Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology › Washington Center › Washington Semester Program (WSP) › Internships

Internships

Internships are crucial. They confirm your interest. They get your foot in the door. They create networks. Find your next one here.

Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP) staff provides comprehensive and hands-on support to help students find and successfully complete the ideal internship that aligns with their professional goals and personal interests. Our personalized approach ensures that every student receives the guidance and resources needed to succeed in Washington, DC.

Internship Search Support

The internship search process begins with one-on-one strategy meetings, where we work with students to talk through career interests, identify potential internship opportunities, and develop a personalized search plan. Throughout the internship search, we provide ongoing internship recommendations tailored to specific interests and aspirations. Students receive personalized emails, in addition to our weekly internship roundup newsletter, ensuring that they are aware of new and relevant opportunities.

The CMU/WSP staff provides support in drafting and submitting resumes, cover letters, writing samples, and conducts mock-interviews to support students every step of the way. Through the Tomorrow’s Professionals mini course, students gain insights into professionalism and engage in discussions about real-time and simulated workplace challenges. Students collaborate to problem-solve and develop meaningful, professional resolutions to complex workplace scenarios.

As students progress through the search process, we offer regular check-in meetings to discuss internship search efforts, refine strategy, and provide further guidance. Additionally, we connect students with former CMU/WSP students, providing valuable insights into the internship and overall student experience.

Whether students are looking for opportunities in government, nonprofit, advocacy, or private sector work, our team is dedicated to helping students navigate the process and make the most of the Washington, DC, internship experience.

Support During the Internships

During the internship in Washington, DC, students receive comprehensive support to ensure their success and growth.

Internship check-in meetings- Regular check-ins are held to confirm that students are on track with their internships, provide guidance, and address any concerns or challenges they may face in their roles.
Mid-semester & final supervisor evaluations- Supervisors complete evaluations at the midpoint and end of the internship, offering feedback on the student’s performance, areas for improvement, and overall contributions. The feedback is shared with students, and meetings are held to discuss and implement strategies for improvement.
Internship Seminar– Students meet weekly as a cohort and with the instructor of the seminar to report and reflect on their internship experiences, and address pressing current issues from the perspective of their internship organization. CMU alumni visit the class to share valuable career insights, discuss diverse career pathways, and offer advice based on their professional experiences. Alumni also offer advice on navigating the professional world post-graduation.

Qualifications for CMU/WSP Internships

The internship can be in any sector or field with an office or organization based in the DC-Metro area.
Internships should be 12-14 weeks in duration
Students should intern 24-32 hours per week, with a recommendation of 24-27 hours per week.
Internships must primarily be in-person experiences, requiring work in the office at least 2 or 3 days per week.