, state, and local government positions.
    • Pathways-USAJobs for Students: Best for federal government internships and entry-level positions for students and recent graduates.
    • SimplyHired: Best for broad job search that combines results from multiple job boards and company listings.
    • Way Up: Best for internships and early-career roles tailored to underrepresented groups and young professionals.
    • ZipRecruiter: Best for quick job searching with easy-to-use interface that integrates with multiple job boards and company websites.
  • Government
  • • USAJobs: Best for students interested in federal government jobs.
    • Senate Employment Bulletin
    • U.S. Senate 
    • U.S. House of Representatives
    • U.S. House of Representatives - Jobs & Internships
    • U.S. House of Representatives - College Internships
    • White House
    • Federal internships
    • HillZoo
  • GoinGlobal
  • • GoinGlobal: Best for students seeking global, nonprofit, and corporate internships.
  • Types and Lists of Nonprofits in DC
  • • CauseIQ

Internship Responsibilities

As a Washington Program intern, you’ll take on a variety of meaningful tasks that help you develop valuable professional skills. 

During the academic year (Fall, Winter, Spring), students are required to earn academic credit by interning at an organization for three to four days a week (24-32 hours) and must complete at least 264 hours over 11 weeks. In addition to the internship, students are expected to complete academic obligations in the form of the required 4 credit core seminar during the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters

During the summer, interns work three to five days a week (24-40 hours) and must complete at least 240 hours over 10 weeks, regardless of earning academic credit.. To receive academic units, your internship must meet the following minimum hour requirements per week:

•    4 Units: 24 or more hours
•    6 Units: 32 or more hours
•    8 Units: 40 hours

For any questions or exceptions regarding unit enrollment or internship hours please contact the Program Director at washingtonprogram@ucdavis.edu. 

Early Deadline Internship Programs

Some internships, particularly those requiring security clearances or background checks, have earlier deadlines than the Washington Program application. Plan ahead if you’re interested in opportunities with:

  • Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): Apply 12 months before your intended start date.
  • U.S. Department of State: Deadlines vary—January-February for Fall, May-June for Spring.
  • The White House: Deadlines typically fall April-May for Fall, July-August for Spring.
  • The Supreme Court: Apply by June 15 for Fall, October 15 for Spring.

If you're considering one of these programs, start your application early to stay on track!