Internship Timeline and FAQs

President Obama with Interns

Internship Timeline

 

Spring
2012

Summer
2012

Fall
2012

Spring
2013*

Summer
2013*

Application
Posted

May 9,
2011

Nov. 14,
2011

Jan. 30,
2012

May 14,
2012

Nov. 19,
2012

Application
Deadline

Sept. 11,
2011

Jan. 22,
2012

Apr. 1,
2012

Sept. 23,
2012

Jan. 27,
2013

Notification

Begins the week of Oct. 24, 2011

Begins the week of Feb. 20, 2012

Begins the week of Apr. 30, 2012

Begins the week of Nov. 12, 2012

Begins the week of Feb. 25, 2013

Start Date

Jan. 17,
2012

May 29,
2012

Sept. 4,
2012

Jan. 15,
2013

May 28,
2013

End Date

May 4,
2012

Aug. 10,
2012

Dec. 14,
2012

May 3,
2013

Aug. 9,
2013

*The White House Internship Program is tentatively scheduled for Spring 2013 and Summer 2013. All those who submit applications for the Spring 2013 White House Internship Program will receive notification beginning the week of November 12, 2012, regarding the status of the Spring 2013 term.

How should I respond to the essay questions?  

Each of the essay questions should be answered separately. Each response should be no more than 500 words in length. Do not exceed the word limit.

How long should my resume be and what should it include?

Your resume should be no longer than one page and should include at least your education, work experience, extracurricular activities, and service experiences.

How do I submit my letters of recommendation?

If you have access to your letters of recommendation and the consent of your recommenders, you may submit your two letters of recommendation through the “Recommender” link on our website. Make sure to include your correct unique identifier number (date of birth, last four digits of your social security number.) You should also include the contact information of your recommender.  When asked to certify your letter of recommendation, you should enter your initials in the appropriate field. Again, you should only do this if you have the permission of your recommender.

If you do not have access to your letters of recommendation, please forward the “Recommender” link on the White House website to your recommenders. Applicants should make sure to supply their recommenders with their correct unique identifier number (date of birth, last four digits of your social security number.) When asked to certify the letter of recommendation, please have your recommender enter their initials into the appropriate field. Please make sure the recommender includes the contact information required. We may follow up with additional questions.

Will I be penalized if my recommendation is sent in late?

Yes. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted after the due date. Your application will still be reviewed, but you will be penalized for your missing letters of recommendation.

Who should write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
The White House Internship Program cannot recommend who should write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. However, we encourage you to find individuals who can illustrate your qualifications, character, and commitment to public service.

Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?

Yes. In order to be eligible for the White House Internship Program you must be a United States citizen.

Do you have to be in college to apply?

No. Current undergraduate students are NOT the only eligible applicants.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age on or before the first day of the internship, and meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college, or university (two-to-four year institution)
  • Graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college, or university (two-to-four year institution) no more than two years before the first day of the internship
  • A veteran of the United States Armed Forces who possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent and has served on active duty, for any length of time, in the two years preceding the first day of the internship

Can I mail a hard copy of my application?

No. We cannot accept hard copies of applications. Only applications submitted via our website will be reviewed.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email once their application has been successfully submitted. Applicants should also receive a confirmation email for each of their letters of recommendation.

Is the White House Internship a paid position?

No. White House Internships are unpaid positions. Applicants may contact educational and other non-profit organizations to apply for funding or housing assistance. Any outside income, funding or housing assistance received as a White House intern must be pre-approved by the Office of the White House Counsel.

Is housing provided?

No. Applicants must arrange for their own housing. Applicants are encouraged to contact educational and other non-profit organizations as well as local schools to apply for housing assistance.

My school is on the quarter system. Can I still participate?

Yes. You are welcome to apply, as long as you can commit to the full term of the internship program.

Is the White House Internship Program a full-time internship?

Yes. Applicants should expect to work at least Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Some exceptions will be made for applicants with class or program requirements, but interns must work 4.5 days a week in order to be considered full-time interns. For example, an intern may leave at 1:00 p.m. or later one day per week, if appropriate. If you require a schedule accommodation of this kind, please make mention of this if/when you are interviewed by a member of the White House Internship Team.

To whom should the letters of recommendation be addressed?

"To Whom It May Concern" or "White House Internship Reviewing Committee."

Is political preference a deciding factor in the application review process?

No. It is essential, however, that applicants are dedicated to the ideals and mission of the White House Internship Program.

How many people apply for the internship program?

The White House Internship Program is highly competitive and we are experiencing great enthusiasm this year. Applicants are encouraged to submit a thorough application that illustrates your qualifications and commitment to public service.

As a White House Intern, where will I work?

For a full list of internship placement offices, please visit www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/departments

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