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roadnotaken t1_j2bz2t6 wrote

These are some of the most highly sought after internships in the country. Even the low hanging fruit is high by comparison.

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m4m4b4 t1_j2c1ykk wrote

Not sure if you’re only looking public sector, but don’t let people deter you by saying that there aren’t many internships here. Interns descend on this city in the summer (I did this along with a large group of college friends). There are tons of think tank roles available, the same private sector internships that would be available in any big city, and tons of small non-profits that literally run on unpaid labor

If you go to a school in the region, I’d be surprised if there weren’t job postings within career services for roles in D.C. If not, target some non-profits or think tanks that may be in an area of interest for you, find their employees on LinkedIn or the internet, and reach out with a personalized note asking to chat - learn about what they do and, if it sounds interesting, don’t be afraid to ask at the end of the conversation if they offer summer internships

Opportunities are aplenty, you just have to look far and wide

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d1dzter t1_j2c4l3j wrote

If you're in DC already, you already have a leg up. Rather than apply to less competitive internships, I'd critically examine your application materials and find ways to stand out.

For example:

  • Are you writing unique cover letters and tailoring your CV to each job post?
  • Are you applying to internships within your area of specialization?
  • Have you networked with alumni?
  • Have you spoken to people who work at your target organizations?
  • Have you attended internship sessions at school and been to internship presentations if they're offered?
  • Have you stalked candidates on LinkedIn to see what professional backgrounds/skills they have?
  • Are you building hard skills in things like Microsoft Excel, Tableau, STATA, R, ArcGIS, etc.?

In my opinion, if you're not doing all of the above, then you're not playing the internship game properly. I say this as someone who just completed their Master's at SAIS and has 10+ years of professional work experience. I also secured several competitive internships while at school.

So take a step back, breathe, and think about what you want to accomplish. See what skills they need and go out and spend the semester obtaining them. Go to your career center and get feedback on your resume and cover letters. Learn how to massage your prior work experience into meeting the requirements of each internship application.

I sincerely believe you can do this. 90% of it is just thinking three or four steps ahead, networking, and presenting yourself professionally.

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Playful-Translator49 t1_j2cgh0h wrote

DC is more of a who you know place. It’s easy to get a hill internship if you know anyone who’s donated any $$ to a candidate etc. or be from the members district, volunteer etc on any candidate from where you vote and then apply. If you’ve put in any leg work you’ll get it.

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Playful-Translator49 t1_j2chkfg wrote

It depends, ask your counselor at school, however, if you’re not from DC, get involved with your home state members of Congress, they all have events in DC, look up their state societies they most likely have local events. Apply in district, on their campaigns etc then apply for an internship in the DC office, apply at the senate and house placement offices for internships etc. you can get school credit for internships depending on your major etc

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dontforgetpants t1_j2cx65o wrote

It’s not a dumb question. For federal government, they should be mostly posted online on USAjobs (listed as internships or specifically as a “pathways” internship. Those will rely a lot less on who you know than a Hill internship.

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