Internship Opportunites

The program has been very important for my academic and professional development. I have made key contacts in DC and hopefully they will lead to future employment. Washington is a beautiful and exciting city that offers important experiences that can't be duplicated on the west coast.

--Jeff Gonzalez, 2006 and 2007 Summer Intern
Dean and Charlotte

Many internship opportunities exist in and around the Washington, D.C. area. Students are encouraged to think broadly about potential internships. Many students intern in congressional offices. However, students have also interned in executive agencies such as the Departments of Energy and Health and Human Services. Others have interned in non-profits, foreign embassies, museums, lobby firms for issues ranging from the homeless to international finance, defense, and intelligence agencies. Students interested in a DC internship should:

  • Submit Cal State DC application forms
  • Attend an information session and application workshop
  • Develop a list of internships that interest you
  • Check application due dates
  • Draft a cover letter, resume, and obtain letters of recommendation
  • Submit applications to internship offices

Opportunities for CSUF Students

Through the work of many at CSUF and the support of our alumni network here and in Washington, we have developed relationships with a number of internship offices. CSU Fullerton students who are interested in exploring these opportunities should contact the Cal State DC office and set up an appointment with Dr. Stambough at (657) 278-2933 to discuss such opportunities.

Opportunities in Congressional Offices

Applications and information about Congressional internships are available at the web pages of each individual member. Senate web sites can be found at www.senate.gov and U.S. House web sites can be found at www.house.gov. Members of Congress prefer students from their districts but do take students from all over the country, with no party affiliation, and even students from the other party. If you have questions about applying contact the internship coordinator for that office or contact Dr. Stambough.

Opportunities for All Students

Click here for an extensive list of political organizations, lobby firms, think tanks, advocacy groups, and other organizations that generally offer internships. The Cal State DC program does not have a standing relationship with these organizations so we strongly encourage students to do their homework on them before applying. Feel free to discuss these groups with an advisor in the Cal State DC program. If the links are not active, try changing the address to that of the main organization’s page instead of the link to the internship application information.