Mount in Washington Internship
Government, politics, science, business, news and entertainment media, the arts, international service … the opportunities are virtually limitless in Washington, D.C.
Mount St. Mary’s University enables its students in all areas of study to benefit from the rich diversity of the nation’s capitol. The Mount has partnered with two established internship programs to offer:
A semester-long internship and seminar for which 15 academic credits can be earned
Practical work experience that not only builds your résumé but builds your skills
Networking opportunities that may open doors you could never have imagined
How does this internship program work?
The Mount has formed a partnership with two organizations in D.C. who specialize is experiential education. Both the Washington Internship Institute and The Washington Center fall under the Mount in Washington program title.
Through participation in these organizations programs, students will be challenged to build skills that help ensure their future success. Critical thinking, problem solving, oral and written presentation and interview skills are the types of the things that will be practiced and used on a day to day basis while gaining professional work experience in a professional environment. At the end of it all, students will have an invaluable tool for future job hunts as well as a well developed network of individuals.
“This semester of experiential learning has given me exposure to many things that I would not have the opportunity to experience otherwise. Being in DC and working for NAST has helped me to explore career fields which interest me. Overall, I believe that the internship has given me an opportunity to discover, learn, and experience many new things which have served as a capstone to my liberal arts education.” Colleen Conaway, The National Association of State Treasurers (NAST)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the program involve?
Students intern, live and learn in Washington, D.C., for a semester. You work at your chosen internship four days a week as well as attend a coordinating class or seminar.
Will I receive credit for the program?
Students can earn up to 15 credits from the Mount. These credits are received through the student's enrollment in the credit-based internship program. Please see What is a credit based internship? to learn how to apply for academic credit.
Who can apply?
Juniors and seniors in any major are eligible, as well as second-semester sophomores with special permission. A minimum 2.50 GPA is required. (Some programs require a higher GPA, see organization details for more information.)
How much does it cost?
Students pay regular Mount tuition to the university. The Mount housing fee is waived and students pay the Washington program directly for their housing.
What about financial aid?
Students receive any scholarships they have already been granted, just as during a normal semester. You can apply for additional scholarship funds from the program when you apply for your internship.
Where do you live during this experience?
The organizations provide fully furnished apartments with easy access to public transportation.
How do I find an internship?
When students apply to the organization of choice, they will be asked to complete application questions regarding this interest and goals for their internship experience. The students will then be matched with an internship coordinator who will work with the student to apply to and interview for a relevant internship.
Sample Internship Sites
| ABC | Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | United Nations Association |
| Amnesty International | National Geographic Society | U.S. Attorney's Office |
| Business Software Alliance | National Institutes of Health | U.S. Department of Commerce |
| CNN | National Wildlife Association | U.S. Department of Treasury |
| Congressional Black Caucus Foundation | Nuclear Regulatory Commission | USA Today |
| Council on Environmental Quality | Organization of American States (OAS) | Washington Capitals Hockey Team |
| Deutsche Bank | Osfam America | White House |
| Interpol | Smithsonian Institution | World Bank |
Interested? What to do next...
1. Contact the Career Center to discuss the two organizations that encompass the Mount in Washington and which would be the best fit for your interests. The Career Center will also work with you to create a checklist as well as prepare you for the application process.
2. Plan ahead! Be sure to talk with your Academic Advisor and the Dean of Academic Affairs to ensure that you can complete all graduation requirements after your participation in the program.
3. Speak with the Financial Aid office to ask any financial aid questions you may have.
4. Apply to your chosen organization and begin the process of completing a Learning Agreement Form to ensure you receive academic credit for your internship.
For questions or to schedule an appointment to discuss this opportunity please contact the Career Center 301-447-5202.
“Firstly, I participated in the Mount in Washington Program in the Spring of 2008. I found my internship through the Washington Internship Institute (WII) and chose the Embassy and Diplomatic Scholars Program. I interned for the Leadership Council for Human Rights four days a week and attended classes one day a week through WII. I received 12 credit hours for this internship which lasted the entire semester. This program greatly affected my long term plans and really helped me better define my future goals. I would encourage anyone from the Mount to experience this program.” Christina Casperson, Class of 2009
