As the job market continues to become more and more competitive, students are searching for ways to set themselves apart from all the rest. One way to have an edge over other job seekers is to complete a professional internship in our nation’s capital, through the Washington Center this spring.
The Washington Center is a great way to jump start a career and pick up the necessary professional skills that employers are seeking among recent college graduates. After completing the semester in Washington, a student will receive 15 credits that will be transferred to the University.
According to the Washington Center website, the internships available feature some of Washington’s many government agencies, international organizations, nonprofits, and for-profit companies. Previous students have interned fulltime in the White House, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Students will be placed in work sites based on need and availability. About 12 students from the University take advantage of the opportunity each year, alongside students from Rutgers, Seton Hall, and other New Jersey colleges.
Nine out of 10 entry-level hires today have completed at least one internship or coop experience, according to the Washington Center website. Most academic curriculums at the University require a three credit experiential education class which can include an internship or study abroad. The Washington Center is the complete package.
“The Washington Center is ideal for students looking for careers in Washington D.C. Many of our students have secured prestigious positions after participating in the Washington semester,” said Dr. Joseph Patten of the Political Science Department and advisor for the placement program.
According to a statistic from the Washington Center, 98 percent of current interns believe the program will significantly strengthen their career prospects.
Students who study in Washington hold an edge over others and may secure a fulltime job offer after interning. Students will also have the opportunity to practice networking skills and build contacts that will help with job searching after graduation. The program is not specifically tailored for political science students.
A variety of internships are available to students studying journalism, science liberal arts, international affairs, education, and many more.
Studying outside of the University is also a great life experience as well as a professional one. Housing is guaranteed for all interns, along the Metro lines leading downtown where most of the office sites are located.
Students can expect to have a completely unique experience by deciding to study in Washington alongside America’s influential professionals and other students who have the same interests.
Alexandria Matz, a University senior is planning on interning in Washington next semester said, “I haven’t spent much time in D.C., so I was looking for an opportunity to live somewhere new.”
She said the Political Science Department was very helpful and made sure that students were aware of the opportunity early on in their college careers. Matz said she has been planning to go to Washington since her sophomore year.
“I am so excited. It will be a perfect opportunity to explore the area with friends while getting valuable work experience. My expectations are to just be very busy the entire semester,” Matz said. She plans on interning in the international relations field. TWC is very involved in making sure that the internships offer valuable work experience. After graduating, Matz plans to apply for a Master’s program in Political Science.
The deadline to apply for the upcoming spring semester in Washington is November 15.
To apply, visit TWC website at http://www.twc.edu/. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 to apply.
If interested or looking for more information, contact Dr. Patten at jpatten@monmouth.edu or stop by his office in Bey Hall, room 248.
PHOTO COURTESY of nomadicmatt.com
