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Many applicants wonder exactly what it is that a WISE Intern does. Interns participate in weekly group meetings with individuals from Congress, the Executive Branch and government relations professionals from the business/association community here in Washington, who will brief you on their respective roles in the public policy process. You will also have group meetings to discuss what you've learned and review your progress. There will also be several scheduled social events. Every year is different, but to get an idea of what WISE entails, take a peek at the following schedules for 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2000. Your work will be supervised by the WISE FMR, who is an engineer with background in public policy hired to run each year's program. Each society also provides staff and/or volunteer mentors who work with you directly to help guide your research. Erica Wissolik of IEEE-USA serves as the overall coordinator of the WISE program and is also an invaluable source of contacts and information. In addition to the visits and interaction with the FMR and your society mentors, you will also spend a significant portion of your time researching and writing a policy paper on a topic of interest to you and your sponsoring society. Here are some general guidelines for your paper and your sponsoring society will provide any specific requirements. This research typically includes opportunities for contacts with policy-makers and analysts by phone, email or face-to-face meeting. For examples, see the WISE Journal of Engineering & Public Policy, which reprints previously submitted WISE papers. In addition to your WISE assignments, WISE sponsoring societies may give you additional assignments and projects to work on and may assign office hours. Not sure what technology policy and the public-policy process is all about? Read about the Legislative Process. Explore the educational resources section of the House of Representatives website and the reference section of the Senate website to learn how our Congress works. Experiment with Thomas, the Library of Congress' legislative information website. Then familiarize yourself with the hot issues and players by visiting these resource links. Check the pulse of Capitol Hill by reading Roll Call, The Hill and/or The Politico, which provide inside news and gossip for Capitol Hill-types. Track the Washington-take on national issues in the Washington Post and/or Washington Times newspapers. During your stay in Washington, you will be housed in a dormitory on the campus of George Washington University in the heart of Washington, DC. Washington's Metrorail and bus system makes getting around town cheap and easy. Your dorm at George Washington University is close to the Foggy Bottom Metro station. You will be provided Metro fare cards to cover the costs of your WISE-related Metro travel. You'll have plenty of time to explore the unique cultural, historical, and entertainment resources and attractions of Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia, such as:
Visit the DC Visitor Information Center for information by category. Explore local dining, entertainment, and leisure opportunities through the Washingtonian Online or investigate the Washington, DC area through the Washington Post's City Guide, AOL, or WETA's ExploreDC websites. Music venues drawing national acts include the 9:30 Club, the Birchmere, WolfTrap, the Nissan Pavilion, and others. Shopping malls accessible by Metro include Union Station, the Fashion Center at Pentagon City, Mazza Gallery/Chevy Chase Pavillion, and White Flint. [ Top of Page ]
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WISE Webmaster: Chris Brantley,