For Networking Opportunities and Career Experience, Participate in the UCSB Washington Program

by Steve De Canio

The UCSB Washington Program offers a unique opportunity for students to integrate an in-depth experience in the Washington policy world with their UCSB academic program. Participants spend a quarter in Washington D.C. interning in a government agency, nonprofit organization, or private sector firm and living at the new University of California Washington Center. UCSB students also participate in a weekly seminar and complete a research paper. Students receive a minimum of 12 units of academic credit for their Washington quarter. UCSB accepts approximately 30 students per quarter into this program.

The internships immerse students in the heart of national policy-making. Our students have worked in congressional offices on Capitol Hill, the White House and various agencies of the Executive Branch, law firms, media organizations, advocacy groups, the Smithsonian Institution, and science agencies based in Washington, just to name a few of the opportunities. Students have a chance to see (and participate in) the process of policy formation from the inside, and many find themselves given a remarkable amount of responsibility in the short time they are in Washington. On the academic side, our students have the benefit of conducting their research in a resource- rich tutorial environment. The Washington Center has a fully equipped computer lab, full access to all the electronic holdings of the University of California Digital Library, and library privileges at both Georgetown University and the Library of Congress.

Staff in Washington D.C. and at UCSB assist students in finding internships that match their individual interests. The program has a 16-year history of successful internship placements, and an extensive database of contacts eager to invite UCSB students into their agencies and organizations. Students who have participated in the program are overwhelmingly positive in their evaluations of its academic and professional value. The networking opportunities and career experience cannot be duplicated elsewhere.

Students who are interested in the UCSB Washington Program are invited to attend one of the informational seminars held quarterly by the UCDC peers. Questions about the program can be directed to the UCDC peers at 893-3090 or at ucdc@Ltsc.ucsb.edu. Honors students are particularly encouraged to apply!

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