Roger Williams University Student Combines Passions for Journalism, Political Science and Social Justice at Street Sense

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"This summer I had the tremendous opportunity to intern in the editorial office at Street Sense. I was able to combine my passions for journalism, political science, and social justice while developing articles on homelessness and poverty in Washington, D.C. 

I wanted to spend my time in D.C. fully emerged in my field of study. Street Sense not only met my expectations, but far exceeded them. I was able to pitch story ideas; follow through with data collection, interviews, and relevant event coverage; write stories that I was passionate about, with a full team of interns’ and the editor’s full support; and ultimately see my portfolio of published material grow drastically over the course of the summer. 

Working with Street Sense was like working with a tightly-knit family, and I was made to feel right at home. Street Sense vendors and interns worked closely with both the editor and executive director of the publication, as well as other staff members. Everyone had a crucial role in the development of the bi-weekly newspaper, and everyone’s importance was well recognized. As an editorial intern, I was tasked with not only developing content through my own reporting, but also editing various submissions that were published throughout the bi-weekly cycles, designing page layouts with InDesign, photographing and reporting on various events pertaining to the issues important to Street Sense, and helping to maintain the online material and archives. 

Not only did I receive great professional experiences this summer, but I also am truly thankful for the personal experiences I had as well. I finished my summer in D.C. with great new friends that I was able to bond with through WII’s programs and classes." 


—Mark D. Thayer, Roger Williams University Junior, Summer 2015 Intern at Street Sense

Rutgers University Student Promotes Health Awareness and Gains Experience for Future Career in DC

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"This summer I had the opportunity to intern at Men’s Health Network. This internship combined both of my interests, public health and politics. 

During my time at Men’s Health Network, I helped with health screenings and did a lot of advocacy for Men’s Health Month, which was in June. One of my tasks was to go down to the Congressional Office Buildings to advocate and promote Men’s Health Month and a congressional health screening our organization was hosting. This screening was free to all members of congress, their staff, and anyone who was in the building that day. Later in the month, we also helped organize a congressional workout. After Men’s Health Month was over, I attended a variety of health panel discussions and went out into DC to advocate and ask people how they could help a loved one be a healthier man. 

This internship was amazing as I was able to gain on the job experience in my field. I learned a lot, and had the opportunity to network with many great people.

Along with interning at Men’s Health Network, I also took a class called Inside Washington. This class gave me a better idea of the lobbying aspects of government, and along with my internship, has helped me understand Washington, DC in a new way. I look forward to working in DC in the future."

-Tyrus Jackson, Rutgers University Junior, Summer 2015 Intern at Men's Health Network

Gustavus Adolphus College Junior Works to Improve Lives in the Disability Community

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"This semester I had the opportunity to intern at the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). My autistic little brother is my inspiration on why I want to be involved in the politics, but I felt like I needed to expand my knowledge beyond the issues that my brother and family face. Thankfully, my time at AAPD has taught me quite a bit about current issues in the realm of disabilities. I received calls from all over the country from people who wanted assistance with a particular set of circumstances they were going through, so I found helpful resources located close to where they lived. I researched articles about current events in the disability community and compiled them into the Disability Daily, an e-mail sent out 5 days a week to approximately 3,000 AAPD members. My supervisor, two fellow interns at AAPD, and I worked together to host monthly Emerging Leader Program (ELP) events to bring together people with disabilities and a variety of speakers for socialization and the opportunity to learn more about what can be done in society to improve lives in the disability community. A couple times I attended the Tech Forum, meetings between representatives of disability organizations and technology companies such as AT&T and Comcast, and learned about efforts to make technology more user-friendly for people with disabilities. 

My semester at AAPD allowed me to experience what it's like to work at a nonprofit organization and see a glimpse of what my future may look like after I graduate college. While there were smooth and rough points throughout my internship at AAPD, which are a part of life no matter where people are or what they do, I would not trade the time I spent there and the people I met for anything."

