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Listen "The DC Internship Advantage"
Episode Synopsis
Guest: Karen Carter, Internship Advisor, Washington Semester Program (American University)
Special Guest: Fraser Traverse, CEO of Traverse Jobs
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Career Pulse DC, we dive deep into one of the most impactful entry points to a career in politics, policy, and public service: the internship. Margaret is joined by Karen Carter from American University’s renowned Washington Semester Program (WSP), alongside Fraser Traverse, a proud WSP alum and the CEO of Traverse Jobs.
Karen shares what makes the WSP one of DC’s longest-running and most respected internship programs, the kinds of placements available to students, and what it takes to land a meaningful internship in the nation's capital. Fraser reflects on how WSP launched her own career and offers insight into today’s job and internship market.
Whether you’re a college student, career advisor, or just curious about how internships shape the DC career pipeline, this episode is packed with advice, tips, and firsthand stories.
What You’ll Learn:
The history and impact of AU’s Washington Semester Program
What sets WSP apart from other internship experiences in DC
How students from a wide range of majors—from political science to IT—find tailored internship placements
Resume and cover letter tips for students with little prior work experience
Why being proactive and applying early is key (think: 40 applications!)
The value of networking, site visits, and making the most of DC’s opportunities
How WSP alumni—including Paul Ryan, America Ferrera, and Lori Lightfoot—have gone on to impactful careers
Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Learn more about the Washington Semester Program: american.edu/washington-semester-program
🔗 Find internships and jobs in politics and public affairs: TraverseJobs.com
Connect with Us:
📌 Follow @TraverseJobs on social for job tips and DC career insights
📧 Got questions or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected]
Special Guest: Fraser Traverse, CEO of Traverse Jobs
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Career Pulse DC, we dive deep into one of the most impactful entry points to a career in politics, policy, and public service: the internship. Margaret is joined by Karen Carter from American University’s renowned Washington Semester Program (WSP), alongside Fraser Traverse, a proud WSP alum and the CEO of Traverse Jobs.
Karen shares what makes the WSP one of DC’s longest-running and most respected internship programs, the kinds of placements available to students, and what it takes to land a meaningful internship in the nation's capital. Fraser reflects on how WSP launched her own career and offers insight into today’s job and internship market.
Whether you’re a college student, career advisor, or just curious about how internships shape the DC career pipeline, this episode is packed with advice, tips, and firsthand stories.
What You’ll Learn:
The history and impact of AU’s Washington Semester Program
What sets WSP apart from other internship experiences in DC
How students from a wide range of majors—from political science to IT—find tailored internship placements
Resume and cover letter tips for students with little prior work experience
Why being proactive and applying early is key (think: 40 applications!)
The value of networking, site visits, and making the most of DC’s opportunities
How WSP alumni—including Paul Ryan, America Ferrera, and Lori Lightfoot—have gone on to impactful careers
Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Learn more about the Washington Semester Program: american.edu/washington-semester-program
🔗 Find internships and jobs in politics and public affairs: TraverseJobs.com
Connect with Us:
📌 Follow @TraverseJobs on social for job tips and DC career insights
📧 Got questions or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected]
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