1. The CMU/WSP online application form.
2. A one-page essay explaining how a semester in Washington, DC, ties into your curricular plans at Carnegie Mellon and how it will contribute to your professional development. We encourage you to define your internship interests in this essay.The essay will be uploaded into the CMU/WSP online application form.
3. Your current resume. Please use the following worksheet and checklist to develop your CMU/WSP résumé. Your resume will be uploaded into the CMU/WSP online application form.
4. Meet with your primary academic advisor to discuss your curricular plans. Your advisor will need to fill out an advisor approval form.
5. Unofficial transcript from Carnegie Mellon and official transcripts for any other undergraduate institutions where you have completed course work. You can download your unofficial transcript from SIO. Your transcript will be uploaded into the CMU/WSP online application form.
6. Two letters of recommendation, which should be emailed to cmuwsp@andrew.cmu.edu. Letters should be on letterhead and saved in .pdf format. Letters should be addressed to "To Whom It May Concern" and speak broadly to your application for an internship in Washington, DC. All letters of recommendation, along with an endorsement from the program, will be later forwarded by CMU/WSP staff to each internship site where you submit an application.
   
   • Faculty recommendation: At least one letter should come from a Carnegie Mellon faculty member who has taught you in class. The letter should address your academic performance, ability to work in varied academic settings, ability to work independently, and writing skills. The recommender should also comment, if knowledgeable, on your extracurricular involvement, service, and leadership experience.
   • General recommendation: The second letter of recommendation may be written by a second faculty member or by another referee (such as a supervisor, coach, advisor, or volunteer coordinator) who can speak to how this opportunity complements your intellectual or career interests. The recommender should also comment, if knowledgeable, on your extracurricular involvement, service, and leadership experience.
7. If you wish to be considered for a Friedman Semester Fellowship, please submit your financial aid letter from the HUB.

I. 84-360 Internship Seminar (24 units)

Full semester course, plus 25-30 hours per week internship

II. Seminar on Public Policy Research, Writing, and Implementation (12 units)

Full semester course. Options vary by semester. Students enroll in one course from the following list:

• 84-336 Implementing Public Policy: From Good Idea to Reality (spring)
• 84-339 Seminar in Public Policy Research (fall)

III. Seminars on American Politics, Governance, Institutions, and Law (12 units)

Students enroll in one course in each mini during the semester they are in Washington, DC, for a total of 2 seminars and 12 units. 

• 84-332 Contemporary US Constitutional Law Issues (6 units)
• 84-338 Analysis of US Presidential Powers (6 units)

Friedman Fellowship - Fall/Spring

For more than two decades, the Friedman Fellowships have supported Carnegie Mellon students who obtain low- or non-paying internships in public service, nongovernmental organizations, or other entities in DC. The Fellowships include stipends of up to $2500 for fall/spring, and expose students to leadership events, networking opportunities, and events around the District. Friedman interns work on substantive projects, develop professional skills and benefit from the personal attention of a supervisor at their organization

The Milton and Cynthia Friedman Fellowships were created in 2000 through a generous gift from Cynthia Friedman, a trustee emerita, in memory of her husband, an alumnus of Carnegie Mellon. The grants encourage the participation of undergraduate and graduate students in policy-related internships located in the nation’s capital. They are designed to foster significant work experiences that complement students’ academic work and assist them as they make career and graduate education decisions.

Fall and spring semester Friedman Fellowships are only open to students participate in the Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program.

Student Eligibility Requirements: 

• Undergraduate student at Carnegie Mellon University
• Admitted into the CMU/WSP

Core Components: 

• Friedman Fellows are provided with a stipend of $2500.
• Friedman Fellows are expected to attend informal in-person seminars on policy topics and organized events. Fellows may also be asked to meet with the Friedman family during or after the semester in Washington.
• After completing the internship, students must provide a thank you letter summarizing their internship experience that includes reflections on internship learning outcomes, personal growth, professional development, and future career interests.

For More Information

For more information about the Friedman Fellowship during the Fall or Spring semesters, please contact Emily Half, Deputy Director, Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology (CMIST).

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.

    Resume Guide    

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.

• 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.

• Browse internship postings specifically for CMU students with Handshake
• Search for internships in foreign policy and international relations with Global Jobs 
• View a wide variety of internships in every field with Indeed
• Look for public policy, NGO, and non-profit-focused internships with Idealist
• Connect with CMU alumni and view available internships with LinkedIn Job Search