Interest Appointment

Students who are interested in The Washington Fellowship should meet with the recruiter to ensure all questions and concerns are addressed. The application process and minimum requirements are outlined below. (Students must also keep in mind that their specific major has its own requirements. Students must meet the higher standard of the two.) Submit a Washington Fellowship Appointment Request to schedule an appointment. Full email address and password is required for login. Please include three times you are available during the week.

Requirements

• Must be at least a Junior by status
• 2.7 Cumulative GPA (This can vary based on major requirements)
• Must have 21 credit hours completed in your major
• Major must be declared
• No more than one CSER behind
• Must clear a Student Conduct Check

Program Application/Agreement

If the above Academic Requirements are met the Washington Fellowship Recruiter will provide a Program Application/Agreement to the student. This Application/Agreement must be completed in full and the $25 application fee paid in order for the student to be considered for the program.

Professional Development

Upon acceptance into the Washington Fellowship, the following professional development items must be completed. A feasible timeline for completion of these items will be determined by the Washington Fellowship Recruiter.

• Cover Letter & Professional Résumé
• 3-5 Page Writing Sample
• Mock Interview
• 4 Letters of Reference
  • 2 from professors
  • 1 personal
  • 1 employer

Academic Credit

The Washington Fellowship Recruiter will meet with students to discuss their academic credit options. Each undergraduate intern will be required to take a minimum of 12 credit hours for Fall and Spring. This is usually broken down by taking 6 credits of internship (499) and 6 credits of Liberty University Online courses. In the summer, students are only required to take the 6 credits of internship but can take additional online courses if they choose.

Resume and Cover Letter

Consult our website for resume resources and submit your resume and cover letter to the Career Center for critique. The final versions of these documents must be viewed and approved by a Washington Fellowship staff member.

Writing Sample

Writing samples are highly valued in Washington, D.C. A good writing sample demonstrates the capacity to perform more than just basic clerical duties. Your writing sample is required to be 3-5 pages in length and analytical in design. You can provide a previous paper of excellent quality that is relevant to the student’s major and/or desired industry.

You are expected to demonstrate a strong command of the English language. Therefore, remember to ensure that your writing sample is free of spelling and grammatical errors.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROOFREAD!

A critical component of your writing sample is the logical argument(s) you present. Avoid the use of poorly designed arguments or fallacious reasoning. The Liberty Career Center will be looking for concise writing that conveys necessary information clearly.

Writing on an issue that would be of interest to the office offering your internship is beneficial if it is not contrary to their position. Demonstrate your writing and analytical skills, not your personal beliefs or political positions.

Reference Letters

Liberty University requires four letters of recommendation. These letters of recommendation need to come from a person of influence who can speak on the topic of your character, knowledge, skills, and ability. We would recommend utilizing current/former employers, professors, pastor, etc. Make sure each reference letter is general and not addressed to the Washington Fellowship. These letters are to be used for your internship applications. Each letter must be on a letterhead and signed by the reference to be considered as valid. Remember we need letters from:

• 2 professors
• 1 personal
• 1 employer

The Next Steps

• Deliver all materials to the Liberty University Career Center Washington Fellowship Staff. Electronic documents are preferred. Please scan and email documents to Washington@liberty.edu
• Do not delay in responding to any requests as this may jeopardize your internship opportunity.
• Once your internship is determined, the Washington Fellowship Placement Coordinator will contact you to finalize any details.

Application Checklist

Application Checklist

• Have I met with the recruiter to begin the application process?
• Did I complete the Application?
• Did I complete my Cover Letter?
• Did I complete my Professional Resume?
• Did I complete my Writing Sample?
• Did I submit 4 Letters of Reference?
  • 2 professors
  • 1 personal
  • 1 employer
• Did I return hard/electronic copies of required information?
  • Application
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Writing Sample
  • References
• Did I participate in a Mock Interview?