Students mix theory with practice by participating in the Semester in Washington Program in Politics and Public Policy Internship/Internship Class. Three days per week, students immerse themselves in a professional experience in a public policy organization, federal agency, lobbying group, public relations firm, media outlet, private sector organization, or on Capitol Hill.

Internships take students behind the scenes to participate in the greater political process, earning 3 credits in conjunction with the accompanying internship class. Students may conduct projects with House and Senate staff members, learn the inner workings of a lobbying firm, see government in action with elected officials, or support policy experts in their research. Students forge valuable connections and apply their new skills to real-world projects with key Washington leaders and decision makers.

Students reflect on their internship experience in weekly class meetings. In addition, the electronic portfolio allows students to critically analyze their internships in a creative and academic manner. Capturing both process and outcome of their respective internships, the e-portfolio presents a lasting depiction of their Semester in Washington experience.

Several weeks before the start of the spring semester, Georgetown University provides students with a network of organizations as well as extensive guidance to find and secure an internship position. Semester in Washington internship advisors guide students in selecting a position that aligns closely with their individual academic and professional goals. Georgetown University also provides advice on every aspect of the internship, from preparing a winning resume to learning effective interview techniques to developing essential networking skills.

While the internship constitutes 60 percent of each student's final grade, the accompanying internship class and respective class assignments constitute 40 percent of the final grade for the overall Semester in Washington internship/academic seminar.

To view a sample syllabus for the American Politics and Public Affairs internship class, please click here.

Possible Internships Include:
American Enterprise Institute
Americans for Democratic Action
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee
Business Council for International Understanding
CATO Institute
CBS News
Center for American Progress
The Center for Public Integrity
Center for the Study of the Presidency
CNN Political Unit
Corporate Executive Board
Deloitte & Touche USA LLP
Democratic National Committee
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Ernest & Young
Hedrick Smith Productions
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Library of Congress
NASA History Division
National Conference of State Legislators
National Park Service
National Republican Senatorial Committee
NBC News
Project on National Security Reform
Public Strategies Inc.
Republican National Committee
Smithsonian Institution
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Commercial Service
U.S. Congress
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Rules
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
U.S. Senate