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Galloway, N.J. ― Every year, dozens of ������Ƶ students earn real-world experience and college credit through The Washington Internship Program.

“The Washington Internship Program offers ������Ƶ students across all majors unique opportunities to explore a broad array of career possibilities through intensive pre-professional experience in the nation's capital,” said Michael Rodriguez, professor of political science and coordinator of the Washington Internship Program for ������Ƶ. “Internships are available in government, the for-profit and non-profit sectors, community-based organizations, cultural institutions, the media and public relations, among others.”

More than 1,300 ������Ƶ students have completed the program, which is available year-round to undergraduate and post-graduate students.

This spring 12 ������Ƶ students are living and interning in Washington, D.C. Here are a few of their experiences:

Justin Stellwag of Millville ― Criminal Justice

Reentry Intern, Offender Aid and Restoration

Why did you want to do the Washington Internship Program?

The main reason I decided to do the Washington Internship Program is because I believe this program offered the highest internship opportunities in relation to criminal justice and law enforcement. My career goal is to become a police officer in the future, specifically to rise through the ranks to chief of police.

What have you learned so far from your experience?

First, my internship has taught me skills that can assist me in my future career as a police officer, including learning how to properly communicate with participants who have a criminal past and/or just were released from prison. Few police officers have that specific skill under their belt.

Besides that, this internship has provided me with networking opportunities with the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, Arlington County Sheriff’s Department, United States Capitol Police, Department of Homeland Security and United States Marshals. Having these networks can not only assist me in deciding between federal, state or local law enforcement, but also serve as resources in relation to job opportunities. It has provided me with opportunities to participate in a police ride-along with two agencies.

What is your role at the internship and what does that entail?

I am interning at Offender Aid and Restoration in Arlington, Virginia, as a reentry intern. I am responsible for providing participants with employment application support and resources including housing, cell phones, hygiene kits and clothes. I also serve as an OAR representative at the Arlington County Court, where I go weekly to testify and provide updates on clients to ensure the judge has the most up-to-date information.

Would you recommend The Washington Internship to other students?

I would recommend the Washington Academic Internship Program to other students because it is the greatest internship opportunity that can assist you after college. No other internship program teaches students about resumes, budgeting, salary negotiation, etc. What makes this internship so unique is the fact that this internship is similar to a full-time job where you work and are living in Washington, D.C. You have the ability to explore D.C., whether that is visiting the White House, Washington Monument or the variety of museums throughout the district.

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Nikitha Mohan of Bergenfield ― Psychology

HR and Office Management Intern, American Public Transportation Association

Why did you want to do the Washington Internship Program?

I wanted to see what I am getting myself into. My goal is to gain some real-life experience in the human resources field and later pursue a master's degree in industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology. I thought that getting hands-on experience in this field might help me decide if this is exactly what I want to do. The Washington Internship Program made this possible, and I am really grateful for the opportunity.

What is your role at the internship and what does that entail?

My responsibilities include helping with the monthly newsletter for the company, posting new hire information on websites, organizing special events for employees and more.

What have you learned so far from your experience?

I have learned that HR is no joke. It is the backbone of a company, responsible for everything from new hires to retirement, employee satisfaction and more. Listening in on the weekly meetings of our HR team has really helped me understand what is going on behind the scenes in our company. Interning with TWC has helped me expand my connections, set up a proper LinkedIn account, and socialize in general. I have already been able to talk to several I/O psychologists who have given me a lot of valuable insight.

Would you recommend The Washington Internship to other students?

I absolutely recommend the Washington Internship to others. It's a great place to meet new people who might have the same career aspirations as you, and your supervisors at your workplace might also know a lot of people with whom you could make connections.

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Litzy Rafael-Osorio of West Long Branch ― Language and Culture Studies

Leadership Fellow, Global Language Network

Why did you want to do the Washington Internship Program?

It seemed like a great opportunity to expand my horizons professionally. I also knew that The Washington Center would be able to help me pinpoint certain things about myself I wanted to know, like my professional strengths and weaknesses, through the Career Readiness Program.

What is your role at the internship and what does that entail?

I work with a small nonprofit called the Global Language Network. My role is Leadership Fellow and what that means is that I am to take part in every facet of the organization (outreach, teaching assistance, student assistance, operations, etc). Essentially, I get to make a real impact within this organization, because it's such a small nonprofit, and learn how nonprofits work overall.

What have you learned so far from your experience?

Living in a city has given me perspective on what it would be like to live on my own after I begin my career. I have also learned how to interact with people from other countries and identities.

Would you recommend The Washington Internship to other students?

Personally, I applied late to TWC since I was hesitant, but now that I'm here, I'm glad I did. I don't think that you could obtain an internship experience on par with TWC anywhere else. A large part of my hesitation was because I wasn't sure I'd find an internship that would mesh well with my major and the career path I have in mind (translating and interpreting). However, the interns here all come from different states, and countries, and have an array of majors, so there is something for everyone.

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Katherine Cox of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania ― Criminal Justice

Intern, Department of Homeland Security

Why did you want to do the Washington Internship Program?

I wanted to get real life experience and make connections for my future career. I thought this was a great opportunity that I didn’t want to waste.

What is your role at the internship and what does that entail?

I am an intern for the Department of Homeland Security in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Private Sector Office. I help take notes, set up meetings and work on various projects. I also get to go to many big events. I was able to go to the 20th Anniversary of DHS and I saw President Biden!

What have you learned so far from your experience?

I learned that every day I can make a difference. Talking to people and meeting people can only help you and your career. I learned to step out of my comfort zone, and I am so proud of myself.

Would you recommend The Washington Internship to other students?

I would a 100% recommend this internship. This internship has helped me find confidence and build a future. I am so lucky to be a part of The Washington Center, and I hope that if you have the chance that you take this internship because you won’t regret it.

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Samarah Mcknight of Trenton ― Communications Studies

Communications Assistant, Rokk Solutions

Why did you want to do the Washington Internship Program?

I have always wanted the opportunity to live and work in a city, as well as network and build my resume while doing so. The Washington Center checked everything off my list.

What is your role at the internship and what does that entail?

I am a communications assistant at a public affairs firm. My job entails monitoring the media, making spreadsheets for clients of conglomerates and researching.

What have you learned so far from your experience?

I have learned the importance of networking and how to communicate in a corporate setting.

Would you recommend The Washington Internship to other students?

Yes, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to live in the capital city with a secure job, a place to live and congregate with people your age while also networking.

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Learn more about the Washington Internship program ― from fellow students!

– Story by Thalia Rivas

– Photos submitted