Internship Program Provides Students with the Necessary Tools to Find Jobs

Survey of Alumni from The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars Finds Students Have a Leg Up in the Job Search Process

WASHINGTON – September 15, 2009 – When it comes to finding a job, 76 percent of alumni of The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC) said the program helped them gain the skills and knowledge necessary to advance entry into their chosen profession.  As the unemployment rate reaches a 26-year high, college students who participate in programs at TWC have the confidence to succeed in finding a job, according to 500 students surveyed from the nonprofit’s 40,000 member alumni network.

The survey also found 87 percent of the alumni from The Washington Center increased their self-confidence, along with potential for achievement and leadership.

“We give students the opportunity to test-drive a career in the nation’s capital,” said Mike Smith, President of The Washington Center.  “Students not only use this time to gain important job skills, but more importantly, students utilize this opportunity to affirm their area of career interest.”

The Washington Center’s focus on public service appears to be a success, as 63 percent of alumni said the program encouraged them to work in the public service sector or for a nonprofit organization.  The finding is on par with a recent survey given to students who participated in the summer 2009 term, in which 64 percent of students said they would prefer a job in the public sector.

“The wonderful experience I had with The Washington Center program only strengthened my desire to pursue public service.  It is such a thrill for me to serve as a member of Congress, having interned on the Hill over 25 years ago.  I have a greater appreciation for hard-working interns and staff, having once been in their shoes!” said Dennis Cardoza, a 1979 TWC alum who is currently a U.S. Representative (D-CA).

Additional highlighted findings from the alumni survey:

• 84 percent of TWC alumni said the program introduced them to a larger world with people of diverse backgrounds and cultural/global awareness.
  
  
• 70 percent of TWC alumni said the program changed their perception of the political process and politicians.
  
  
• 59 percent of TWC alumni said the program significantly increased the strength and depth of their social and professional networks.

TWC polled 500 alumni who participated in an internship program between 1975 and 2008.  The respondents hold a wide variety of positions within the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

ABOUT THE WASHINGTON CENTER
 
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic seminars is an independent, nonprofit organization that serves hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries by providing selected students challenging opportunities to work and learn in Washington, D.C. for academic credit.  The largest program of its kind, The Washington Center has close to 40,000 alumni who have become leaders in numerous professions and nations around the world.  It was established in 1975.

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