Washington Summer Fellowship FAQ

Washington Summer Fellowship FAQ 

I want to do this Fellowship, but I also have a vacation planned in July. Am I allowed to take a vacation in the middle of the program? 

Generally, no. Fellows are expected to attend all program sessions and maintain their internship commitments throughout the summer. In limited cases, such as serious personal circumstances or unforeseen events, students may discuss potential conflicts with both their internship supervisor and Eisenhower Institute staff.  

If you anticipate major scheduling conflicts, such as a study abroad program that overlaps with the start of the Fellowship or another unavoidable commitment, please note them in your application. The Institute will review these situations on a case-by-case basis to determine if accommodation can be made. If a major conflict is NOT noted in your application, accommodations cannot be guaranteed and you may be held responsible for any nonrefundable costs incurred by the Eisenhower Institute on your behalf. 

When should I start applying for an internship? 

Ideally, BEFORE you apply for the Washington Summer Fellowship. The fellowship application will ask for a list of internships that you’ve applied for, or intend to, with their deadlines. You don't have to have an internship confirmed to apply for EI’s summer fellowship, but we do want to see that you are independently and proactively seeking opportunities – not just counting on the Eisenhower Institute to find one for you. 

What resources are there on campus to get feedback on my resume? 

If you would like feedback on your resume or guidance on internships prior to submitting your application, please contact the Center for Career Engagement, which provides individualized advising for all Gettysburg students. The Center for Career Engagement is also hosting an Internship Fair on October 30th that you can sign up for here. 

Why do I need to submit a writing sample? 

Strong writing is essential to nearly every career path in Washington, whether in policy, business, finance, communications, or technology. The writing sample helps us ensure that applicants can clearly express ideas and prepare strong professional materials. Also, many internship employers request writing samples as part of the application process.  

While academic work (essays, research papers, etc.) is acceptable, professional writing such as memos, policy briefs, or press releases provides a clearer sense of how applicants might communicate in a workplace context. If you have these materials from prior internships or a class assignment, please consider submitting them as your writing sample. 

I don’t know where to start. Will EI help me find an internship? 

Internship placement is a collaborative process. Each fellow is paired with an Eisenhower Institute advisor who provides individualized guidance, interview preparation, and connections to alumni, partner networks, and open opportunities. Fellows are responsible for taking ownership of their search by identifying potential roles, submitting applications, and following up with employers. Demonstrating initiative, by applying to internships in advance or developing a clear search plan, strengthens an applicant’s candidacy. If you would like guidance on your resume or on how to begin your internship search before applying to the Fellowship, please consult the Center for Career Engagement. 

What happens if I can’t secure an internship by the deadline? 

To participate in the Washington Summer Fellowship, students must secure a D.C.-based internship by May 1. Those who actively engage in advising meetings and make a genuine effort to find a placement but do not meet the deadline will receive additional support from Eisenhower Institute staff to identify suitable opportunities. While placement cannot be guaranteed, the Institute will work closely with committed fellows to provide reasonable flexibility and help them secure an internship that meets program requirements. 

Where have Fellows interned in the past? 

Our Fellows have interned at: 

  • American Humanist Association 
  • American Task Force on Lebanon 
  • ASTRO America 
  • Baltimore-Washington Financial Advisors 
  • Beacon Global Strategies LLC 
  • Becky's Fund 
  • Cheniere Energy, Inc. 
  • CASA Virginia 
  • Cornerstone Government Affairs 
  • Council on Foreign Relations 
  • DC PAVE (Parents Amplifying Voices in Education) 
  • DC Highway Safety Office 
  • Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy 
  • Eisenhower Institute 
  • Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States 
  • Freedom House 
  • Friendship Place 
  • George Mason Public Leadership Academy 
  • Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History 
  • Halcyon 
  • Institute of World Politics 
  • Investigative Group International 
  • Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies 
  • Learning Life 
  • Lockton Insurance Co. 
  • Lutheran College Washington Semester 
  • Lynk Global 
  • Middle East Institute 
  • National Association for the Practice of Anthropology 
  • National Center for Missing and Exploited Persons 
  • National Immigration Law Center 
  • National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) 
  • National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations 
  • Normandy Group 
  • Planned Parenthood 
  • Responsible Business Initiative for Justice 
  • Stars and Stripes 
  • United States House of Representatives 
  • Viatris, Inc. 
  • Velocity Government Relations 
  • Vital Voices 
  • Voice of America

Can I talk with someone about whether the program is a good fit for me before applying? 

Yes. Prospective applicants are welcome to sign up here for office hours with the DC Program Manager to ask questions and discuss whether this Fellowship aligns with their goals.