Intern Files – Page 2 – University Honors Program Blog

Intern Files: Interning During the School Year

February 17, 2016General News, Intern Files, Student Peer Advisors, Student Voices

This post was written by Peer Advisor Bridger, a junior in SMPA studying political communication. View his full profile here.
When summer rolls around, thousands of students, attending colleges all across the world, descend upon D.C. to pursue one of the many great internships that are available. In this environment, it can be extremely difficult to get a “dream internship.” But, as GW students we actually have a better chance at landing some of the most sought after and prestigious internships anywhere in the world. The reason: we can work at these places during the school year. Companies, charities, government agencies, etc. still like to have interns year round. Thus, if you’re willing to intern part time during the year, you can turn the supply-demand relationship between employer and prospective employee in your favor.

US Senator Steve Daines (MT), who I interned with in Spring 2015

Since coming to The George Washington University, I have held three internships that have allowed me to pursue interests in legislative politics, 24 hour news, and political campaigns. I pursued two of these three internships during the school year., and I can definitely say that this was a great decision for me personally. It allowed me to balance family, professional experience, and academic studies in a way that allowed for the best of both worlds. I made friends and professional connections, and because I was the only intern, I was able to do a little bit of everything for everyone.

"The Hall of the States", where I worked in the Fall of 2015 — “The Hall of the States”, where I worked in the Fall of 2015

Before you go any further thinking about interning during the year, however, it will be important to take stock of the amount of time you have during a given week. The absolute low end of workable hours for an internship in D.C. is usually somewhere between 10 and 15 hours per week, so seriously consider whether you have the time to spare before you get further into the process. Alright, now that that disclaimer is out of the way, I can provide my pointers on how to intern during the year, while keeping everything else in (relative) order. Here we go!

Make the decision regarding interning before you make your class schedule
One of the most important aspects of interning during the school year is simply having the time during the week to do so. If at all possible, do your best to schedule at least two days during the week that are mostly dedicated to your internship. Otherwise, many places won’t be able to accommodate your schedule. It seems obvious, however for a lot of people the thing that prevents them from holding a Spring or Fall internship really is 11:10 AM classes Monday through Friday.

Be honest with your potential employer about how much time you have
Adding 20 hours to your weekly schedule could get overwhelming fast, especially if you don’t have the time to undertake such an arduous time commitment. Whether it’s during the interview, in a cover letter, or after an offer is made, be sure to make clear how long, and when, you’re free to be at the office. These places understand that you’re in school, and they’re generally quite accommodating of your schedule. However, if you’re not up front about how much time you can dedicate to their workload, it could lead to greater problems down the road.

Try to make a weekly routine, and stick to it!
During the Fall of 2015, I interned on a Sunday morning political talk show that required me to be at the studio by 5:00 AM. This meant waking up around 3:30 AM, and thus, made getting any other work done all of Sunday a near impossibility. However, I was able to weather this situation by getting in the habit of doing more work during the week, and by never letting anything due on Monday linger past Saturday. While your internship may not have such odd hours, it will be important to make weekly habits and to stick to them as best as you can, including your non-academic commitments.

So, there you have it: my three top tips for how to successfully intern during the year. While it may not be the best thing for everyone to do, holding a Spring or Fall internship can be an effective way to take advantage of some of the best opportunities available in the district. I hope this mini-guide to undertaking such a commitment has helped you in some way, and that whether it is during the Fall, Spring, or Summer, you’re able to pursue your professional interests during your time at GW.

Intern Files: RWJ Summer Clinical Internship Program

October 14, 2015General News, Intern Files, Student Peer Advisors, Student Voices

