Graduate Archer Fellows gain hands-on professional experience at a full-time internship of their choosing. Washington, D.C., offers a wealth of opportunities in many areas throughout the public and private sectors. Selected candidates will find organizations, businesses, and/or governmental offices whose work and interests align with their own. 
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Accepted students are responsible for finding policy-related internships in the Washington, D.C., metro area. Because one size does not fit all, students are encouraged to take ownership of their internship search and seek opportunities with organizations that align with their specific policy areas of interest. 

Students are the architects and ultimate drivers of their internship search. The Archer Center can provide internship search guidance, professional development advice, and suggestions on who students may contact or connect with professionally. The Center also routinely publicizes available internship opportunities shared by Archer Center employer partners and Archer Fellow alumni. ​​
Alexa Carranco, Fall 2024 Archer Fellow
The University of Texas at El Paso
White House Domestic Policy Council

"While interning at the White House, I found incredible mentors and friends. This experience taught me that the federal government and the White House are very human environments, filled with hopeful, kind, and selfless people willing to do good work and mentor young people along the way. I arrived at the White House as a stranger but left feeling part of something bigger than myself."
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start my internship search? 
Graduate Archer Fellows are accepted to the Graduate Archer Fellowship program every December. Graduate Archer Fellows typically begin applying to and identifying opportunities immediately after being admitted to the program. Still, we encourage students to own their internship search and consider opportunities with earlier deadlines. 

What should I be doing now, and what happens if an internship deadline occurs before being admitted as an Archer Fellow? 
As a prospective Archer Fellow, check to see if any organizations you are interested in applying to have internship application deadlines that occur before the application deadline or selection process. Examples of organizations with earlier application deadlines include the White House, the U.S. State Department, and the World Bank. The Archer Center encourages students to apply to these programs regardless of acceptance into the Archer Fellowship Program. 

​When are internship deadlines in Washington, D.C.? 
Internship application deadlines will vary widely based on industry and organization. Archer Fellows need to stay organized and keep track of application deadlines. 

I am an international student. Can I get an internship in Washington, D.C.? 
International students have internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. Please visit the International Students page below for more information. 
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​What happens if I don’t get an internship? 
The Archer Center will set internship search milestones for each cohort that will govern a student’s mandatory progress towards achieving an internship during the months leading up to the start of the program in Washington, D.C. Archer Fellows are expected to work towards the internship milestones and keep in regular contact with the Archer Center regarding the status of their internship search. The more time Archer Fellows routinely dedicate to seeking an internship before the start of a semester, the less likely they may arrive in Washington without an internship, thereby jeopardizing a successful internship and programmatic experience.

I am an employer and would like to hire an Archer Fellow as an intern. Where do I start? 
Thank you for supporting the Archer Center and Archer Fellows! The Archer Center regularly shares internship opportunities with incoming undergraduate and graduate Archer Fellows. Organizations seeking fall, spring, and summer interns in the Washington, D.C., area are encouraged to contact Associate Director of Professional Development and Employer Relations Sally Lawrence and visit our Employers page for more information. ​
Potential Internship Opportunities for Archer Fellows
To assist students in exploring internship possibilities, we wanted to highlight an overview of opportunities, both in general and by topic area. The list below is not exhaustive, and students may find and choose to pursue opportunities that are not listed here. Click on a topic area to open an illustrative list of related potential employers. ​