The Washington Center Internship Program has many internship opportunities, giving you both real world experience and building your resume for after graduation. Internships are available both in the D.C. area, and in two abroad locations: London, England and Sydney Australia. Please read the below information for more about this program and its upcoming application deadlines.

MEMO:

This memo and information will acquaint you with the Washington Center for Internships & Academic Seminars, and notify you of internship application deadlines for Summer and Fall terms 2012; and Spring 2013: Please share with students. (Post-graduate internships are available.)

• The Summer 12 application deadline is 2/17/12
• The Fall 12 scholarship deadline is: 5/4/12.  The deadline for federal agencies is 1/20/12
• The Spring 13 scholarship deadline is: 10/12/12.  The federal agency deadline is 5/21/12.

To date, nearly 300 BGSU interns have participated in the Washington Center  Internships & Seminars Program, and 44, since 2005.  For most, this has been a life-changing experience, and catalyst to their professional career path or graduate studies.

The Washington Center for Internships & Academic Seminars is an independent, nonprofit organization serving hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries by providing selected students challenging opportunities to work and learn in Washington DC, during the summer, fall, or spring semesters, for academic credit. In addition to assisting students in securing internships in their field, the Washington Center, arranges fully furnished, apartment-style housing (optional), and offers a ‘package’ of professional, academic and networking experiences including:  a variety of timely course selections; a weekly Leadership Series; Public Policy Dialogues on Capitol Hill;  Roundtables on Philanthropy & Social Responsibility;  a civic engagement project; small group activities; and requires a professional portfolio of their work.  For more details about aspects of the Leadership Forum: http://www.twc.edu/internships/learning/leadership-forum

Some faculty have acted as Faculty Sponsors, advising student interns who are participating in the Washington Center Internship Program.  For those of you who have not, the role includes: referring interested students to the Campus Liaison, Sue Young, 318C Math/Sciences Building; meeting with the student to complete and sign a BGSU Academic Requirement Agreement to gain credit for the internship (Many departments have a template for this form); and registering the student for those credits.

Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors in all majors which offer credit for internships, with at  least a 2.75 GPA,  are welcome to apply.  (Competitive Federal agency sites usually require a GPA of 3.0 +.)  Review eligibility requirements at: http://www.twc.edu/internships/learn-more/application/eligibility   Explore a variety of internship fields and options at:  http://www.twc.edu/internships/all-programs

Students can complete internships in the DC area or at two abroad locations – London, England,  and Sydney Australia, http://www.twc.edu/internships/intern-abroad/cities  For more details about interning abroad: http://www.twc.edu/internships/intern-abroad      Also available are short term seminars including the 2012 Political Conventions: http://www.twc.edu/seminars

It is important to review the cost and funding options including the Ohio scholarship of $1500 – $2000; and privately funded scholarships:  http://www.twc.edu/internships/learn-more/funding      and http://www.twc.edu/internships/learn-more/funding/program-fees    and application deadline dates by term         http://www.twc.edu/deadlines

After meeting with the Campus Liaison, Susan Young, and a faculty member, a student can begin the online application process at: http://www.twc.edu/internships/learn-more/application  and: http://portal.e.twc.edu/          Application materials include:  the online application; resume, Essay 1: Activities they would like to perform at your internship site;  Essay 2: Discuss an issue of interest in your field; an official transcript; two letters of recommendation. The Campus Liaison can assist the student in reviewing the application documents,  including the resume and essays.

Once the student has been accepted into the Washington Center Internship & Seminar Program, they can follow the dissemination of their applications and receipt of scholarships, on their online account.  Any questions can be directed to Susan Young the Campus Liaison, at the Career Center, 419-372-2356; or syoung@bgsu.edu; or to the Washington Center at 800-486-8921.

If you meet with students who may benefit from such a national or global opportunity, please feel free to refer them to me.

Thank you.