DC Internship

Program Description and Goals:

FIU’s Office of Governmental Relations works to promote the interests of the University’s students, faculty, and alumni by serving as the principal liaison between the University and federal, state, and local government offices and legislative bodies. Its primary mission is to aggressively advance FIU’s research, teaching and service missions by developing and implementing strategies for increasing state and federal funding.

Each semester the department’s Federal Relations branch offers a hands-on internship at FIU’s Washington D.C. office. This program provides leadership and professional development experiences for FIU college students and recent graduates. Working on a full-time basis, the Washington Internship offers unique opportunities to gain valuable work experience and a knowledge of Congress and the federal government. The Washington Internship is ideal for persons interested in a career in the public sector or politically related fields.

FIU’s goal is to develop student leaders and provide them with the tools they need to continue their advancement well after they have received their degrees. The Washington Internship program provides a fast-paced, real life, highly valued 16 week program that not only provides immediate value to FIU, but has the attendant goal of fostering FIU leaders, who will go on to work in government relations positions in Washington and throughout the nation.

Internship Expectations:

The FIU Washington internship program is a paid internship. Enthusiastic FIU graduates and students from all fields of study are encouraged to apply. You will work hard, learn much, and directly contribute to FIU’s governmental relations team’s effectiveness on its federal priorities.

The Washington intern plays an integral role in helping FIU advance its legislative priorities. You could expect to conduct vital research on legislation and federal agency matters; write on a myriad of subjects for high-level audiences; communicate with legislators, agency liaisons, constituents; attend committee hearings; serve as an additional FIU voice with congressional staff; and undertake special projects to advance FIU’s interests at the federal level. Specific duties vary, depending on intern assignments.

To see some of our former Interns, click here.

Qualifications:

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• A current FIU student or recent graduate (Students from all majors are encouraged)
• An interest in government
• Excellent verbal and writing skills
• Computer skills: Microsoft Word, Internet, Excel, Outlook
• The ability to work in a team setting, yet posses self-starting independence
• Work well under pressure

The Washington intern schedule:

(accommodations can be made if internship schedule conflicts with academic obligations.)

The FIU Washington Internship is unique in that it is one of the few paid internships in Washington, DC.  Interns receive $500 per week, and are responsible for their own housing arrangements.

Applying for the FIU Washington internship:

The Washington Internship is a highly selective and competitive process.  In order to be considered for the FIU internship program, candidates must submit their documentation by the appropriate due date to the Office of Governmental Relations, PC 519.  Candidates will be screened, and interviews conducted shortly thereafter.  All applicants will be informed of the final decision approximately one month prior to the start date of the internship.

Only complete applications received by the due date will be considered. All applications must be typed or neatly printed and contain the following documents:

• FIU Washington Internship application
• A current resume
• A letter of recommendation from an FIU faculty or staff member
• A writing sample, e.g. school paper

If you have any questions regarding the internship, please call the FIU Office of Governmental Relations in Miami at 305-348-3505.

Application for the FIU Washington Office Internship Position

You can download the application and submit it to:

Kerry Ball
Office of Government Relations
University Park Campus, PC 519
305-348-3505

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