How to get an internship at the White House

Question

Justin Parker · Accepted Answer

Getting an internship at the White House is an extremely competitive process, to be successful you need to research the different internship programs at the White House, make sure you meet eligibility requirements, and prepare your application and materials.

Here are some details on these essential steps and others you can take to get an internship at the White House:

Research the different internship programs at the White House

Your first step is to do a lot of research into the different internship programs at the White House. From its website, you can learn about the different programs, their requirements, application process, and application deadlines. Here you are also looking for departments that align with your core values, interests, and ones that match your skill set and experience.

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements

Internship programs at the White House have the following requirements:

You must be a United States citizen
You must be at least 18 years of age
You must be currently attending college or have graduated college within the last two years

After this, it is time for you to prepare your application.

Prepare your application and materials

Next, you need to get everything together for your internship application. Internship programs at the White House typically require a cover letter, a resume, and two essays. You should seek to create your applications and materials in a way that aligns with the necessary experience and skills of the office you are applying to. Highlight your key skills, experience, and interests.

Submit your application

The program you are applying to will provide you with specific instructions in terms of what exactly needs to be included in your application, as well as a deadline for turning it in. Certain offices might also require letters of recommendation. The application process for a White House internship is usually open twice a year, once in the fall, and again in the spring.

Follow-up soon after

Soon after submitting your application, you should follow up with a professional and polite email inquiring about any updates and next steps. The program should respond with the status of your application. This step also helps display your interest and excitement for the possible role.

Be patient, but also persistent

If you don't hear back from the program or receive a rejection email, try not to get discouraged. Remember, these internship positions are some of the most competitive in the country. You should try to apply to other programs at the White House. You can also try to obtain an internship in another area of politics or specifically one in the Washington D.C. area.

Be sure to network

Networking is a crucial component of just about every job industry, and it is particularly important in the political realm. You should try to attend events or conferences where you can meet political staffers and elected politicians. Seek out political organizations and clubs that align with the type of career in politics you want to have and join them.