WELLESLEY COLLEGE
WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
SUMMER 2007
Overview of the Program
The Internship Program provides an opportunity for students to
learn about politics and public policy through placements in government
offices, political and public interest groups, media organizations, and
research and cultural institutions. Eighteen to twenty (18-20) interns
will be selected to work in Washington, D.C. for ten weeks during the summer.
Interns receive a stipend to help defray living expenses. Housing is also
provided for students; all participating interns must live in the housing
arranged for them. Interns are required to participate in weekly seminars
and other Program activities during the summer. Contacts with Wellesley
alumnae are an important part of the Program. Veteran interns participate
in the selection and orientation of new interns the following year.
Application Procedure
Members of the Class of 2008 (juniors) only
are eligible to apply for the Washington Summer Internship Program. Davis
Scholars who have junior standing are also eligible. The Program is open
to students in all majors. Applicants must be available for interviews
on the Wellesley campus, or, if away from campus, must arrange for a telephone
interview (please
contact the Political Science Office early in the application process if
this will be necessary - x2194).
The application consists of:
1. An up-to-date resume describing principal activities.
2. A completed application form. Forms are available in
the Political Science Department Office, Pendleton East 249, or on line. Click
here for an on-line application form: Microsoft
Word
3. Two references (forms
attached to the application).
Note: The Program will have the Registrar send a grade report
to the Director. This will be taken care of by the Political Science
Department.
4. Forty to forty-five (40-45) applicants will be interviewed
by Mr. Schechter and teams of two of last summer’s interns. If
there are more than 40-45 applicants, a pre-selection will be made before
the interviews on the basis of the above criteria. The interview
is 15-20 minutes in length, and will focus on your interest in the Program,
your background, and the issues you discuss in your essay.
Students who are accepted into the Program must submit a letter
from a parent or guardian acknowledging their participation. They
must agree not to apply to other summer programs.
Deadline for completed applications is Wednesday, October 25, 2006, at 4:00 P.M.
Once it is decided
who will be interviewed, you will be asked to sign up for an interview
to be held between Thursday, November 9 and Friday, November 17. Selections
will be announced the following week.
Selection will be made by the Internship Selection Committee
based upon the following criteria:
1. Enthusiasm for and commitment to the Internship Program;
2. Evidence of preparation for specific placements through course
work, employment, previous internships, travel, or other experience;
3. Initiative, maturity, adaptability, and responsibility, as
indicated by a candidate's application materials, recommendations, and
interview;
4. Quality of oral and written expression as presented in the
interview and essay;
5. Overall diversity of the group.
Once accepted into the Program, students must agree to abide
by the list of responsibilities that they sign under the provisions of
the Wellesley College Honor Code. Unfortunately, the Program cannot
accept all of the qualified students who apply. Students are encouraged
to pursue other internship possibilities with the Center for Work and
Service.
Arranging a Placement
Washington interns, with the assistance of the Director, will be
responsible for identifying and applying for appropriate positions. Students
who will be away from campus second semester must be prepared to complete
applications to several potential placements before they leave campus.
In general, interns can wait until after they have been accepted to the
Program to start looking for a placement. However, a few placements, including
the State Department and some media organizations, have earlier deadlines.
Students with specific internships in mind should check as soon as possible
to see when their application deadline is. Placement evaluations by previous
interns are available in notebooks which can be found in the 2nd floor
Pendleton East mini-lounge. Applicants should consult these evaluations
in order to learn what type of internships may be available. They should
also consult The Congressional Directory and The U.S. Government
Manual, which can be found in the Political Science Office, PNE 249. In
addition, The Center for Work and Service has information on internships
in Washington.
Financial and Housing Arrangements
The base stipend for 2007 will be $1750 (taxable). The Program
also pays the interns' housing costs. Housing in Washington will be at
George Washington University. Additional support (ranging from $300-$700)
will be available to students on financial aid.
2006-07 Program Schedule
Information Meeting: Wednesday, September
27.
Applications Due: Wednesday, October 25, by 4:00 p.m.
Interviews: Thursday, November 9 - Friday, November 17
Selections Announced before Thanksgiving Break
Program Dates: Sunday, May 27 - Saturday, August 4, 2006
For further information, contact the Internship Director, Prof. Alan Schechter, Department of Political Science, PNE 227, x2205 or the Political Science Department Administrative Staff, in the Political Science office, PNE 249, x2194.
The Wellesley Washington Program is partially supported by gifts from alumnae and friends of the College. We are particularly grateful for the generous support of Sherley Koteen ’40, Isabelle Leeds '47, the Bertha S. Adkins '28 Fund, the Anne Quackenbos Fund, the Laurence S. Rockefeller Fund, the Alona Evans Fund, the Marguerite Stitt Church '14 Memorial Stipend, the Ruth Gordon Schapiro Fund, the Jane Bishop '51 Bequest, and the many former interns who have donated to the Program.