How to be a White House Intern

Serving as a White House fellow, or intern, is often the capstone event of an outstanding educational career. The selection process is rigorous and the job can be time consuming. Many people apply each year, and only a select few become White House interns.

Instructions

1. Meet all of the basic requirements. Interns must be US citizens. They must have an undergraduate degree. Applicants must be working in their chosen professions.

2. Prepare a resume and an essay on a selected topic. Fill out all the required paperwork. This also includes two letters of recommendation.

3. Submit the application for the White House Fellow program. Candidates must provide evidence of professional achievements, show leadership skills and demonstrate an interest in public service. Potential interns must have the intellectual capacity to perform well in any situation.

4. Interview at the regional level if selected. If the intern candidate passes this portion of the interview process, they begin the national interview process. At this point, the candidates must pass rigorous background checks.

5. If chosen, begin your work assignment. It may be a job such as helping to write speeches for the President. But like other intern jobs, you should expect to do a lot of mundane tasks like run the photocopier and do research. While you do get to meet the President, you don't see him on a regular basis. You must also adhere to standard protocols of behavior and the dress code.

6. Expect to work long hours. While some interns can get by working 9 to 5, most of them work 12 to 15 hour days.