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Mount in Washington Internship Program

Government, politics, science, business, news and entertainment media, the arts, international service … the opportunities are virtually limitless in Washington, D.C.

white house image in spring
Intern at the White House

Mount students have had the chance to work inside the White House to see the inner workings and daily life of our executive branch of government.

Benefits of the Semester

Mount St. Mary’s University enables its students in all areas of study to benefit from the rich diversity of the nation’s capital. The Mount has partnered with two established internship programs to offer:

  • A semester-long internship and seminar for which 15 academic credits can be earned
  • Practical work experience that not only builds your résumé but builds your skills
  • Networking opportunities that may open doors you could never have imagined

How does the Washington Internship Program work?

The Mount has formed a partnership with two organizations in D.C. who specialize in experiential education. Both the Washington Internship Institute and The Washington Center fall under the Mount in Washington program title.

Through participation in these programs, students will be challenged to build skills that help ensure their future success. Critical thinking, problem solving, oral and written presentation and interview skills are the types of the things that will be practiced and used on a day-to-day basis while gaining professional work experience in a professional environment. At the end of it all, students will have an invaluable tool for future job hunts as well as a well-developed network of individuals.

paige at her internship at the Embassy of Gabon
Paige Spangler, 2015

“This opportunity has definitely opened a lot of doors and created a more direct path of where I want to be in 5 or 10 years. The Embassy (of Gabon) has opened my eyes to the working world and many possibilities. The skills I am learning could be applicable to any career path I choose.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the program involve?

Students intern, live and learn in Washington, D.C., for a semester. You work at your chosen internship four days a week as well as attend a coordinating class or seminar.

Will I receive credit for the program?

Students can earn up to 15 credits from the Mount. These credits are received through the student's enrollment in the credit-based internship program. Please see credit-based internships to learn how to apply for academic credit.

Who can apply?

Juniors and seniors in any major are eligible, as well as second-semester sophomores with special permission. A minimum 2.50 GPA is required. (Some programs require a higher GPA, see organization details for more information.)

How much does it cost?

Students pay regular Mount tuition to the university. The Mount housing fee is waived and students pay the Washington program directly for their housing.

What about financial aid?

Students receive any scholarships they have already been granted, just as during a normal semester. You can apply for additional scholarship funds from the program when you apply for your internship.

Where do you live during this experience?

The organizations provide fully furnished apartments with easy access to public transportation.  Students are not required to use program housing, and students will be billed by the program if using their housing.

How do I find an internship?

When students apply to the organization of choice, they will be asked to complete application questions regarding their interests and goals for their internship experience. Students will then be matched with an internship coordinator who will work with them to apply to and interview for a relevant internship.

Sample Internship Sites

Sample Site Sample Site Sample Site
ABC Television Interpol United Nations Association
Amnesty International Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts U.S. Attorney's Office
Business Software Alliance National Geographic Society U.S. Department of Commerce
CNN National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Treasury
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation National Wildlife Association USA Today
Council on Environmental Quality Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington Capitals Hockey Team
Deutsche Bank Organization of American States (OAS) White House
Embassy of Gabon Smithsonian Institution World Bank

Interested? What to do next...

  1. Contact the Career Center to discuss the two organizations that encompass the Mount in Washington and which would be the best fit for your interests. The Career Center will also work with you to create a checklist as well as prepare you for the application process. You can also find more information about each program at The Washington Center (twc.edu) and the Washington Internship Institute (wiidc.org)
  2. Plan! Be sure to talk with your Academic Advisor and the Dean of Academic Affairs to ensure that you can complete all graduation requirements after your participation in the program.
  3. Speak with the Financial Aid office to ask any financial aid questions you may have.
  4. Apply to your chosen organization and begin the process of completing a Learning Agreement Form to ensure you receive academic credit for your internship.
Questions?

Contact the Career Center at 301-447-5202

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