Stories, Experiences, & Advice
Student Blog
Our blog posts are written by Penn students for Penn students, to share tips and strategies for success in Washington. This is a new project for us; scroll down for State Department, Networking, and FGLI advice, and remember to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for new blog series announcements.
STATE DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP SERIES
1. State Department Introduction
The passing scenery, the hum of the engine, and the gentle rocking of the train offer the perfect opportunity to reflect on the journey I am about to begin, interrupted, perhaps ironically, by a short trip home. Home is truly a strange phenomenon. When my parents,...
2. The Application Process
In a nutshell, the application process for the State Department is thorough; not necessarily difficult or overwhelming, but definitely and most certainly long. As a result, timing is important to keep in mind. For all terms (fall/spring/summer), the application window...
3. State Department Bureaus
Choosing Bureaus and Seeking Help This week I want to focus on the question on the applications that asks you to choose a bureau, which is a difficult but important task. There are over thirty bureaus in the State Department. I narrowed down my choices by first...
NETWORKING SERIES
What is Networking?
Who do you talk to about your plans for the future? Your mom? Your uncle who does a job you think is interesting? Your coach from high school, because he seems to care? Your best friend because they get you? Whoever they are, that’s your current network. But now you...
Tip #1: Ask, “Is there any way I can be helpful?”
How can I approach an adult? They’re successful, they’re busy, and they’re doing really cool things. Why would they want to talk to me? When you approach from a place of service — whether it be for internships, connections, or just to learn more about a field — you...
Tip #2: Before You Network, You’ve Gotta Know Your (Personal) Net Worth: On Personal Narratives
To review from last week: Building relationships requires sharing who you are. Your individuality is valuable. But, just like any currency, personal currency’s value is fungible, not innate; it must be defined before it can have value. The next time someone says,...
Navigating D.C. on a Budget Series
#1 D.C.: Unaffordable Nightmare or Accessible Paradise
Going into Penn in Washington (PIW), I had my doubts. I kept getting told D.C. was an expensive place to live and while I knew that going into the program, it didn’t help how many people emphasized that point. As a FGLI student, cost is always at the back of my...
#2 – America’s Next Top Intern: D.C. Edition
As someone without the social capital that others might have, thinking about applying to some of the most important places in the world was daunting. Would I be out of my depth? Would others be more prepared? Fortunately, my experience, which mirrored the experience...
#3 – Bills, Bills, Bills
Last week we addressed the concerns many students have about whether they're ready for DC. This week we'll dig into a big one for FGLI students: what is this going to cost?! I and many in my cohort were happy to discover that the PIW experience is very FGLI-friendly...