The Washington Center

Federal Intern

January - May 2023 • Washington, DC

What I liked

Through The Washington Center, I was connected with a position working with the American Archive of Public Broadcasting via the Library of Congress Internship program. Each of these organizations provided their interns with clear, project-oriented goals, focused on our long term career interests, and provided us with resources which I utilized throughout my internship and have the privilege of utilizing today as well. The alumni program offered through The Washington Center is reliable and conducts frequent outreach to provide further career services. As a remote worker, I was concerned with feeling left out or inadequately prepared for my project requirements, but my experience was the opposite. Not only was I connected with many other remote workers, but invited to participate in unique discussions, support groups, and resume-building activities which gave me the confidence to succeed while working independently.

What I wish was different

I was surprised that The Washington Center went to the effort of completing thorough background checks and providing many of its interns with security clearances, but did not communicate that these clearances would be removed at the completion of our internships. It is likely too costly/ difficult to retain those clearances without a full-time position guaranteed with the governmental department for whom we interned, but I do think establishing these details early in our onboarding process would be worthwhile to prevent confusion about later job opportunities.

Advice

Make use of the connections and resources The Washington Center provides you with, ask questions of all of your peers and mentors about their career trajectories and insights, and don't be afraid to reach out for more information or support when you need it!

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The Veteran Employment Trajectory (VET) Initiative

June - August 2019 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I first heard about the VET Initiative program at Student Veterans of America's National Convention. I researched the program and found it would provide opportunities beyond my first passion for military and veteran advocacy. Having interned and worked in this veteran service organization space for four years, I wanted to expand into immigration and human rights issues. With the guidance of Michael Duerr, he connected me with the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (WJPC) at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. for my internship. Not all internships are created equal and the WPJC far exceeded my expectations. As a WJPC research assistant, I had the great fortune to work under the direction of Professor Patrick Paterson. My research focused on categorizing global contemporary conflicts in accordance with the Geneva Conventions impacting the use of military and police tactics in Latin America. The internship afforded me mentorship and the freedom to utilize my military experience in Latin America. With Professor Paterson's guidance, my work will be published.

What I wish was different

The length of time at the internship. The overall experience far exceeded my expectations and I wished I could have stayed longer at the William J. Perry Center.

Advice

One of the biggest misconceptions many of us have when we meet other Veterans falls under imposter syndrome. My biggest advice would be to understand that you are unique and we all have strengths and weaknesses. Be willing to trust yourself and that you belong. This program can and will change your life if you are willing to do the hard work, both professionally and personally. If you invest in yourself by taking chances and asking questions, then this experience will be worthwhile. By challenging yourself in some small way, each day, with patience and kindness, you will wonder why you did not apply to this program sooner.

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