SUNY Washington Internship Program: An Immersive Experience in the Nation's Capital
The SUNY Washington Internship Program, sponsored by The College at Brockport, offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the vibrant environment of Washington, D.C. Since its inception in 1967, the program has enabled over 4,000 students to gain practical experience and academic credit in the heart of American politics and professional life.
Experiencing Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., serves as an ideal backdrop for this experiential learning opportunity, providing direct involvement in politics and all other professional fields. The program allows students to spend a semester or summer in the capital, studying, interning, and earning up to 16 academic credits. This immersive experience broadens students' perspectives on the world and potential career paths.
Internship Opportunities
The internship is the core element of the SUNY Washington Internship Program. Internship opportunities are available for students in all majors, allowing them to participate in their own learning outcomes. Students typically work at their internships during normal business hours Monday through Thursday.
Washington boasts a vibrant job market, with more jobs created in recent years than in most similarly-sized cities in the country. Many program graduates have leveraged this market to launch careers in both the public and private sectors in Washington, D.C. Others have become top campaign staff, advisors, and consultants in presidential, gubernatorial, congressional, and local elections. In fact, over the past 10 years, more than one-third of student interns have received job offers directly or indirectly as a result of their participation in the program.
Program History and Evolution
The SUNY Washington Internship Program was conceived in 1963 by SUNY Brockport professor Michael Weaver, who officially established it in 1967 and began offering classes in 1969 as the program's first director. Professor Weaver remained as director until 1995, when Dr. John Fitzpatrick took over the program, running it until 2014.
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While political offices and organizations remain a primary draw for many students interested in coming to D.C., the program emphasizes that the number of opportunities for students in Washington DC extends well beyond the realm of politics, with opportunities available for students in practically every academic major or discipline.
Program Structure and Eligibility
The SUNY Washington Internship Program offers semester and summer programs open to junior, senior, and graduate students from colleges and universities.
Additional SUNY Internship Programs
Beyond the Washington, D.C. program, SUNY offers various other internship opportunities:
- Albany Internship Programs: These include the New York State Senate Assistants Program (spring only), the New York State Assembly Session Intern Program (spring only), and the "New" New York Leaders Internship Program.
- International Internships: The SUNY Global Education Program offers internationally focused internships in New York City, while the SUNY Global Engagement Program provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in global affairs work conducted in New York City. The SUNY Washington Internship Program also offers internationally themed internships in think tanks and advocacy groups.
- Local and Regional Internships: Local internship placements are possible throughout the academic year, both in Oneonta and in a student's hometown. Each student works with the internship coordinator to develop a placement that works for them. As with all internships, there is an academic component in addition to a work placement in a professional setting.
Benefits of Participation
Participating in the SUNY Washington Internship Program offers numerous benefits, including:
- Experiencing the excitement of the nation's capital
- Learning from experts in various fields
- Exploring potential career paths
- Earning academic credits
- Building a professional network
A Strong Alumni Community
The program boasts an incredible alumni network that provides continued support to current students. Alumni often assist in finding summer internship opportunities for incoming students, showcasing the strength and value of the program's community.
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