Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP)

WAIPers work 20-32 hours per week at internship sites that match your academic and professional interest. 

You won't just be getting coffee - You'll be working in substantive, demanding roles that have real impact. 

Internships are determined before students arrive in D.C. Our staff is highly experienced at placing students at high-quality sites but we encourage students to research potential sites and identify employers of interest. 

Roughly 65% of internships are paid. 

Sample internship hosts:

• American Civil Liberties Union
• Office of Representative Marcy Kaptur
• Forbes Tate Partners
• NewsNation
• General Dynamics
• Office of Senator Sherrod Brown
• FGS Global
• Climate Reality Project
• Office of National Drug Control Policy
• U.S. News & World Report
• The American Legion
• Alignment Government Strategies 

Learn more about the internship component, sample placement sites and internship preparation.

Once a week, students meet for weekly seminar, taught by a D.C. expert employed by Ohio State. Class meetings will consist of discussion, readings, presentations and guest speakers, exposing students policymaking and public service in the Washington community.

Students also develop a policy paper that serves as a capstone to the program. Each student will write a research paper exploring a particular aspect of public policy that is drawn from their intellectual interests, academic preparation, and ideas and experiences gleaned from the Washington field placement.

• 4020: Contemporary Issues in Governance (3 credit hours)
• 4021: Policy Analysis Research Paper (3 credit hours)
• 4191.02: Student Internship in Politics and Public Policy (6 credit hours)

Credit Application:

In many cases, the credits you earn from our program are able to be applied to your major or minor. Consultation with your academic advisor is necessary in order to ensure how credits are applied. All WAIP credits will fulfill degree requirements for students majoring in public affairs.

Students are able to count nine hours of WAIP credit towards the Glenn College’s Public Policy minor. Upon returning from Washington, a student can complete the policy minor with as few as two additional courses. Students can also potentially count the internship and/or policy paper credit towards the nonprofit studies, civic engagement, or science, engineering, and public policy minors with advisor approval. Please contact Steve Fink for more information and explore public affairs minors.

Gain experience and exposure to professional life through the lens of Washington, D.C.

WAIPers engage in a wide range of experiential activities designed to expand their understanding of careers in public service, as well as provide robust opportunities for professional development. These objectives are accomplished through weekly professional development workshops and periodic study tours on Friday. 

Fellows are also matched with Ohio State alumni and Washington professionals for formal mentorship and professional guidance. 

Formal and informal networking activities are facilitated throughout the semester to help students build lasting professional connections.

Students will reflect and engage weekly to monitor their development and explore their evolving career interests.

• Spring 2025: Sunday, Sept. 15 by 11:59pm
• Summer 2025: Sunday, Jan. 12 by 11:59pm
• Fall 2025: Sunday, March 23 by 11:59pm

Current Resume: 
Among the information to be provided: academic awards, honors or fellowships received; employment history; examples of public service; extracurricular activities; language and computer skills, etc.

Personal Statement:
Indicate (in two pages, double-spaced) your reasons for wanting to participate in the program and your interest in public service, and how the program and your possible internship placement serve both your academic and professional goals. Please include how you would be an active member of your cohort, supporting your peers while seeking to learn from others’ experiences.

Writing Sample:
Writing samples should be three to five pages in length, demonstrate your analytical ability and show your writing skills to their best advantage. The sample should be pertinent to your area of general policy interest and should be no more than five pages (typed, double-spaced). If the sample is drawn from a larger paper, give the context of the excerpt.

Two Letters of Recommendation:
The deadline for recommendation letters is the same as the deadline date for the WAIP semester you wish to apply for, so it is advised that you share the recommendation letter link with your recommenders at least two to four weeks ahead of the deadline. 

• Recommenders will submit their letters by using this form.
• At least one letter should be from a faculty member, instructor or teaching assistant who can evaluate your college-level work and academic preparation.
• At least one should come from someone who can speak to your professionalism, work ethic and readiness for an internship in Washington; anyone who supervised your work and/or volunteerism would be appropriate.
• Letters should be on letterhead, signed and addressed to the Selection Committee, Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP).
• Applicants: It is your responsibility to share the recommendation letter link with those who will be writing letters in support of your application. 

For more information, please contact Washington Program Coordinator Sarah Holbert at holbert.49@osu.edu.

What's Next? 
After you submit your application, you will receive an email from WAIP program staff shortly after the deadline to inform you if you have been selected for a 20-30 minute interview with WAIP staff.

After acceptance into WAIP:
Once you are accepted, WAIP staff will work with you individually to understand your interests, connect you to WAIP alumni, and help you prepare competitive internship application materials. WAIP staff are not responsible for placing students in internships but will guide students through the placement process.

WAIP Student Assistants:
You can connect with a WAIP student assistant who has recently gone through the program and can help guide you through the application process. These students are equipped to answer your questions about the application, internship search process and general questions about the WAIP semester.  

Program Withdrawal:
Students can withdraw from the program without penalty up until 30 days prior to the start of the semester in question. The student must notify all program staff in writing of their decision not to participate, as well as inform any internship contacts or prospective internship coordinators about the decision. If a student drops out of the program less than 30 days prior to the first day of the program, they will be responsible for paying the full housing cost for the term. Fees will be automatically assessed to the student’s statement of account. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.