Since 2005, the College of Agriculture Public Policy Washington D.C. Summer Internship Program has been sending students to Washington D.C. to learn about agriculture policy, obtain professional work experience, and network in their field of interest.
The program is open for students in any major in the College of Agriculture. Upon selection, the students spend eight to ten weeks in Washington, D.C. Students work in paid or unpaid internship placements that reflect their specific areas of academic or career interests. Included in the program are housing accommodations at the center of Washington, D.C.
Internship opportunities abound in our nation’s capital. From congressional internships on Capitol Hill to positions with think tanks, international affairs associations, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups, there is truly something for everyone.
Past participants have secured internships in the following entities: The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Congressional Research Services, USDA ARS, USDA NRCS, USDA SEL, Smithsonian Institution, USDA APHIS, EPA, on Capitol Hill, Senate Ag Committee, World Bank, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), International Food & Agricultural Trade Policy Council (IPC), Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), Society for Plastics Manufacturing, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), The Pinchot Institute for Conservation, National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), American Farm Bureau Federation, Corn Refiners Association and Animal Agriculture Alliance. Program alumni have represented Purdue University and the College of Agriculture in the highest regard, providing a distinguished presence in Washington D.C.
The Washington D.C. Internship Program participants emerge from their memorable internship experience with soft skill sets that will distinguish them from their peers. Interns are transformed personally and professionally after participating in this program. Program alumni have gone on to become highly successful in their chosen field with many going on to graduate and professional schools.
More information along with the application can be found here.
Morgan Winder
“I have a lot more autonomy to take initiative on tasks, hearings, briefings and tours in the congressional office. It’s been an immersive experience and I really enjoy the type of work I am doing. I enjoy that every day I’m diving into a new subject to learn as much as I can in order to report to the Legislative Assistants. The best office-related task so far was attending a USDA briefing on crop insurance and reporting back to the legislative director.”
Morgan Winder, Congressional Intern, Office of Congressman Jim Baird
Photo with U.S. Congressman Jim Baird (IN-4)
Halee Fisher
“Washington D.C. was a transformative and life changing experience. Being able to network with policymakers across the district solidified my love for international policy. I had the opportunity to be a part of the Cochran Fellowship team where I helped eligible countries develop agricultural systems necessary to meet the food and fiber needs of their domestic populations. I loved discussing food security methods through agriculture with individuals all around the globe!”
Halee Fisher, Agricultural Economics