Meeting and listening to fellow interns in Washington, D.C. provides proof that the E. Fleming Mason Internship Program is unlike any summer program in the Nation’s Capitol. Each year thousands upon thousands of students, like us, compete for internships; try to secure summer housing in the one of the most expensive cities in America, all in hopes of gaining employment in this coveted power city. This process is time consuming and often leaves students with lackluster filing jobs and terrible housing arrangements with a steep price tag. (Not to mention the cost of transportation to and from their home towns.)

The hassles I speak of were taken care of by the Kappa Alpha Order National Administration Office once I was accepted into the program. Through the generous support of KA Alumni in the area, top of the line internships are arranged for the program participants based on their particular interests. Transportation to and from D.C. is included along with first class accommodations at The George Washington University. All of the necessities are included with the living arrangements including towels, sheets, kitchen ware, detergent, heck, even mouthwash! Simply put, if you are “hand-picked” for this wonderful internship you will know that it is unlike any other program in Washington, D.C. – just ask around.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind. The other guys have mentioned our bucket list. It is almost complete! The best part about working in D.C. is the networking opportunities that exist. The area alumni are very welcoming and you have plenty of time to meet them and find out about what they do. The program includes a “Chiefs of Staff” luncheon, where many of the KA alumni who are Chiefs of Staff for Senators and Congressman (as well as other private and public sector leaders) come and share their experiences and advice to all of the interns. We were able to ask questions about Capitol Hill, and whether it is a good idea to go straight to law school following your undergraduate career (many said “no”). I have seized every opportunity and often times stepped out of my comfort zone to introduce myself to someone in the office. I have grown tremendously while living and working in D.C. and I feel that I have a better idea of what I want out of life.

This program is full to the brim of professional and social opportunities that help you grow as a gentleman, but it is up to the man whether he seizes those situations or squanders them! As my Dad says, “KA tees it up, all you have to do is hit it out of the park.”

Excelsior,