Cohort Eligibility

APPLICANT PROFILE

There is no single formula for being selected for a FSU DC Study Away Program Cohort or securing a Washington, DC internship. Our most competitive candidates come from every major and every background. What they have in common is a demonstrated commitment to developing professionally before arriving in Washington.

FSU's DC Study Away Program requires a two-semester commitment: the semester the selected student cohort lives and interns full-time in DC and the semester prior to departure. Early in the semester prior to departure student cohort members meet with Career Center staff to prepare materials then begin the process of applying, interviewing and networking to secure a full-time, professional internship in DC.

While every DC internship will have its own unique criteria, in general, the student applicants accepted to the cohort and successful in securing an internship are those that have already completed local internships relevant to their career interest area or a record of engagement of on-campus student leadership or community involvement.

Able to articulate clearly "Why Washington, D.C.?"

The strongest applicants can articulate why spending a semester in Washington, D.C. is important to their personal and professional goals, not simply because it sounds exciting, but because they understand how the experience connects to their future career goals.

Remember...

You do not need a perfect GPA, prior congressional internship, or extensive political experience to be successful.

What matters most is that you have intentionally prepared yourself to contribute in a professional workplace and are ready to make the most of the opportunities Washington, D.C. offers.

A competitive candidate isn't necessarily the student with the longest résumé -

it's the student who has consistently sought opportunities to learn, lead, serve, and grow.

An ideal DC Study Away Program applicant who will be successful in securing a DC internship possesses strong transferable skills, through a combination of the following:

  • demonstrated strong academic focus
  • relevant internship experience
  • research experience
  • on campus leadership
  • student government involvement
  • holding a part-time job or seasonal employment while enrolled as a full-time student

APPLICATION PROCESS

An application must be submitted prior to the advertised deadline, which includes submission of the following materials:

  • FSU Cum GPA
  • Updated, one-page resumé
  • Cover letter responding to the following prompts:
    • Why do you want to participate in the FSU DC Study Away Program?
    • Why would participating in an internship in Washington, D.C. specifically contribute to achieving your professional goals?
    • Living and working in Washington, D.C., requires initiative, adaptability, professionalism, and resilience. Describe a time when you stepped outside your comfort zone to pursue a meaningful opportunity or overcome a challenge.
  • Writing sample
  • LinkedIn public profile URL
  • Professional photo
  • Short professional bio
  • Contact information for 2 academic or professional references

To view a PDF version of the application prior to submission > FSU DC Study Away Program - Summer 2027 Cohort Application.pdf

 

What Makes an Applicant Stand Out?

The most successful candidates typically have a résumé that tells a story of continuous growth. Rather than listing numerous unrelated activities, they show increasing responsibility, intentional career exploration, and a willingness to seek out opportunities to learn.

What Happens Next?

Once the application submission deadline has passed, completed applications will be reviewed within 1-2 weeks and the Career Center will extend invitations to approximately 30 student applicants for in-person interviews to be scheduled within 1-2 weeks at the Dunlap Success Center on-campus. Following these interviews, 15 cohort participants will be selected based on the merit of their application and interview performance. All interviewees will be notified of the admissions decisions within 2 weeks after their interview occurred. An additional 5 interviewees may be invited to join the cohort waitlist. Interview invitations and final decisions will be conveyed via the applicants official @fsu.edu email address. 

Apply Now

 

COHORT ELIGIBILITIY

  1. Students must have government-issued identification (a REAL ID, or acceptable equivalent, is strongly encouraged). Program aspects (internship site access and admission to Washington D.C. attractions/venues) require government-issued identification to participate.
  2. Students must be in (and remain in) good academic and conduct standing with FSU.
  3. Participation in the FSU DC Study Away Program is currently restricted to full-time, enrolled degree-seeking students (undergraduate or graduate).
  4. Ability to enter into a binding lease agreement with FSU Housing that spans the length of the Program period.
  5. Eagerness to collaborate with FSU Departments (lead sponsor: FSU Career Center; sustaining sponsor: the student’s Academic College) to identify professional aspirations and strengths to develop an internship strategy that matches your ambitions.
  6. Eagerness to invest 40 hours per week toward a full-time, professional internship experience, where you will gain hands-on experience and a rich network of professional connections that will result in a competitive advantage in future pursuits.
  7. Eagerness to fully participate in programming outside of your internship such as networking events, alumni engagements, etc.