This blog post was written by Shelly Sharma, a junior in CCAS studying Psychology with a concentration in cognitive neuroscience. Shelly is also pursuing the pre-health track.
As the summer of 2015 was quickly approaching and it occurred to me I had no definite summer plans, I quickly began perusing the interwebs to find either an internship or something medical related to do during the summer. After constantly finding about programs where the application deadline had passed, I finally found the RWJ Summer Clinical Internship Program (SCIP.) I knew I had to apply to the program right away for two reasons: 1. The deadline had not passed yet and 2. It was in NJ, close by my house, so I did not have to worry about finding housing for the summer! After filling out a quick application, asking professors for recommendations, and waiting frantically for a decision, I heard back and was accepted into the program. Going into the SCIP Program, I had absolutely no idea what to expect and how this would be one of the most pivotal moments in my pre-med journey.
The doctor I was shadowing, Dr. Gupta, was trained in endovascular and vascular neurosurgery. Thus, during my six weeks, I got the opportunity to spend time in the operating room (my favorite place), the angiosuite, where endovascular neurosurgery takes place, and the clinic, where patients would come in after surgeries for a checkup. Additionally, during lunchtime, different doctors would come in and talk to the SCIP students about their specialty in a seminar series. Thus, I was not only learning about neurosurgery, but all the different fields in medicine, such as from OB-GYN, Emergency Medicine, and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.
Dr. Gupta was an amazing doctor to shadow because he cared so much about teaching students about the wonderful field of neurosurgery. When the program first began, I was so afraid of asking Dr. Gupta or anyone else on his team questions because I did not want to sound dumb. However, the whole neurosurgery team at RWJ encouraged asking questions and maximizing learning, so once I let go of my fear, I would constantly ask questions. Many times my questions were answered by another questions. At first what was frustrating was the best learning technique ever! I was constantly thinking and working to find my own answers, well with the help of the doctors and nurses, of course! This was especially beneficial for my SCIP presentation where I had to in about five minutes explain how to treat a brain aneurysm!
Why was this such a rewarding experience?
Although I was merely a shadow, I saw such amazing procedures, met wonderful doctors and nurses, and learned that being a doctor is the career for me. There were times where I was in the operating room and unable to properly see the procedures going on, but I still learned about the procedures. The surgeons either talked through the procedure or explained what was going on afterwards. All the doctors at RWJ are committed to their patients. Even though the doctors were in a constant rush, if a patient or a member of a patient’s family ever needed to talk to the doctors, they took the time to talk to them. Seeing this everyday was how I figured out that being pre-med is the right track for me. I cannot imagine doing anything else, but coming into a hospital every day, meeting with patients, doing surgeries, and working so close with other doctors. Doctors are students for life, constantly are learning about new techniques and improvements in medicine, meeting new people, and changing the world.
Six weeks, and what felt like a thousand plus hours later (okay it may have just been about 380 hours), I have gained the clinical experience that medical schools look for, but more than anything I have found my calling in life. The journey to medical school is hard, but seeing how incredible all the doctors at RWJ are I know it is all worth it! I only wish this program lasted longer, but alas all good things must come to an end.
After being a part of SCIP, here is my advice for pre-meds:

ASK QUESTIONS! No question is dumb. If I was not encouraged to ask questions this summer, I don’t think that the experience would have been as amazing! Shout out to the neurosurgery team at RWJ that would answer my questions during surgeries!
Carry your phone at all times! This one is kinda weird, I know, but it is needed so that you can quickly be called to the other side of the hospital if an interesting case comes by or simply to take notes.
That being said always, always in a clinical setting take notes! Information is constantly being thrown at you, the names of everything medical are complicated, and there is only so much that you can remember!
Keep in touch with your mentors. Mentors are not just wonderful people for letters of recs, but they are there to answer any questions you may have about the field and can give you a glimpse into what your future may be like!
If you are looking for clinical experience or summer internships, here is an awesome website that has a complied list of programs!
Being pre-med is not easy, but if you are truly passionate about it, stick with it because in the end it will all be worth it!

If you have any questions about being pre-med or about my internship or are just fascinated by neurology or neurosurgery, feel free to email me at shells_sharma@gwmail.gwu.edu!!

