A is for Attaining; How I landed an internship with the Department of Education

My last day at DePauw before the
move to Washington, D.C.

At the beginning of Spring semester, I began to look for opportunities for the summer.  I utilized Tiger Tracks, LinkedIn, indianaintern.net, and simple Google searches to look for internships both in my area, and in big cities.  I probably applied to 15 internships before I started hearing back from employers.  Some of their offers were appealing, and some rejections hit me hard, but I knew the right opportunity was out there; I just had to find it.

I applied to the Department of Education's internship program on a whim, knowing that D.C. internships were highly competitive.  My first mistake of this experience was underestimating my personal skills, resume, and professionalism; all skills which had been fostered by DePauw's Liberal Arts atmosphere.  My interview revealed that my polished resume, and clear objective for my direction of study had impressed my future supervisor.  Receiving an internship at the DOEd's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), I immediately applied for the Hubbard Center's internship grant.  It would not have been possible for me to go to D.C. without it, so I was very excited when I received the news that I would be given a stipend of $3,000 to fund my big experience.

I started frequent communication with my supervisor at NCES, reading blogs and articles about current issues in Education.  I ordered books about Common Core and charter schools, and started building off my knowledge from Education Studies courses I had completed at DePauw.

I found the Alpha Chi Omega house at the University
of Maryland. Greek networking pays off!

The next step was to find somewhere to live (if you have ever been to D.C. or a big city, you know that it is quite expensive).  I started my search by using DePauw University's Online Alumni Directory, LinkedIn groups, online searches and Alpha Chi Omega connections to find affordable housing.  All of these sources provided me with helpful advice, connections, and insight about how to locate safe and affordable housing.  DePauw alumni were especially helpful, sharing advice and giving me more options to look at.  It was my Alpha Chi Omega networking, however, that ultimately pulled through as I was presented with an offer to live in a house on the University of Maryland's campus in College Park.  I would be living with other Alpha Chis and would be within walking distance of almost every amenity I might need.  I would also be in the prime location for visiting potential graduate schools to which I would hopefully be applying in the Fall.  This placement was perfect!

My professional contact
card.Hopefully it will make
a statement!

All packed up and ready to
move to the city!

My final major preparation was to create a professional look and brand.  I started by updating my LinkedIn profile, finding appropriate clothing based on NCES's dress code, and creating a personal contact card (via Vista Print), which included my contact information, skills, and LinkedIn profile url.  When my contact cards arrived, my stomach filled with butterflies.  I was now ready to learn what this summer would have in store.

After weeks of preparation, planning, and mapping out my summer, it was finally time to make the move to Washington, D.C.  My mother and grandmother generously made the 10 hour drive with me to my new home.  I moved in all of my clothes and personal items, met my new houses-mates  (fellow Alpha Chi Omega sisters), and explored the area.  

My first metro experience.

College Park is a big and
beautiful place!

Nervous about using the metro, I did a test run of sorts, learning how to get from place to place, and how to navigate D.C.  I even went as far as to find the building I would be working in, taking pictures along the way in case I would forget a step in the directions or get lost (as I have been known to do). Additionally, I gathered maps of tourist destinations that I might want to visit during my time in D.C. I made a plan to visit as many of the attractions on nights and weekends as possible.  All museums in D.C. are free, and after a very insightful Museum Field Experience in my EDUC 223 Deconstructing Diferences course at DePauw, I couldn't wait to explore them all.

My cute and cozy new room! 

Saying goodbye to my family and hello to my new temporary home, I hit the books once more to prepare for my first day at NCES.  I also took time to relax, and to become comfortable with my new living situation.  Moving to a new place is very overwhelming, and successful integration comes from taking things one step at a time.  While I might not be the Queen of the D.C Metro just yet, my preparations and planning have definitely paid off so far, especially as I look forward to my first day tomorrow!

All moved in. All my planning paid off!