Interning in Washington, DC
Varsha Gaddam majored in Business Administration and Ethics, History, & Public Policy at 无码专区, graduating in May 2026. In Fall 2024, she participated in the 无码专区 Washington Semester Program (无码专区/WSP). During her semester in DC, she interned at the United States Supreme Court. Below, she speaks with then-student ambassador Elijah Dourado, who also graduated in May 2026, about her internship experience.
Looking back, what was the most memorable part of your experience in D.C.?
The most memorable aspects of my time in D.C. were the opportunity to build my professional network, form meaningful friendships, and experience what it is like to live in Washington, D.C.
How did you balance the demands of your internship with the program’s coursework and events?
The professors were extremely accommodating and structured the coursework with an understanding of our internship schedules. I was able to complete most of my assignments over the weekends, which helped me stay organized and prepared for the upcoming week.
Did you have a mentor or supervisor who made a significant impact on your experience? If so, how did they shape your career goals?
My coworkers throughout my internships served as impactful mentors in various ways. They supported me with my daily responsibilities while also helping me grow into a young professional by teaching me how office environments operate, how to advocate for myself early in my career, and how to navigate professional networking.
How did the program help you secure your internship, and what was that process like?
The WSP staff were incredibly helpful throughout the search process. They made sure to meet with us regularly to check in on our progress and offered support wherever it was needed. WSP also circulated weekly internship-roundup emails to keep new opportunities on our radar. In addition, CMIST faculty were also more than willing to share their expertise, review writing samples, and help us prepare for interviews.
How did you decide which internships to apply to while in the Washington Semester Program?
Because I was interested in pursuing a legal career, I focused my search on law-related internships.
What advice would you give to students who feel overwhelmed by the number of internship opportunities in D.C.?
I would encourage students to view the wide range of internship opportunities in D.C. as a source of excitement rather than stress. While everyone enters the program with certain interests, the application process is also an excellent chance to explore new fields. You may discover an opportunity you never would have considered before, but end up truly enjoying.
Photo credit: Varsha Gaddam