Intern Files: Diplomatic Internship

September 16, 2015General News, Intern Files, Student Voices

That’s me in the middle, and yes, this is the Instagram version

My summer internship was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my short career, but the story starts a year ago.
How did it happen?
I met a girl at an event last fall at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace who was interning with the Kurdistan Regional Government Office of Representation in DC (KRG-US). If you’re unfamiliar with the details of their situation, the Kurds are an ethnic minority and live in northern Iraq, northwestern Iran, northeastern Syria, and southeastern Turkey. They have been called the biggest nation without a state, and currently some of them (mostly the Iraqi Peshmerga and Syrian YPG) are considered the most successful local forces fighting the Islamic State. I could go on, but you can read more about the Kurds for yourself here.
I shot off an email with a resume and some questions, and heard back… nothing. Pretty disappointing, but since I was taking six classes, I figured maybe it was better that I had one less thing on my plate.
Months went by, it got cold and dark, and then one day in early March I got an email from my Persian professor asking if I’d be interested in interning for the KRG-US office. They needed an extra person just a few hours a week, and my professor was friends with their Director of Public Affairs. I jumped at the opportunity, and got asked to come in once a week (after an interview and submitting my resume and a writing sample).
What did I do?
The KRG-US office is a small one, with five directorates, the Representative and her assistant, and three interns (usually). It means that we get to do a little bit of everything. When I started, I did the usual intern jobs of answering the phone and emails, typing up notes, and scanning. The coolest not-cool things I did were deliver notes to Congress and draft diplomatic correspondence (including a letter to Angelina Jolie). I reported daily on official press briefings (from State, Defense, and the White House). I also wrote summaries on events at think tanks, articles published about the Kurds, and meetings. So many meetings. My favorite job, my pet task, was graphing the airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, as well as tracking arms supplies to the Peshmerga. Many of these reports were translated and sent to the KRG cabinet for special briefings – it’s cool to think that my writing reached people across the world and potentially helped form their policies.
Who did I meet?
Apart from the amazing KRG-US staff, whose stories are each unique and incredible, I met former and current members of Congress, staffers, and representatives of the Defense and State Departments. I shook hands with the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and have a picture with his Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Peshmerga. I was invited to come to the American University of Duhok, Kurdistan and conduct research. I saw Ted Cruz from across a room and took a marginally creepy picture of David Petraus, to prove that I saw him. I exchanged words with retired General Jay Garner, who commanded forces during Desert Storm and Operation Provide Comfort.
What was my favorite thing?
My favorite thing was organizing a reception to thank US veterans who served in Kurdistan (see picture above). Rumor has it that this was the first event of its kind, and we had over 200 guests in our old townhouse, from retired four-star generals to ex-special forces to contractors, federal employees, and of course Kurdish community members. You can check out pictures from the event here, but the best part was talking to service members and hearing about how thankful they were to the people of Kurdistan for their hospitality and sacrifices. I’m now doing research for someone I met at the event, so it goes to show that you never know how one thing will turn into another (ask me about what I’m researching and why, I’m sort of obsessed with it).
Sounds cool! How do I sign up to do it myself?
KRG-US is actually hiring at least one intern for the fall semester now! You can see this related post about how to apply, or email me at evamartin@gwu.edu if you aren’t sure – I’m happy to tell you even more.

Intern Files: On Thinking Big Picture

March 4, 2015Intern Files

As the UHP heads onto Spring Break, undoubtedly many of you will be hustling to send out resumes and cover letters for coveted internships at this or that Agency, NGO, law firm, what have you… It may be your first, or it may be a summer fellowship that you hope leads into a job after graduation.
In choosing where to apply, ask yourself this question:
What do I want to show for myself after this internship? What do I want to show for myself when I am graduating with a few under my belt?
When I was a freshman, a highly experienced senior gave me the following advice. “Balance your perspective. Be able to show a potential employer that you see all sides of your industry, and can work with anyone.”
For me, the industry is international security policy. So the summer after my sophomore year, I took a think tank internship that, let’s face it, was unfulfilling. I spent most of my days reading BBC News and Huffington Post’s Crime or Wedding stories, chain-drinking coffee. But I tried hard at what I did, and got a good recommendation from it.
Heading into junior fall, I got a gig abroad at a bigger think tank with a more responsibility. And the big names showed well on my resume, leading to the State Department, and eventually, a large consulting firm.
Don’t panic; it will all fall into place. So what will your narrative be?
My narrative is that by working in think tanks, in the government, and then for government consulting and contracting, I got a taste of many possible sides of work. Now, applying for full time jobs as a senior, my door is wide open – I can apply to any type of firm and give them a solid reason why I want to work there, and what learned about other sectors. Because let’s face it: your picture of a perfect career will change between freshman and senior years. Don’t paint yourself into a corner and realize that one day, you don’t have the experience you wanted.
College is a time to experiment before choosing a full time job. Try many things, be willing to take risks, and finish college with a wide perspective to share.

Intern Files: Capitol Hill

October 22, 2014Intern Files1 Comment

If you’re a polisci major, chances are you’ve dreamt of interning on Capitol Hill since before you even sent in a college deposit. Here at GW, “hillterning” is a rite of passage. Having interned in both Congressional District and Capitol Hill offices (Team Holt!), I’m here to share my experiences. Like a true political scientist, I’ve laid out my top three points for you to consider. Of course, they aren’t absolute by any means. Some staffers will be more ideologically driven than others. Some offices won’t care if you aren’t from their district. Much like the legislative agenda, nothing is set in stone. That being said, being an informed applicant will only help you in the long run.

