Georgetown vs. George Washington University: Which Offers Better Access to Political Internships?

The main practical tradeoff is that GW’s Foggy Bottom campus puts students within a very short commute of the White House, State Department, World Bank, and many federal agencies, while Georgetown combines strong Washington access with a particularly deep alumni and faculty network in government, diplomacy, law, and policy. Both schools make academic-year internships realistic, but neither hands them to students automatically. At either campus, students who apply early, use career advising, and build relationships with professors and alumni can pursue substantive roles before senior year.

GW has a notably internship-oriented culture: many students structure class schedules around part-time work in government offices, congressional offices, advocacy organizations, campaigns, consulting, and think tanks. Its central location can make an in-person commitment easier to sustain between classes, especially for agencies and organizations clustered downtown. GW’s political science, international affairs, and public policy students also benefit from being surrounded by peers who are actively applying for DC positions.

Georgetown is farther from downtown, but still fully connected to the city by shuttle and public transit, and its Washington network is a major asset. The School of Foreign Service, McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown Law community, and politically engaged alumni can be especially valuable for students interested in foreign policy, congressional work, public service, or policy research. Georgetown’s reputation may help open introductory conversations, though students still need to earn the internship through a strong application and networking.

For sheer convenience and a campus culture built around fitting internships into the academic week, GW has the edge. For a student seeking political internships alongside a highly connected policy, diplomacy, and government network, Georgetown can be equally compelling; the better choice comes down to whether downtown proximity or Georgetown’s particular academic and alumni ecosystem matters more to you.