Ten Tips for Success Before You Arrive

We are delighted to have you as part of the internship program and look forward to introducing you to our beautiful, historic city. There are several things you can do before you arrive in Washington, D.C. that will help you get more from your internship program experience.

 

1. Commit yourself to using good time management skills and practice keeping to a schedule before you arrive.Your days will be demanding and every minute will count. Organize yourself so that you can be on top of your game 24/7.
   
   
2. Pay attention to details.You will have a lot of fun while you are in Washington, D.C., but coming to The Washington Center for an internship program is anything but a vacation.  Listen and follow through on details so nothing falls through the cracks. This section of TWC’s website is designed to provide a good deal of important information; study it and feel free to ask questions. 
   
   
3. Start saving and plan a budget.With so many entertainment and shopping opportunities, it’s easy to lose control of your budget.  Before you come to Washington plan what you can afford to spend each week on food, phone, transportation and incidentals. Then, monitor and stick to your budget [1].
   
   
4. Pack professional attire.Every placement has its own dress code, but most are offices with high expectations. Dressing professionally [2] creates the best impression and shows you’re serious about your work.
   
   
5. Get familiar with the city’s Metro system.The subway is the lifeline of the city. You’ll need to know which stops to take and which trains to board. You can prepare ahead of time by reviewing the Metro website and getting familiar with the layout of the city.
   
   
6. Start gathering important documents, such as forms and travel details, and leave copies at home.If something gets lost and you need a back up, it’s good to have documents in the hands of a trusted person back home. 
   
   
7. Start learning about what Washington, D.C. offers.You’ll find a rich tapestry of peoples and cultures in Washington. It’s worth taking time to understand the diverse people, cuisine, and events that will shape your experience at The Washington Center. 
   
   
8. Set goals for your internship program.Before you come to Washington, spend some time thinking about what you hope to gain from your experience, what you want to accomplish while you are here and how you are going to go about meeting your goals. Once you arrive, life moves at a fast pace. Writing down your goals ahead of time will help think about them throughout your time in D.C.
   
   
9. Research and learn about your internship.Once you have your placement, go online to find out everything you can about the organization where you will be interning. Research will give you insights into the organization that will help you do a better job as an intern and demonstrate your interest and commitment to the organization’s staff. 
   
   
10. Open your mind to all opportunities.Think of your time in Washington, D.C., as a challenging, educational adventure designed to give you a head start on your career. In order to take maximum advantage of the experience, come with an open mind and a “can do” attitude — be ready to try new things every day you are here.