Fatema.Interning — Business Casual! Walking, talking and gesticulating! Fatema can do it all…

Pick your team.
Most GW students are passionately political, party-memorabilia emblazoned laptops and all. For those of you who aren’t ready to commit to a party, tough luck. From my time on the Hill and at a think tank, I’ve learned that it’s imperative to pick your party affiliation and stick with it. Offices want to see a loyal staffer who won’t try to undermine the work that’s being done in said office. Of course, you can explain why you jumped around from several Democratic and Republican offices, but that’s only possible if you can land an interview (note: it will be very difficult).
A good workaround to this is interning for your hometown Congressman (or Senator). Most reasonable offices will understand wanting to work for the Congressman who you visited your school and read to you year after year. Plus, nearly everything on the Hill is about hometown ties or who you know.
Constituents, or legislation?
Now that you’ve chosen your party, you’ve got to pick your office. District offices focus on constituent service and social work whereas Capitol Hill offices focus on legislative issues. Both are extremely valuable experiences and each definitely informs the other. Pick the one that’s more interesting to you, but remember that there are more students clamoring to start on the Hill as opposed to a DO.
Interning in a district office affords you the opportunity to stay home but still do something productive. Plus, starting in the DO makes it easier (networking!) to get an internship on the Hill. I interned in a DO the summer after my freshman year and found it to be the best decision ever. When I interned for the same Congressman on the Hill later that year, not only did I already know the processes used by his staff, but I was also a familiar face. I felt more like a staffer and less like an intern (and was accordingly given more responsibility).
When are you applying?
Summer internships in DC are fierce competition. Use living in the District during the academic year to your advantage. Most offices are flexible and very understanding of a full-time student interning during the academic year.
With this, I offer my final piece of advice: remember to always wear sensible shoes when running through the Capitol tunnels with a cosponsorship sheet and four tours lined up. Trust me on this one.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Fatema at uhpspa@gwu.edu

The Intern Files: Notes from a Sophomore

September 24, 2014Featured, Intern Files1 Comment

This month’s internship adventure comes from UHPer and SPA Sam Lewis, who is already well into her second internship experience while at GW.
Something happens when you get to GW. Maybe it’s the city, maybe it’s the Honors Program, or maybe it’s all of those cupcakes from Baked and Wired–but something in your brain demands MORE.
At some point, the thought of getting an internship crossed my mind, at which point my brain started to scream, “FIND ONE. FIND ONE NOW.” And so, to quiet my annoying inner voice, I began to search.
This was a quest for knowledge, experience, and validation that my field was the right choice for me. Now, As a first semester sophomore, I’m on my second internship. When your brain starts demanding you do more, and an internship starts to sound appealing, these nuggets of wisdom might serve you well.
How, oh how, do I find one?
You hunt! My first Internship was at the Center for International Environmental Law. Believe it or not, I found the ad in a paper. Look all around, at memos from your department, in newspapers, and definitely online. My second internship where I work now, Veracity Media, kept it simple and advertised on GWork. You should definitely make an account and check out what’s out there if you haven’t done so yet.
What were your internships like?
So. Freaking. Awesome.

The Center for International Environmental Law(CIEL) was great because I learned how to simplify complex material into something easy for the public. I decided I wouldn’t go into environmental law because of it, but I learned a ton about human rights, international policy, and US Laws. The communication aspect was awesome, and it’s an experience I wouldn’t take back for anything.

Veracity Media is my love. It’s the best internship EVER and I’m obsessed. I’m getting to work with amazing political campaigns and organizations, which is so much fun. I’ve been learning about advertising and search engine optimization here too. They’ve trained me in basic HTML, and are excited about all-things web. If you like politics, communication, advertising, and awesomeness, you should look into it.

Did they/do they pay?

CIEL did not. I worked there about 15 hours a week as an unpaid intern, but was (cheesily) paid in experience. I got my paid job at Veracity because of my experience here, so it paid off in other ways.
Veracity, as I said before, does.

How often are you expected to work?
For both of my internships, I worked about 15 hours a week.
Were they worth the time and effort?
Beyond words, yes. Both of these experiences have been life altering. If you can find an internship, DO IT. Jump in all at once and soak up the awesome. I know I’m glad I did.