Internships

Program overview:

Visit the ALIP website for current information including eligibility, dates, deadlines, funding, and credits.

Where do the interns live?

Students participating in ALIP should plan to live in or near downtown Phoenix to allow for a daily commute to the Capitol.

NAU students typically arrange housing with friends or family in the Phoenix area or secure short-term housing for the duration of the program (January through May).

Application process:

March – July  

• Schedule a one-on-one appointment with the SBS career coordinator, who serves as the campus liaison.
• Note: Approval from the campus liaison is required before applying.
• Request two letters of recommendation from supervisors or professors.
• Update your resume.
• Begin drafting your personal statement.

August – September  

• Finalize your application materials.
• Submit letters of recommendation to the SBS career coordinator.
• Meet with the coordinator for a final review.
• After approval, submit your application by the deadline listed on the ALIP website. 

October – November 

• Attend a first-round mock interview.
• If selected, participate in a second-round mock interview.
• Complete your official interview if invited.

 December 

• Receive your admission decision from ALIP staff.

January 

• Internship begins. 

When should I apply by?

Use this timeline to stay on track:

March–July

• Meet with the internship coordinator or email to express interest.
• Attend information sessions.
• Request two letters of recommendation (allow plenty of time and provide your resume and program details).
• Draft your resume and 300-word personal statement.

August–early September

• Finalize application materials.
• Confirm letters of recommendation have been submitted.
• Meet with the internship coordinator for a final review.
• Submit your application by the September deadline.

October–November

• Attend a first-round mock interview or schedule a one-on-one session with Career Development.
• If advanced, complete a second-round mock interview.
• Attend your official interview if invited.

December

• Receive your admission decision.

January

• Begin your internship on the first working day of the year

Dates and Deadlines:

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on application deadlines, interview dates and program timelines, visit the ALIP website.

The Washington Center (TWC) Academic Internship Program offers a comprehensive, hands-on experience for sophomores, juniors and seniors from all majors. Students spend a summer or semester in Washington, D.C., gaining real-world experience while building professional skills.

Students apply to become a TWC intern and, once accepted, work with a TWC program advisor to secure an internship. TWC partners with more than 400 organizations, nonprofits and companies to provide a wide range of opportunities.

Program overview:

During the program, students participate in three core components:

• Internship experience: Work approximately 32 hours per week at an internship site, often in a hybrid format.
• Professional development: Attend and participate in a series of events, including workshops, panels and keynote sessions. Students complete 10 events during fall and spring terms, or seven during the summer.
• Academic course: Enroll in a weekly course, choosing from about 12 options. Classes meet for three hours each week at the Residential and Academic Facility (RAF).

For more details, review the TWC Program Guide. 

Who is eligible?

To apply, students must:

• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
• Have completed at least two semesters of coursework

Students from all majors are encouraged to apply. Applicants must work with the SBS career coordinator throughout the process to be considered a NAU supported TWC candidate.

Where do interns live?

Accepted students have the option to live at TWC’s Residential and Academic Facility (RAF), located in the NoMa neighborhood of D.C. The facility is about a 10-minute walk from the U.S. Capitol and is conveniently located near public transportation.

What are the costs of the program and how do I get funding?

Most TWC internships are unpaid. However, NAU receives funding from the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) to help cover program and housing costs.

Students are responsible for:

• NAU tuition and fees
• Travel to and from Washington, D.C.
• Personal expenses (estimated at $125 to $175 per week)

Application process:

July–Sept. 15

• Schedule an appointment with the SBS career coordinator (required before applying).
• Update your resume.
• Review NAU’s TWC application form and resources.  
• Request one letter of recommendation from a supervisor or professor.

September 15th-October 15th 

• Submit your application through NAU’s TWC application form. 
• Applications are reviewed by the NAU TWC selection committee.
• Candidates are notified before Thanksgiving if they are recommended to move forward.
• Recommended students then submit their application through the TWC portal.  

Note: Students must apply through NAU first. Applications submitted directly to TWC without NAU approval will not be considered.

Dates and Deadlines:

NAU students must first apply through the university. The application opens Sept. 15 and closes Oct. 15.

The NAU TWC selection committee reviews applications using a scoring rubric and notifies selected candidates before Thanksgiving. Those recommended will then complete the final application through TWC.

For the most current information on program dates and deadlines, visit the TWC website.