Internships are available for international students in Washington, D.C. If you are an international student, you should first discuss your employment eligibility and guidelines with the Office of International Student Services on your home campus prior to starting your internship search. Work eligibility and requirements may vary widely among international students and individual circumstances. As an international student, it is important for you to be informed about your work circumstances and parameters to maximize your internship search and focus on organizations and areas of industry that will support your career and academic plans as an international student.
Don’t know who to contact at your campus to get started? Email the Archer Center for more information and guidance.
Some employers and organizations in the Washington, D.C., metro area have citizenship requirements. For example, The White House and United States Federal Agencies require employees and interns to be U.S citizens. Some offices may hire international students for unpaid internships in the United States Congress. Often, international students are fully eligible to apply to opportunities in private industry, advocacy organizations, think tanks and research organizations, and non-profit organizations. Usually, citizenship requirements and guidelines are explicitly stated in internship application guidelines. It is important to check these guidelines and ask questions about these parameters based on your own work circumstances and international student status.
Don’t know who to contact at your campus to get started? Email the Archer Center for more information and guidance.
Some employers and organizations in the Washington, D.C., metro area have citizenship requirements. For example, The White House and United States Federal Agencies require employees and interns to be U.S citizens. Some offices may hire international students for unpaid internships in the United States Congress. Often, international students are fully eligible to apply to opportunities in private industry, advocacy organizations, think tanks and research organizations, and non-profit organizations. Usually, citizenship requirements and guidelines are explicitly stated in internship application guidelines. It is important to check these guidelines and ask questions about these parameters based on your own work circumstances and international student status.
Navigating the Washington, D.C. Internship Search
Know Your Skill Set
Before starting your internship search in Washington, D.C., take time to reflect on your skills and strengths. Many U.S. employers value both technical and broader transferable skills related to your field. Consider your unique experiences—such as academic projects, part-time work, leadership roles, or international perspectives—and create a list of specific examples where you have developed or demonstrated these abilities. This self-assessment will help you craft strong application materials, prepare for interviews, and identify organizations and opportunities that align with your skills and goals.
Start Early and Get Organized
Soon after your Archer Fellowship or Graduate Archer Fellowship acceptance, you will want to start researching organizations that interest you and any available internships with the organizations. Don't see an internship listed on an organization's website? The next step is to call or email to find out about any internship opportunities. Create a spreadsheet with this information and take note of internship application deadlines. Be prepared to apply to numerous openings and only apply to those positions that you would accept and that are a good match for your skills and future career plans.
Prepare Your Application Materials
When applying for an internship in Washington, D.C., you will typically need to submit a resume and a supporting cover letter. If you are a graduate student pursuing an advanced degree and applying for research-related positions or think tanks, you may need to prepare a curriculum vitae (CV) instead. Some employers may also require additional materials, such as a writing sample, portfolio, or an employer-specific application form. Since each organization has its own requirements, carefully review the application instructions for each position to ensure you submit the necessary documents.
Interviewing
The interview is a crucial part of the hiring process in the United States, including for internships in Washington, D.C. All students can learn and practice how to present themselves effectively to potential employers. U.S. employers value confidence and enthusiasm, so be prepared to openly discuss your accomplishments, strengths, and skills. However, be mindful of balancing confidence with humility.
While preparing for an interview, take advantage of resources like setting up a mock interview with your professional development advisor at the Archer Center or at your home campus’s career center. Interview prowess is definitely a skill that can be developed and honed. Practice makes perfect!
Networking
In the U.S., networking and personal connections play a vital role in finding job and internship opportunities. As an international student, building relationships with professionals in your field of interest can help you gain valuable insights and learn about potential opportunities.
Share with your network that you are seeking an internship in Washington! Ensure that your personal and professional networks know you are seeking an internship. This may lead to opportunities or additional connections in D.C.
Before starting your internship search in Washington, D.C., take time to reflect on your skills and strengths. Many U.S. employers value both technical and broader transferable skills related to your field. Consider your unique experiences—such as academic projects, part-time work, leadership roles, or international perspectives—and create a list of specific examples where you have developed or demonstrated these abilities. This self-assessment will help you craft strong application materials, prepare for interviews, and identify organizations and opportunities that align with your skills and goals.
Start Early and Get Organized
Soon after your Archer Fellowship or Graduate Archer Fellowship acceptance, you will want to start researching organizations that interest you and any available internships with the organizations. Don't see an internship listed on an organization's website? The next step is to call or email to find out about any internship opportunities. Create a spreadsheet with this information and take note of internship application deadlines. Be prepared to apply to numerous openings and only apply to those positions that you would accept and that are a good match for your skills and future career plans.
Prepare Your Application Materials
When applying for an internship in Washington, D.C., you will typically need to submit a resume and a supporting cover letter. If you are a graduate student pursuing an advanced degree and applying for research-related positions or think tanks, you may need to prepare a curriculum vitae (CV) instead. Some employers may also require additional materials, such as a writing sample, portfolio, or an employer-specific application form. Since each organization has its own requirements, carefully review the application instructions for each position to ensure you submit the necessary documents.
Interviewing
The interview is a crucial part of the hiring process in the United States, including for internships in Washington, D.C. All students can learn and practice how to present themselves effectively to potential employers. U.S. employers value confidence and enthusiasm, so be prepared to openly discuss your accomplishments, strengths, and skills. However, be mindful of balancing confidence with humility.
While preparing for an interview, take advantage of resources like setting up a mock interview with your professional development advisor at the Archer Center or at your home campus’s career center. Interview prowess is definitely a skill that can be developed and honed. Practice makes perfect!
Networking
In the U.S., networking and personal connections play a vital role in finding job and internship opportunities. As an international student, building relationships with professionals in your field of interest can help you gain valuable insights and learn about potential opportunities.
Share with your network that you are seeking an internship in Washington! Ensure that your personal and professional networks know you are seeking an internship. This may lead to opportunities or additional connections in D.C.
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1750 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 900 | Washington, D.C. 20006
202.955.9091 (p) | 202.955.9039 (f)
202.955.9091 (p) | 202.955.9039 (f)