Howard vs Fordham for internships in DC: which school has better access and networking?

Howard has the clearer edge for internships in Washington, DC because it is actually in DC, has long-standing ties to federal agencies, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and policy organizations, and its students can build local experience during the school year without needing to relocate. That day-to-day proximity matters a lot for internships, networking events, coffee chats, and part-time roles that often turn into stronger references or later offers. Employers in DC are also very familiar with Howard, especially across government, public policy, communications, law, and social impact spaces.

The biggest differentiator is access during the academic year. At Howard, you can intern while taking classes, attend events downtown, and stay involved with an organization over multiple semesters. That makes it easier to deepen relationships instead of only doing a short summer experience. In DC, being available in person for a panel, office visit, or last-minute interview can make a real difference.

Howard also benefits from a particularly visible alumni and institutional network in DC. Its graduates are well represented in politics, public service, media, consulting, and mission-driven organizations, and that creates a real pipeline effect. For a student trying to get noticed, a school with a strong local identity and long-established employer familiarity can open doors more naturally.

Fordham absolutely has a respected network, but it is centered much more heavily in New York. You could still pursue DC internships from Fordham, especially in the summer or through a semester-away type experience, but it takes more planning and usually less spontaneous networking. For access to Washington specifically, Howard gives you the more direct runway.