Host an Intern for FSU's DC Study Away Program

Program Overview

The Florida State University (FSU) DC Study Away Program connects high-achieving students with immersive, career-aligned internships in Washington, D.C. Participants live, learn, and intern full-time while enrolled in coursework designed to deepen their understanding of public service, policy, business, and leadership in a global context.

Students in the program are intentionally selected, professionally prepared, and supported by the FSU Career Center throughout their experience—ensuring they arrive ready to contribute meaningfully from day one.

A DC-based internship is the center of the DC Study Away Program. Internships play an essential role in a student’s career development. These experiences help students sharpen their technical and interpersonal skills, explore career pathways, and build the confidence needed to transition into the workforce. By offering internships and experiential learning opportunities, employers like you become partners in shaping the next generation of leaders.

Why Host an FSU DC Study Away Intern?

1. High-Caliber, Career-Prepared Talent

FSU students bring strong academic preparation, practical skills, and a commitment to professional growth. Internships are structured as experiential learning opportunities that integrate classroom knowledge with real-world application, meaning our students are trained to contribute while continuing to learn.

2. Proven Return on Investment

Internship programs are one of the most effective talent pipelines: 76% of former interns remain with their organization after one year, compared to 45% of non-intern hires 66.6% of interns receive full-time job offers

3. Purpose-Driven, Impact-Oriented Professionals

FSU students are motivated to:

• Apply what they’ve learned in meaningful ways
• Take ownership of projects and deliver results
• Engage in mentorship and feedback to continuously improve

4. Structured, Supported Experience

Employers are not navigating this alone. The FSU Career Center:

• Provides guidance on best practices for internship design
• Supports recruitment through NoleNetwork
• Serves as a partner throughout the internship lifecycle

What Makes FSU's DC Study Away Students Different?

Students in DC Study Away are uniquely prepared for the demands of Washington-based organizations:

• Full-time availability in D.C. during the semester
• Professional readiness training prior to internship experience
• Clear learning goals and reflection practices throughout the experience
• Exposure to policy, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Strong interest in careers in government, nonprofit, communications, business, and beyond. They are not just seeking experience—they are intentionally building careers in high-impact fields.

What we handle vs. What you handle