Congratulations on your Acceptance!
If you applied before the early deadline, there could be a wait until this process begins, during which time you may be asked to complete agency-specific applications (large federal agencies may require applicants to complete their own internal applications in addition to the TWC application).
TWC Canvas Site & GradLeaders
The pre-arrival and internship matching process that are designed to improve the process, add transparency, and empower the student intern:
- You will receive a welcome email from your TWC pre-arrival advisor. You will be invited to join the TWC Canvas page, and complete a pre-arrival assignment. Once that is complete, you will be able to schedule your first pre-arrival advising session.
- The Canvas site is also where you will find loads of helpful information, including the TWC housing agreement, how to pay your housing deposit, the TWC Course Guide, academic expectations and dress code, and other important information.
- You will also be asked to set up an account on GradLeaders (the accepted-student site), where you will be able to see internship job descriptions, and to search and apply for internships.
- Please keep your pre-arrival advisor informed of any changes to your plans, goals, or requests.
- Actual video or phone interviews with internship sites don't start happening until 3-6 weeks before you are scheduled to arrive in Washington DC. Even if you applied for the earliest of deadlines, do not expect any employers to start contacting you until about a month before check-in.
The Virtual or Phone Interview
- As your TWC semester nears, the employers to whom you have applied will review your application materials. If they think you'd be a good intern for their agency or office they will call you to schedule a short, remote interview.
- It is vital that you research each employer and interviewer you've selected before the interview.
- Take advantage of any offer to do a mock phone interview with TWC staff and be open to their feedback.
- Arrange the interview during private time in a place where you know you have a good connection and will not be disturbed or distracted.
- Be as prepared and as professional as you would be for an in-person job interview. Dress professionally, have your resume out, take notes, have questions ready.
- Send thank you notes or emails within 24 hours.
Employers want to know:
- What are your goals for the internship?
- What are you passionate about?
- Do you want to learn? What skills do you wish to gain?
- What is your work ethic and character (examples!)? Are you willing to work hard, take initiative, ask questions?
- Will you fit in? Many of these offices are small, and you will be working with a team of professionals who spend all day together. Making sure your personality or work style won't clash with theirs is a big part of the seeing if you fit in. So, be yourself!
- Ask questions! Have some ready, take notes. Show that you have done your homework, ask about specific projects you may be assigned, or what a typical day may be like. The TWC accepted student site has a sample of possible questions, start there but also come up with your own.
Accepting and Declining Offers
- Do not feel like you have to accept the first offer that comes along, or that you have to say "yes" or "no" on the spot.
- Graciously thank the person for the offer, and ask for some time to discuss it with family or your advisor.
- Employers usually expect this and want you to make a thoughtful decision.
- Don't worry about declining an offer if it's not a good fit or not what you want.
- A week is usually about the most time they can wait for an answer, but every office is unique.
Registration
- Your UNH TWC Liaison will hold a meeting with you to go over paperwork and get you registered for INCO 682.I, INCO 682.A, and INCO 795.
- We will also complete the UNH study away eligibility form, financial aid paperwork, and review other expectations at this time.
Get There!
- Washington DC is very easy to navigate using public transportation, and there are 3 airports you can fly into. There is also bus & train stations that are easily accessible.
- TWC has set times for check-in and orientation. It's your job to arrange transportation so that you can participate in these required activities.
- Do not expect to get typical academic holidays off, and there is no "spring break" in the professional world. Assume you are to be there full-time, every week for the entire length of your internship.
- While you are in DC, remember that you always have safety nets:
- Your TWC Advisor
- Your Internship Site Supervisor
- Your TWC Faculty Member
- TWC Student Life staff, including Alumni Mentors
- Your UNH TWC Liaison
If you have any questions, problems, or concerns, bring them to your TWC Liaison in a timely fashion.
