Beginning the Process

To begin, Wilson offers internships through the college and through outside sources, such as Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) and the Washington Center. PLEN is a program offering internships in public policy for college women, and the Washington Center offers Study Abroad internships as well as internships in Washington, D.C.

Taking the First Steps

The first step in the internship process is an Internship 101 Workshop. This hour long workshop introduces broad topics such as finding a site, figuring out the benefits of an internship, and choosing a paid or unpaid position. Specific to Wilson, this workshop introduces and explains application paperwork and processes as well as registering for the course. Angela Lynch, Director of Career Development, says these workshops are, "a good way for students to begin exploring the internship process."

The next step in the process is for students to sit down with their advisers to discuss internship sites and begin the application process. Oftentimes, Lynch says, students may need to fill out a second application form specific to the internship of their choice.

Test-Drive Your Career Choice

Lynch, "encourage[s] as many students as possible [to participate in an internship]…it is a great way to test-drive a career." To keep students thinking about test-driving their careers during an internship, specific learning objectives or outcomes are part of Wilson's application process. The application states, "The learning objectives agreement helps you manage, and reflect upon, the learning process for your internship."

Looking for More Information?

For more information on internships and the internship process, contact your advisor Angela Lynch in the Career Development Center or check out internships.com.