The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC) welcomed nearly 500 interns to Washington, D.C. during their two-day fall orientation on August 30th and 31st at the Residential and Academic Facility (RAF). The first day kicked off with the interns being formally introduced to their TWC program advisors and participating in program activities such as a U.S. Capitol tour and National Portrait Gallery exhibit. TWC President Mike Smith visited with various programs to start meeting students. There are around 13 programs offered by TWC, catering to interns from all backgrounds and majors. Interns ended their first day of orientation with an ice cream social at the RAF.
The second day of orientation was a formal program where students learned more about TWC. President Mike Smith provided words of wisdom for students about how to take advantage during their semester. His advice included:
• Networking
• Making Connections
• Taking Advantage of Informational Interviews
Kevin Nunley, Managing Director of Academic Internship Programs, offered an overview of The Washington Center’s mission and three pillars:
• Leadership
• Academic and Professional Achievement
• Civic Engagement
He also spoke about 21st century skills they will need to succeed this semester, including problem solving and information literacy.
Mashaal Ahmed, Senior Coordinator of Career Services, educated the students on 6 elements of professionalism in the workplace:
• Interpersonal Skills
• Appearance
• Communication Skills
• Time Management
• Ethics
• Work Ethic
Andrea Barron, Senior Program Manager for Civic Engagement, discussed the 7 civic engagement projects offered through TWC during the fall:
• Animal Welfare
• Domestic Violence
• Homelessness
• Immigrant Rights
• LGBT Project
• Local Green Project
• Veterans
TWC is excited to welcome all of its new interns! We know they will have a wonderful fall in D.C.
