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WASHINGTON INTERNSHIPS
How to Get Them and Use Them
to Launch Your Public Policy Career
Deirdre Martinez, Ph.D.
PENN
University of Pennsylvania Press
Philadelphia
Copyright © 2009 University of Pennsylvania Press
All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations used for purposes of review or scholarly citation, none of this book may be reproduced in any form by any means without written permission from the publisher.
Published by University of Pennsylvania Press Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4112
Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
A Cataloging-in-Publication record is available from the Library of Congress
ISBN 978-0-8122-2055-1
CONTENTS
Chapter 2. Who Does What, and Where, in Washington
Interning in the House of Representatives
Interning in an Advocacy Organization or Think Tank
Interning in a Lobbying Firm
Interning in a Political Organization
Chapter 3. Finding the Right Internship
Thinking Ahead: The Skills You Need
When to Start Applying
Sources for Internships
Getting Paid
Where to Apply—and How Many Applications to Send
Finding the Fifteen
Chapter 4. Landing the Internship
Before You Write
The Perfect Resume
The Cover Letter
Security Clearance
Writing Sample
On Waiting for a Call
Thoughts on the Interview
Getting an Offer
Getting Turned Down
Chapter 5. Practical Advice for Living and Working in Washington
D.C.'s Neighborhoods
Housing in Washington
Getting Around
Tourism Tips
Safety and Health
Chapter 6. Tactical Advice: How to Be a Great Intern
Washington Fashion: Zombie Chic
Mind Your Manners
Office Hours
Asking for Work
Find a Niche
Getting Feedback
Chapter 7. Using the Internship to Propel Your Career
The Benefits of a D.C. Internship
Making a Good Impression
Don't Make a Bad Impression
The Power of Networking
The Great D.C. Merry-Go-Round
Tips on Leaving
Final Thoughts
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Washington, D.C., has been called the “internship