-Lisa Slaikeu, Gustavus Adolphus College Junior, Spring 2015 American Association of People with Disabilities Intern

 

Fairfield University Junior Grows Professionally and Personally While Interning at the House Committee on Homeland Security

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"Over the past four months it has been an honor and a privilege to intern with the Committee on Homeland Security in the US House of Representatives. Since my internship began in January, there has been no shortage of work as the homeland of the United States has been faced with national security challenges that not only define our age, but will define our generation.

During my time with the Committee I have been entrusted with numerous responsibilities and tasks to help the office run more smoothly. These tasks have included answering phones, delivering and filing documents, assembling binders for staff and members, conducting legislative research and drafting memorandums on government reports and hearings. Some of the specific projects I have worked on include research for a staff visit to the Middle East, immigration research and putting together materials for a Congressional Delegation’s trip overseas. 

The opportunities and experiences I have been a part of have drastically helped me to develop professionally and personally. Interning with the Committee has allowed me to have a better understanding of how the professional work environment functions and how to build relationships with colleagues that are passionate about similar issues. Lastly, on a personal note my internship experience has allowed me to narrow my career list to working as a policy staffer on Capitol Hill or in counterterrorism and intelligence with the FBI or CIA." 

-Andrew, Fairfield University Junior and Spring 2015 Intern at Committee on Homeland Security, U.S. House of Representatives

Dominican University Student Discovers Her Passion for International Affairs at U.S. Coast Guard

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“This semester I was able to intern at the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in their International Affairs Department. My internship with the Coast Guard taught me a lot about the fast-paced D.C. office environment and the teamwork that is required to get things done. This semester I was part of a two-day forum which was an amazing experience because I was able to witness eight countries come together and discuss ways to improve maritime security.  I have developed training to support the Department of State, U.S. government policy engagement, and theater security cooperation plan. The office environment has been great and every day I learn something new. This internship was a huge success for me and I am so fortunate to have been able to intern with the Coast Guard.”

Having an internship in Washington D.C. helped me realize what my goals were for myself and what I want to pursue after graduation. Because of this experience I discovered my passion for international development projects and plan to pursue experience in that field. 

-Nathalie Mathis, Dominican University Senior, Spring 2015 U.S. Coast Guard Office of International Affairs Intern

Coastal Carolina Senior Learns about Animal Welfare Issues and Gains Experience for Career

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"This spring I had the opportunity to intern at the Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF), which is a lobbying affiliate of the Humane Society of the United States. Here at HSLF we advocate for federal and state animal protection legislation, conduct research on members of Congress, and endorse humane candidates running for office.


Some of my responsibilities as an intern included returning phone calls and responding to letters from concerned members, compiling informational records on congressional candidates, assisting with the preparation for the Annual Humane Awards, and attending hearings and press conferences on Capitol Hill about animal welfare issues. I have even been lucky enough that some of my ideas and writings have appeared on our Facebook page to gain more awareness on various legislative priorities.


Overall, this opportunity has enabled me to develop my knowledge of animal welfare issues and the function of social welfare organizations within the realm of politics. I have learned about various state laws, including ag gag laws, restrictions on dog tethering, and requirements for caged hens, as well as federal laws, including those to prohibit horse slaughter and the ivory trade and those to regulate factory farming.  I have also learned about the numerous affiliates of HSUS and their role in the field of animal welfare.  Interning here has been a great experience and has certainly given me a broader perspective; I am motivated and confident to pursue a career in this line of work."

-Kaitlyn Hanzl, Coastal Carolina University Senior, Spring 2015 Humane Society Legislative Fund Intern

 

Roger Williams University Student is Published on First Week of Internship

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Sabrina Caserta, a junior at Roger Williams University, had the opportunity to interview an actor at an exciting event and had her article published on her first week interning at The Hill. Sabrina talks about her experience below.

