The best way to begin a career in Washington, DC is to begin the job search before graduation by gaining experience and making the right contacts. While there will be some who possess impressive political connections without having set foot in Washington, most people don't live next door to a U.S. Senator or attended private school with the White House Chief of Staff's daughter. For those without such privileges, Washington internships are the usual and best route to networking and gaining on-the-job experience.

There are two keys to opening the door to a Washington, D.C career: who you know and what you know, or put even simpler, contacts and experience. An internship is a valuable way to gain both. Undergraduates with a strong desire for a career in Washington should heed one piece of advice: intern early and often.

Every summer, the nation's capitol is flooded with interns from across the country. They come from colleges and universities, graduate schools, law schools, and even a few with their degrees already in hand. Some see an internship as a good way to spend the summer. Those with stronger ambitions and real passion for what they are doing will use the summer internship to launch their careers.

There is no shortage of internships in Washington. However, it must be noted that many internships are not paid, and many more receive only a modest stipend. Additionally, competition for the most coveted positions is often intense.

Keys to finding the right internship

1. Identify your interests early -- There are so many possibilities to choose from, it is very helpful to narrow your focus to a few areas to focus on. Some questions you will need to answer: are you a Republican or Democrat? Are you more interested in advocacy or the nuts and bolts of the legislative process? Is there a specific issue or cause you would like to support, or would you prefer a more general introduction to the workings of Washington?

2. Make contacts -- In securing an internship, often the best resource is someone who can directly pass along your resume or put in a good word for you. Be creative in your search. Professors, friends from school, parents' acquaintances, and even neighbors can all help turn up leads. Alumni are a good source, and many will be happy to talk about internship opportunities with their employers. Additionally, many universities run internship programs for credit. Information on these programs is usually available at the campus career resource center.

3. Get application requirements -- Applying for internships can feel a little like applying to college. Many organizations will require a current resume, a copy of your college transcript or GPA, an application form, personal references, personal essays, and/or an interview. Furthermore, many internships have application deadlines well in advance of their start dates. Even if they don't have specific deadlines (and many members of Congress don't) it is worth contacting offices and organizations up to six months before you plan to intern to determine the requirements and ensure that your application is considered in a timely manner.

4. Prepare your applications -- Applications can take time, and potential interns are urged to clear some space on their busy schedules to prepare their applications, particularly if an interview or essays are required. In other words, start early! Essays are very common on intern applications. One Congressman asks for a one page essay on "the role you think the federal government should play in the daily lives of Americans. Another asks what you hope to achieve through your internship. The best answers show an understanding of the Member of Congress's positions and philosophy while at the same time demonstrating your personal interest in government. Essays should be kept to the required number of words or pages and clearly and thoughtfully articulate your position or goals.

5. Choose your internship carefully -- It is not uncommon for a student to have more than one internship offer. Students should evaluate their offers carefully, taking into account the level of responsibility they will receive, their long-term interests, compensation, and the potential contacts that can be made. Additionally, it is important to decline internship offers in a timely and professional manner. After all, they may someday have to work with these organizations or even want to work for them!

This article is excerpted from the Vault Guide to Capitol Hill Careers.
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