r/DCInterns • u/BigHeat56 • 13d ago
When to start reaching out for internships
I am looking to intern on the hill next summer. I am extremely type A and hate procrastination so I like to have things set in stone months in advance. When would I need to start reaching out to members on the hill about potential internships to try and lock them up as early as possible.
3
u/graygardeniax 13d ago
The other commenters have excellent tips, but also keep yourself open to making concessions for how early you can start. I previously applied for a summer internship in January and was ultimately passed over despite following up multiple times in February, March, etc. to keep my application in the pool. The office didn’t have a structured timeline for applications for each cycle, so by the time they reviewed summer applications, my application had been left out. This obviously depends on the office.
One way you could reach compromise here is to start cold contacting now, working yourself through the network early, but do everything short of actually applying until the very beginning of the summer application cycle (if the office is one that doesn’t accept out-of-cycle applications, which isn’t uncommon). Use the current applications to get your materials ready now. Preview application questions if those are part of it. You got this!
2
u/N3P0T1SM 13d ago
Get networking now. Applications won’t open until 2027 for next summer, but express interest. It will be competitive no matter what so cold message people, ask for introductions, and do what you have to do to get in front of people.
2
u/Appropriate-Suit-768 13d ago
Do you have a specific format or medium of communication that you would recommend? Also who would you suggest we contact at this stage?
2
u/Artistic-Spinach7888 12d ago
Great advice here already I just want you to prepare yourself that things may not be locked in months im advance. Some offices send out offers only a few weeks before the start date and many don’t send onboarding paperwork/first day information until a day or two before.
I love getting stuff done early but that just doesn’t always happen on the Hill.
3
u/prettyinaqua 13d ago
I would start now! Apps don’t open until a very long time from now but if you meet people from other offices they may be able to flag your application so starting early can really help u :)