Washington DC Summer Internship and Research Program

Students with Randy Devalk, senior policy
advisor to Senator Majority Leader
"Spending my summer in Washington DC interning in Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s office was undoubtedly the best summer experience I’ve ever had. The Washington DC program provided me with the unique opportunity to network with distinguished UW alumni that offered great advice to students on how to have a successful career in Washington, DC. I strongly recommend this program to anyone that is passionate about politics and wants to learn about how Washington works."
Ayobami Olugbemiga (intern with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, summer 2010)
""Participating in UW's DC Program was one of the smartest choices I could have made as an undergraduate. During the program, I worked with peers and alumni to strengthen skills such as communication, effective writing, professionalism, and dedication - skills essential to finding success after graduation. Not only did this program facilitate invaluable opportunities for getting a taste of life in DC, it was also a great way to meet people with similar interests. I know that I have built lifelong relationships through this program and I would strongly encourage anyone interested in politics or DC to get involved. The Political Science Department at UW, its supporters, and Dave Nelson (DC coordinator) are amazing resources for young adults who are interested in expanding on the educational experiences found in the classroom."
Diana Maas (intern in the office of Congressman Ron Kind, summer 2010)
"Spending my summer in Washington DC was a fantastic experience
that allowed me to have an internship where I interacted with
Senators on a daily basis, was able to speak with UW alumni and
see how far they have come in their careers, and build lifelong
relationships; both in friendships and career networking. I'd
recommend this program to anyone who is passionate about politics
and is interested in learning more about how Washington works."
Kimberly Unitt-Zupkus (intern in the Senate Republican
Conference, summer 2007)
"By
going to DC with the UW program I was able to experience the independence
and challenge of finding my own internship and working in an office
unique to my interests while having a support network of other
Madison students and educators. The alumni connections and mentorship
program made DC a much friendlier place and produced relationships
that have and will continue to significantly shape my career goals."
Elizabeth Toussaint (intern at the Brazilian Embassy,
summer 2007)
"The
program was a great addition to my internship in Senator Kohl's
Office because it gave me a well rounded view of politics. At
work I saw the legislative side of government, but in class, I
saw various aspects of government including lobbying, foreign
affairs, law, and the media. The program is also great, becuase
D.C. is such a big city, and having at least 12 other people you
know going into it, makes the experience more fun and less scary.
As part of the program I was also matched with a mentor who took
me to political events and helped me throughout my time in Washington."
Dawn Schueller (intern in the office of Senator Herb Kohl,
summer 2007)
"Spending the summer in Washington, DC was unquestionably
one of the best decisions I made as an undergrad. The UW-Madison
DC program enabled me to combine the study of DC politics and
with their practical applications by providing an excellent series
of guests lecturers and allowing me to incorporate work from my
Congressional office into the curriculum. Beyond the student connections,
however, the UW program also offered many valuable opportunities
to network and learn from numerous distinguished alumni, only
further enriching the whole experience."
Aaron McCann (intern in the office of Congressman Ron
Kind, summer 2006)