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About PPIP DC

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Texas A&M University recognizes internships as an integral part of its curriculum, enabling students to participate in structured, supervised learning experiences off-campus. The Public Policy Internship Program (PPIP) strives to provide out-of-classroom opportunities that help students build on and enhance previous coursework. Integrating an off-campus, work-learning experience with related curriculum choices reinforces learning on campus.

PPIP is an academic, service-designated course to help students obtain policy-related internships in Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas. Students may engage in internships in a variety of settings that match their academic goals.

Students are expected to work full-time at their internship placement within our program. During their internship, students learn new skills unique to their field, gain valuable inside knowledge about their professional future, and meet the people who will someday become their co-workers and professional network.

Working in Washington, D.C.

As a PPIP intern, you can count on acquiring a set of transferable skills in the dynamic work environment of national policymaking. Interning in our nation's capital is sure to be an exciting semester that will change your life, focus your career goals, and build your professional network.

You will gain an understanding of how policy affects absolutely everything, which can be a benefit in your future career. Every day in Washington, D.C. is a learning experience and a chance to help shape the direction of our country. From day to day, week to week, your role can fluctuate with the changing demands of office staff and legislative objectives. But no matter what office you’re in, you are bound to have a work experience unlike any you have had before!

Over the years, student interest has driven the Public Policy Internship Program (PPIP) to form connections with a wide range of hosting offices in the world of policy. Because PPIP interns are placed in a variety of internships, there is no single description that defines the daily work of an intern. Below is a list of recent hosting office placements, along with some of the tasks interns may be responsible for.

I absolutely loved the fast-paced climate of D.C.! From attending hearings to helping constituents in the office, this internship offered me such a unique experience to learn about the federal government. For any student considering D.C., I would tell them that this would be a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to first-hand witness the intricate legislative process at our nation’s capital.

Allen Zhang | Washington, D.C. | Summer 2023