Washington, D.C.-September 15th, 2009

Dan Reed is a graduate student at George Washington University’s (GWU) Graduate School of Political Management, and works at The School of Media and Public Affairs at GWU. He just finished an internship in the White House. We caught up with him to ask him a few questions about his experience.
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Where did you work in the White House?

Office of Management and Administration, specifically the White House Photo Office.

Where did you spend most of your time?

Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) on the White House complex. This is where majority of the offices are located for those working for the Executive Office of the President.

How did you find out about the internship?

What made me serious about applying to an internship at the White House was the charge the President gave to young adults about public service. The President made it clear that this is a time of change, and an incredible opportunity to get involved in public service. I couldn’t think of a better place to serve than the Executive Office of the President.

I was very serious in my application about my prior commitments to public service, and how I could cultivate a career of public service through a White House internship.

Is the internship application process blind or does it help to know someone?

I didn’t know a single person at the White House when I applied to the program. However, I was fortunate to have an exceptional recommendation letter from a former White House correspondent. Let that be evidence though to dispel the rumors that you have to have “rich parents,” or know a member of Congress who can do “political favor” for someone’s son or daughter to get a White House internship.

The Obama Administration believes young people can and will move America forward. This program is designed to mentor young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office, and prepare them for future public service opportunities. They are serious about finding genuine young adults, who are passionate and committed to public service, and want to make a difference in their country. So apply! Become part of the team!

What were some of your responsibilities while working as a Photography Intern?

My responsibilities varied from answering phones and processing photo requests, to filming video for the internship program, editing photos of a time-lapse of the kitchen garden on the South Lawn, to switching out photos hung on the walls of the West Wing. We had the unique opportunity to volunteer for events at the South Lawn as well, including the 2009 Congressional Luau, the 4th of July event, and the Medal of Freedom ceremony in the East Room.

As interns, we were also challenged by First Lady Michelle Obama to participate in the summer public service project. All of us collected books to be donated to various libraries, schools and institutions within the District and around the country. As a group, we donated over 64,500 books.

Also, my fellow photography intern proposed that we document the internship program while we worked at the White House using our own photography and videography skills. We collaborated on a video about the internship program, which you can watch here.

What were your hours?

I worked from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. But, with this internship you get what you put in. There isn’t a time limit on public service, so it wasn’t uncommon to stay late some days, and come in early on others.

What was your work environment like?

Everyone in the photo office was an absolute pleasure to work with. This is a deadline-oriented environment, and the staff is incredibly patient and composed, even during the busiest of times. You realize quickly at the White House that you are surrounded by an extraordinary group of people—the best in the world at what they do. The Obama Administration is extraordinarily energetic, intelligent and talented beyond comprehension.

Did you get to meet the president?

I came across the President in an impromptu situation in the West Wing. I was assisting a photo office staff member with changing out some photos in the Vice President’s hallway. In a narrow staircase, I had taken down a picture frame to replace it with a new photo. These pictures are large, the space is limited, and I was clearly in the way of anyone who needed to get past. Working swiftly, I was interrupted three or four times by people needing to get past me. First David Axelrod, then Rahm Emanuel. Finally, I get the new picture in the frame. As I bend down to get the picture frame, I see two giant feet appear directly in front of me. I quickly look up—thinking I need to get out of the way for the next person wanting to get through, and all of a sudden I see the President looking right at me. I said, “Good afternoon, Mr. President.” He says, “Hello. Oh, great! New picture day, huh? Keep it up,” and proceeds up the stairs to attend to other business.

As a White House intern was there anything you wish you had known before entering the position?

Not really—I don’t think there is really any information that can prepare you for the internship program. It’s an unlike anything you’ll ever experience. Just show up with a good attitude, listen carefully, observe and absorb. It’s short period of time, and you have to make the most of it.

What are big intern no-no’s every intern should know entering the White House?

Check your ego at the door. Everyone at the White House has an incredible story and has done extraordinary things. You’re there to work for your country, not promote yourself.

What was your most AMAZING memory from working in the White House?

Knowing that I was part of a photo office team that is documenting the most historic Presidency in the history of our nation, and that the work I did in this office made a difference in the day-to-day operation of the White House. There are plenty of incredible memories, but this stands out the best.