Pre-Internship Checklist

Pre-Internship Checklist- Download [PDF]

Working in Washington DC

DC Transportation and Travel - Download [PDF]

Preparing for your Internship

After you have been successfully accepted into an internship position, you should take affirmative meaures to ensure that it will be a pleasant experience. During your first few weeks, you will go through an orientation or probation period. If you are not getting feedback from your employer, request it. Ask your supervisor about your strengths and your weaknesses. Take advantage of the feedback to learn how you can improve your performance on the job. You are showing that you would like to meet their needs and are eager to fit into the organization. As you become more comfortable, any initial nervousness will subside. You will also be developing the good work habits that future employers want. Remember, ask for help when you need it! Most importantly, have realistic expectations about the job before you start.

Below are some general guidelines that may be helpful in preparing for a meaningful and successful experience during the internship:

1. After approval, contact the agency before the actual internship begins and attempt to learn their objectives, clientele, activities, funding source, etc., as well as the projected role of the intern in their program.
2. Begin the internship with an open mind. Take the internship seriously.
3. Be as willing to give to the internship as you are to take from it.
4. Be empathetic and patient with both the agency or office supervisor and your instructor/faculty advisor; they will do the same for you.
5. Feel free to discuss any problems with the respective supervisors.
6. Dress and act according to the office expectations for employees.
7. Confidentiality in all offices and agencies is a must! Never discuss a client with friends, family, or other workers unless it is of benefit to the client.
8. Be prompt in doing whatever is asked.
9. Plan ahead--keep everything noted in a pocket calendar.
10. Do not procrastinate. A semester may sound like along time, but you will be surprised how quickly it passes.
11. Talk with the office or agency supervisor; feel free to express those things about which you are not knowledgeable, but are willing to learn.
12. Be willing to suggest new things but think the ideas through before presenting them.

Dos and Don’ts to Help You Fit Into the Organization

Interpersonal Skills

• Try to work well with others, maintain a good relationship with your Internship Supervisor and co-workers and avoid confrontations.
• Do not make criticisms about the job or other employers in public; do not complain.
• Be patient not only with your co-workers and supervisor but also with the tasks associated with your job.
• Learn to LISTEN properly to those around you; take the time to comprehend fully and assimilate their requests or instructions.
• Be sensitive to others, do not gossip.
• Keep a sense of humor, but make sure it is appropriate humor; avoid profanity.

Dependability

• Be prompt in getting reports or assignments finished.
• Arrive on time for work, meetings and appointments.

Time Management

• Do not procrastinate; prioritize your tasks.
• Identify your best time for working on challenging tasks i.e., a.m., p.m.
• Master the flood of information you will receive every day.
• Use commuting time for learning activities.

Competence

• Set rigorous standards for yourself.
• Create a positive first impression.
• Improve your skills, especially in oral and written communication.
• Ask questions or research answers if you are not sure so as not to proceed in error.
• Admit and learn from mistakes and accept suggestions for improvement.
• Ensure your training program is relevant and in sufficient depth to enable you to perform up to expectations in your position.
• Take extra courses or training outside of work on your own time.
• Master technology; keep skills current.
• Show initiative through arriving early and leaving late, making suggestions and working extra hard.
• Volunteer for committees or projects to become noticed and recognized.

Compatibility

• Participate in social activities so that others can get to know you better, but keep your actions and reputation in mind.
• Avoid internal office politics.
• Maintain discretion in amount of socializing on work time.
• Wear appropriate clothing.
• Value your role as an effective team player.
• Do not talk too much about your previous jobs or activities

Living in DC

NTDC Intern Sites
Thus far, the NTDC internship has been involved in the offices of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Congressman Michael Burgess, Senator John Cornyn, and the Election Assistance Commission. However, the program is not limited solely to these offices and the program primarily looks to find the right match between the student and offices in DC based upon the student’s area of interest.

Internship Requirements

Course Registration Guidelines
Students should work with their academic department to determine the best class(es) in which to register. In most cases, departments have internship or special problems courses that will accommodate the needs of your NTDC internship. A university course, UCRS 5800, was created for those areas that do not have one, or where the internship requirements for the department do not match with that of the NTDC internship.

Students may receive up to six hours credit for fall or spring semester and up to four hours for the summer internship. Determination of credit hours is at the discretion of the student’s advisor.

Post-Internship Checklist

Post-Internship Checklist - Download [PDF]

Evaluation Forms

Internship Evaluation Form - Download [PDF]

Intern Evaluation Form - Download [PDF]

Frequently Asked Questions

If accepted, what happens to my current financial aid and scholarships the semester I intern?
To ensure you are eligible for consideration of aid, you must be enrolled in a half-time course load (according to the UNT Registrar) during the semester you intern.

The criteria for scholarships vary from scholarship to scholarship. You should confirm the requirements of your scholarship to determine any restrictions. Scholarship criteria may be obtained from the department of your major, University Scholarship Office, or the external donor of your award. You can work with your academic advisor to determine what other courses (in addition to your internship hours) would work for your schedule.

What semesters is the internship available?
The NTDC internship program is available for all semesters: fall, spring, summer I and summer II. Fall and spring internships last the length of the semester (approximately 15-16 weeks). Summer internships are shorter, with each summer semester internship lasting 6 weeks.

Where do NTDC interns live?
Interns will live in housing that is chosen and paid for by the NTDC program administrators.

Are travel costs covered by the NTDC program or are they the responsibility of the interns?
Travel costs are not covered by the NTDC program at the current time. In cases of hardship, however, appeals may be made to the -------

Will the placement offices provide compensation for the work done by interns?
Most internships in the NTDC program are unpaid, however, some offices may choose to compensate their interns with modest stipends.

What is the application process?
After applications are turned in, a select number will be chosen to continue onto the interview process. Each applicant chosen must attend one 30-minute interview. After all interviews have been conducted, a panel will select the final group that will be offered the opportunity to participate in the NTDC program.

Is the cost of food included in the cost of housing paid for by the program?
No, it is not. Although it is not enough to cover all costs, the $500.00 stipend you receive is intended to assist with expenses such as food and transportation.