What intern has time to waste?
When it comes to interning in DC, life is amazing, but it can also be a stretch to keep it all under control. Now’s the time to set new goals and get organized! We’ve put together an Intern Survival Kit of the best apps, gear and where to get a great cup of coffee.
These tips and resources will save you money, get you organized and find the best equipment out there to have an amazing, time-saving year. You’ve got this!
Apps
For Organization:
Said to be the ultimate app to get things done (15 million people swear by it), this super smart app has a powerful to-do list system with a calendar and assistant to remind you where you need to be. No excuses to be late!
Take notes during meetings, or jot down your brilliant ideas with Evernote. A no-fuss system, you can track notes, to do lists, save documents on your laptop, desktop, iPad or iPhone. Sync to wherever you are and share it all with your team.
Get your finances handled:
Managing money doesn’t have to take hiring a financial planner to get it done. Mint allows you to pull all of your accounts, cards and investments into one place, so you can track your spending and optimize saving. keep track of your credit score, plan your budget and always know where you stand. Yes, that’s a good thing.
Never let the ‘I owe him money…’ thought creep into your head again. Pay friends and colleagues instantly for that last cup of coffee or request payment for rent with a few taps on your phone with Venmo.
Getting around D.C.
DC’s most popular dedicated DC transit app, you can get real time rail and bus predictions and the DC Metro map.
DC is much more bike-friendly than you’d think. For those who want to save gas and the planet, this app is a lifesaver. It locates bike stations, bike paths and bike dock availabilities.
Here’s where to get a bike in DC. for a day, a month or a year. Ride on!
For a full list of resources visit our page Getting around DC with places to eat, freebies, government buildings and more.
Subscription Boxes
When you get a monthly box delivery system, you’ll save time, money and always get the best products curated just for you. Here are some of our favorites for you busy interns.
A monthly subscription box that delivers Seattle’s best coffee beans right to your door. Expect saving tons of cash you’d spend at Starbucks and time waiting in line in the mornings for that all-important first cup of coffee.
Amp up your wine sophistication with this box. Now that you’re working in an office, it’s about time you learned about wine, too. You’ll take a brief survey so that Winc learns your tastes and can recommend wines just for you.
Read more about where to eat and drink in DC!
Chronic snackers, rejoice! Your chip or fruit roll-up game just got a whole lot better. Graze delivers exciting, healthy snacks every week, so you’ll never be bored during breaks and commuting again.
Keep Your Head on Straight Accessories
From losing your keys to losing your mind, we’ve provided some ways to keep you afloat.
Find your keys, wallet, and more with a simple touch of a button. No excuse for being late to work again! The smart Bluetooth system will play a loud alarm on your item and show you a GPS map of exactly where that elusive item is.
Weekly Planners
No matter what your style, having a hard copy weekly planner is a must. Even if there’s no Wifi or power, you will have your week laid out in front of your very eyes. Pick something visually appealing that you’ll want to carry around. Sometimes the old-fashioned way works best.
We like Kate Spade’s 17 month Hoot planner, on sale for $21. It’s stylish and handy.
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At $16, this creative planner is for anyone with big plans.
The Messenger Bag
The ultimate in style and function (and it’s unisex), we love the messenger bag because it’s always in style and perfect for an intern to survive in busy DC. You’ll also look like a smart grad student, professor or a political journalist. Just sayin…
Get Gear Patrol’s top picks here
This one by Jack Spade is a little pricey at $395, but there’s an infinite number of variations on this style.