Academic Internship Program

Gone are the days when a college degree alone guaranteed a strong start to your career. Today, employers are hiring fewer entry-level professionals, thanks in part to AI automation.

Every spring, a familiar sight returns to Washington, D.C. Students flood into offices for internships that promise career-launching opportunities. But this year, something’s different.

This summer, Ethan Espenship, a Senior at Florida State University, interned with the DACOR Bacon House Foundation as a Collections Intern via The Washington Center’s Academic Internship Program.

As a Cook Honors College student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and emerging media producer, Eynmarie has been busy with her summer internship in Washington, D.C.

Through The Washington Center’s Academic Internship Program, Jessica Enriquez Vargas interned at the Law Offices of Karp, Norwind, Gold, & Karp, where she supported the legal firm's clients.

Vy Tran’s summer internship wasn’t just about scooping ice cream – it was about scooping up new skills for her professional growth as well as new business opportunities for D/Lai Ice Cream.

As AI transforms the future of work, TWC Academic Internship Program (AIP) interns like Marris Sobotka are gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of law, technology and public service.

A rising senior at Ohio Northern University majoring in Political Science with minors in Pre-Law and Sociology – an academic foundation that fueled her impactful work on pressing mental health policy.

If you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident flying to Washington, D.C. or planning to visit federal sites as part of your TWC program, there’s a critical item you must have: a REAL ID.

Meet Abigail Smart, a Junior at the University of New Hampshire, double majoring in International Affairs and Political Science with a concentration in International Security.  

In this spotlight, Álvaro shares how he turned challenges into opportunities, from designing systems to track community concerns to deepening his understanding of U.S. foreign affairs.

A political science student with a deep curiosity for how past events shape today’s world, Hussein Rifath brought his academic passion to life during his internship at the Department of Justice.

Currently a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, Elizabeth Gomez Solis interned with the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, where she provided critical support and policy research.

From developing Power BI dashboards to streamlining reporting processes and crafting strategic insights, Temirlan is making a significant impact.

Payton Cavanaugh, a junior at Emerson College majoring in International Relations, made waves during her internship at Voice of America (VOA). With a passion for storytelling and global...

At The Washington Center (TWC), we know internships are not just a box to check—they are a foundational step toward your career. But as internships have become more competitive and the workplace...

As the largest and most established academic internship program in the U.S., we work with thousands of students to navigate their internship journey, make informed decisions and maximize the...

Jorge Avila’s journey with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) was a masterclass in resilience, adaptability and the power of civic engagement during a pivotal moment in American politics.

MacKenzie Cruz, is making a powerful impact as an intern with the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children, tackling critical issues affecting children worldwide.

Stephanie Samsel interned at the Heritage Foundation and took on diverse roles as a temporary marketing project coordinator.