The following is intended for anyone who is thinking about or wants to get an internship in Washington D.C. and how m y experience in applying could potentially help them.

​

When I fist learned about internships in government I immediately wanted to find out how to get one. At first I thought that only nephews of Senators or kids who's parents had donated a bunch of money to a Congressman could get a D.C. internship. However once I had a friend that was neither of those things, and he was not super connected in D.C. either, I realized that if I put my mind to it I could potentially go myself. So I set out to try and figure out what I should do in order to achieve this new goal of mine. 

​

First I found that building my resume would be of vital importance if I was going to be able to compete against everyone else that would apply. When I first got to Southern Utah University I looked for a way that I could get some sort of internship to get me started. Luckily SUU has a political center that helps students not only to get involved in politics but to find local, state, and national internships. Most universities have some sort of center like SUU's Leavitt Center, and without them finding internships would be exponentially harder. As I checked with the Leavitt Center for internships in the Fall of 2015 there was an opening to intern with the Cedar City City Manager. Because I had some previous work experience as well as an associates degree I got the internship. My internship with the City Manager was definitely a learning experience, I had to work several different city officials to determine what they needed help with and what I could do to assist them. I was able to help with engineering projects, outdoor recreation projects, and cemetery project while I was there. Getting a starting internship at the local or state level is not technically necessary but I do believe it helps if one is looking to intern in D.C. in the future. 

​

I was also at this time a part of a leadership organization on campus called the Presidential Ambassadors. Ambassadors are in charge of recruitment and visit high schools and junior colleges to find potential future students. We also host these students and show them a good time on overnight stays on campus. Getting involved in any leadership organization is also a very good idea that can help build one's resumes. Many universities have a lot of different opportunities for students to get involved in leadership, such as a student association or a greek organization, or some sort of leadership in a club. 

​

So as one builds their resume through other internships, leadership opportunities on their campus, and keeping a good standing with their university through grades they should be able to obtain an internship in Washington D.C. There are other factors that go into the selection process such as interviewing well and developing your interpersonal communication skills, but the great part is is that there is not limit to how many D.C. internships you can apply for!