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The Internship

Interning in DC

The internship program is designed to both challenge and inspire students in their efforts to find their vocational calling. While studying in the program, students are provided with tools that will allow them to develop into successful young professionals. The internship experience is what truly makes the DC IP program unique. Students intern in various industries throughout DC and the surrounding Maryland and Virginia neighborhoods. Students are required to work a minimum of 180 hours in order to fulfill the 4 unit WAIN 495 requirement. Summer students who are interested in taking WAIN 495 for 6 units will need to complete 270 hours.  Students are free to design a work schedule that works best with their academic schedule. Although you are free to work 5 days a week, it is highly recommended that academic year students work no more than 3 days a week.

Hear what life is like as an Intern in DC from some of the DC IP Alumni, through this DC IP Advice Guide.

The Internship Search 

Students are encouraged to search for internships within industries that they are interested in. Although the DC staff will provide support, students are responsible for leading their own internship search. Students are expected to meet with the internship coordinator in the IP office as well as the Pepperdine career center to ensure that they have an acceptable resume and cover letter template before they begin applying for internships. We encourage students to think outside of the box. Although great locations to intern, DC more than just the White House and Capitol Hill. Use the Internship Selection Guide to help you expand your internship opportunities and gain a better understanding of the long list of industries that exist in the District. 

WAIN 495

This class will provide support to students during the duration of their internship experience. Assignments will encourage students to develop a stronger sense of self by giving students space to reflect both orally and in written form about what they are learning through their internship experiences. Students are required to request Wednesday afternoons off from their internships for WAIN 495.

Best Practices & Professional Development Resources 

  • Resumes & Cover Letters 
  • In-person & Phone Interview Tips
  • Dress for Success
  • Networking 
    • Create a Linkedin
    • Professional Business Cards & Thank You Cards 
      • Students are required to purchase Thank You cards upon arrival in DC.  You will be assigned to send out a certain number of Thank Yous by the end of the term. Although not required, Business Cards are very popular in DC and offer a nice touch. 
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