USC vs. Georgetown: Which school offers better access to internships?

For public policy, government, international affairs, advocacy, and many nonprofit roles, Georgetown offers unusually direct undergraduate internship access because its Washington, D.C., location puts federal agencies, Congress, think tanks, embassies, and policy organizations nearby. Many Georgetown students intern during the academic year, not only in summer, and can build experience through part-time roles while taking classes. Its alumni network is especially visible in politics, public service, consulting, and policy-oriented work.

USC is particularly compelling for students pursuing media, entertainment, communications, marketing, entrepreneurship, or business connected to the Los Angeles economy. The university’s Los Angeles setting creates access to studios, production companies, talent and sports organizations, agencies, startups, and major regional employers. USC’s Trojan network is a real advantage in Southern California, and students who proactively network can find substantial internship opportunities during both the school year and summer.

For business, the answer depends on the kind of business career you mean. Georgetown can be a strong platform for consulting, finance, policy-adjacent business, and organizations with a D.C. presence. USC can be especially valuable for entertainment business, real estate, consumer brands, technology, and entrepreneurship in the L.A. market.

Since your interests span policy, media, and business, think about which area you would be most disappointed to lose. Georgetown provides the more concentrated, walkable ecosystem for policy internships, while USC gives you a more natural launch point into media and entertainment. Both schools provide career support and alumni connections, but neither makes internships automatic; the students who benefit most start networking and applying early in their first year.