SMPA Career Access Network
The SMPA Career Access Network (CAN) enhances the value of an SMPA education by supporting experiential learning, enhancing professional connections and creating community among current students and alumni. SMPA CAN has three components: an internship fund, mentoring program and networking events
SMPA CAN Internship Fund
The SMPA CAN Internship Fund, J. Michael Shanahan Journalism Internship Fund and KWT Global Fund for Strategic Communication Internships support unpaid and low-paid summer internship opportunities for rising juniors and seniors. The award application opens each spring semester with stipends ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
SMPA CAN Internship Fund — Award recipients are judged based on merit, professional promise, and need.
J. Michael Shanahan Journalism Internship Fund — Open to rising seniors, applicants must be in good academic standing and interning for an established media organization.
Segal Career Access Fund — Provides support for students pursuing an internship in journalism or political communication.
Applications open May 1 and close May 15.
Please send any questions to Jennifer Halpin, [email protected].
"I am extremely grateful to have received the SMPA CAN award! When I applied as a freshman, I was interning at Hill.TV as a production intern. The experience at Hill.TV was invaluable and provided me the first glance into the expansive realm of political journalism, and I am so fortunate that this award will allow me to pursue similar opportunities in the future!"
Sejal Govindarao
Journalism and Mass Communication, '23
SMPA CAN Mentoring Program
Acquire practical, real-world advice from distinguished alumni and friends of SMPA, including members of the National Council for Media and Public Affairs, the principal advisory board to SMPA.
This program connects SMPA junior and senior undergraduate students with mentors from news organizations, political communication organizations, government agencies, advertising/PR firms, nonprofits and the corporate and academic worlds to learn the skills needed to succeed in life after GW. Mentors are matched with students based on industry and similar objectives and goals for the mentorship.
Applications are currently closed.
Please send any questions to Jennifer Halpin, [email protected].
SMPA CAN Networking Events
These events provide opportunities for SMPA students to connect with alumni and other experts in the field to strengthen ties and create a thriving network of people creating change in the world. Events will be held on and off-campus with SMPA students, alumni, and friends of SMPA.
For more information on SMPA CAN events, please contact [email protected].