Getting Started

Participating in a summer internship in the Washington, DC area can offer public health students many rewarding experiences. Witnessing firsthand the inner-workings of the U.S. Congress provides students with a clearer picture of how one can influence the legislative process. Working for an advocacy organization allows a student to get personally involved with issues important to him or her. Gaining experience at a federal agency or consulting firm will allow students to develop an array of analytic skills in a real-world environment.

The following pages lists a number of summer internship opportunities currently available in the Washington, DC area. They are categorized under the headings: U.S. Congress, Federal Agencies, Policy/Research Institutes, Advocacy Organizations, Associations, and Consulting Firms. Some of the organizations maintain formal summer internship programs and these organizations have specific contact information listed in the document. Other organizations provide summer internships on a need basis; these organizations have the words “ad-hoc” listed next to their name.

Washington, DC is a dynamic city and each year new “hot” policy issues evolve in the city relating the nation’s public health. Students should not limit themselves to the organizations listed here, especially with respect to the U.S. Congress. Each year, different members of Congress will champion various health related bills that you might be interested in working on. Find out which congressman is introducing the bill and inquire about an internship at his or her personal office. Another avenue for gaining broader experience in congress is to intern for a congressional committee.

Some summer internships are unpaid, but don’t let that stop you from applying. Many public health associations and philanthropic organizations sponsor internships at various federal agencies and policy/research institutes. Consulting firms tend to pay their interns. If your organization does not offer compensation, inquire if they can assist with commuting costs or offer access to affordable summer housing. The last page of the documents includes some links to housing options in the DC area, including housing through the UC in DC program.

While in Washington, DC there are many opportunities for students to attend lectures, public hearings, and experience the culture of the city. Plan ahead to ensure making the application deadlines and to have a better chance of finding summer housing.

Internships:

U.S. Congress

Federal Agencies

Policy/Research Centers

Advocacy Organizations

Associations

Consulting Firms

Housing in Washington, D.C.