The Washington Internship Program places students and graduates in positions that enable them to excel within their respective fields. A more inclusive global marketplace has become quite competitive, and we aim to give interns the competitive edge they need to succeed. By placing students individually in the right place for each person - in terms of the type of business or agency, its size, age, temperament, and organization - we maximize positive experiences. For some interns, large impersonal institutions are the best choice. Others thrive in small, intimate settings or medium-sized enterprises. Old, established firms provide a sense of security for particular students whereas new, experimental companies are more challenging for others.

In every case, we try to match personalities as well as areas of expertise. In the rare instances where we make a mistake and a student is unhappy with his or her placement, a new internship can be found just as long as the student works enough time to make an informed judgment. (If a student wants more than one internship, Washington Internship staff members generally arrange the first placement and then assist interns who take the lead in finding a second internship.)