White House Internships--What a Deal!

Summer’s right around the corner and here is some good advice for all of you students interested in one of those wonderful Washington internships: You better move quickly because some other young person with impressive “drive, ambition and personality” will beat you to the punch.

You need to be aware it’s nothing like the old days where interns had to do all the dirty work and miss all the glamour. In fact, today the opportunities have never been better--especially at the White House where the potential for experience and ultimate career enhancement is superb.

Just last week, America’s ambassador to the United Nations, Bill Richardson, described on CBS’ “Face the Nation” how pleased he was to respond to a White House request that he place one of its former interns on his U.N. staff in New York. Richardson not only personally conducted the job interview, but he even did it conveniently at the job applicant’s own apartment building. Can’t beat that.

Some folks might think such courtesies are only available to someone special. Heck no. Mr. Richardson made it very clear that he has routinely extended this kind of time, attention and personal involvement to people about whom he previously knew nothing. That young lady from California was treated fair and square just like anyone else who put in a semester at the White House.

It’s no wonder these positions are going to get gobbled up. It says something wonderful about our country when average kids can get an equal shot at the starting line over there at Pennsylvania Avenue. Stay groomed, work hard, mind your manners, and the opportunities will flow--sort of like Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood, where everyone is special.

And the inspiration starts right at the top with President Clinton himself. One of the reasons his approval ratings are so high is that he’s the nicest man--taking time out from his incredible burdens to counsel young people, hear out their concerns and brighten up their lives with thoughtful little gifts. The first lady was right on the mark when she described her husband as “an extremely generous person.”

There’s also this marvelous protective side to Mr. Clinton as well. He’s even been known to stay up late and check in with concerned little phone calls just to be sure those dedicated kids are safely home. Typically unselfish, he never asks for anything in return.

This results in setting a fine example for those around him. Right next to the Oval Office, the president’s warm, wonderful personal secretary can be counted on to lend a helping hand when these youngsters have problems. Even after interns leave, she’ll stay in touch to give sound advice and ensure that they have visiting privileges back into the White House.

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When the time comes to get a job, look no further, because you-know-who from you-know-where will arrange for the best referrals. The president has this swell friend, Vernon Jordan, who sees to that. Mr. Jordan might be one of the busiest and most important men around, but he’ll drop everything when it comes to giving White House interns a little boost in the job market. The really great benefit is not having to deal with all those nosy and time-consuming personnel managers because Mr. Jordan will pick up the phone and call the head of the company directly.

And just when he seems to have done everything, Mr. Jordan will go the extra mile. We all know that everyone can meet a little bump in the road--like maybe getting a subpoena to testify in a big legal matter. No sweat. Mr. Jordan not only will recommend a lawyer, but he’s been known to pick up the distraught witness-to-be and provide transportation right to the lawyer’s office. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Naturally, it would be preferable if all this neat information could be put right there on the internship application. But if they did that, the whole world would apply!

Oh, there’s been a little bad publicity lately. There they go again, the media blowing things out of proportion. That’s no big deal when you think of all the personal attention and fun you’ll get crammed into three short months at the White House.

All in all, how can you lose?