“When The Hill’s In The Know Reporter, Judy Kurtz, was looking for a volunteer to cover an Oceana Event on Tuesday night, I jumped at the opportunity. I interviewed actor and Oceana board member, Sam Waterston. I also spoke with some other board members and attendees for background, as well as Rhode Island Senator, Sheldon Whitehouse. By 10 am the next day, my article had been submitted for editing and back-read. By 4 pm that day it was up on the web! Out, covering the news, is where I feel I need to be. I’m very appreciative of the opportunity.” 

Duquesne and Dominican University Interns Work with Important Democrats on the Hill

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Molly Kirwan, a senior at Duquesne University, had the opportunity to be a legislative intern for Senator Robert Casey of Pennsylvania during the Fall 2014 semester. Her areas of focus in the office were issues of tax, trade, Social Security, jobs & labor, housing & homelessness, and pensions. Her major tasks included informing the Senator of current events in tax policy and trade policy on a weekly basis, analyzing the employment report put out by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on a monthly basis, and assisting in the organization of three separate Congressional hearings. 

Also on the Hill was Maggie Angel from Dominican University. As an intern in the office of Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois, Maggie experienced Congress and the legislative process. She attended Senate hearings and briefings, wrote memos for legislative staffers, and conducted background research for future legislation.

Daemen College Intern Learns about History and Makes Her Own

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This fall, I interned at the National Museum of American History under Associate Curator, Debbie Schaefer-Jacobs in the Division of Home and Community Life. I helped her accession of a large school collection of about 900 items from donor, Dr. Richard Lodish. I had many tasks such as making packing lists for each visit, boxing up the objects from the donor’s house and bring them back to the museum, unpacking them in storage, photographing, sorting, measuring, describing and cataloguing them. Overall, this internship has really given me experience and a professional edge. I got to work hands-on with the objects and create a relationship with my supervisor and the donor. My hard work was featured on the front page of the Washington Post and NPR. I was very lucky and blessed to have this opportunity at such a well-known institution. Interning in Washington, D.C. had given me the confidence and independence to succeed in obtaining my goals. 

Vanderbilt University Student Intern Gives Back while Gaining Skills

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“Growing up in the DC metropolitan area, I have had access to the city’s educational, historical, and cultural opportunities all my life. However, living and working in the city was an experience more rich than I could have imagined. My internship site, especially, gave me the unique opportunity to work for a cause I care about while learning how politics and policy interact.

As a Policy Intern for National Coalition for the Homeless, I focused mostly on advocacy for housing assistance programs that keep low-income individuals in homes. This manifested itself in a wide variety of tasks, meetings, calls, and research. It was hard to be bored when I always had a new project to work on, new person to contact, or new subject to learn more about. I frequently communicated with NCH’s grassroots base, mobilizing groups that we’ve worked with in the past to take action now.

Giving my time in this way to NCH has rewarded me by building hard knowledge, like understanding the way government really works and how one can affect legislation, and my soft skills, like communication, time-management, and initiative. I’m so thankful for the guidance I was given, the freedom I had, and the experience I got overall. What a great way to spend my summer!”
— Jennifer Warner, Vanderbilt University student and National Coalition for the Homeless Policy Intern

Coastal Carolina Student Intern "Awakened" to What Comes Next

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“Growth and independence have always been an important aspect of my life I wanted to improve. I have been very privileged to have great parents who continue to help me to where I am today. My first taste of independence was receiving keys to the house and my own car. Eventually, my independence led to going to college eleven hours away. To this date though, my biggest challenge has been living in Washington, DC. Having the responsibility of working nine to five, four days a week with the additional responsibility of classes has made me feel like an adult. In the past two months, I have grown more than I have in three years at college. I can only imagine how I will grow over the final few weeks!

My internship has opened my eyes to what “real life” is actually like. I was originally excited when I was getting ready to come to D.C. to intern, but it has shown me how easy I have had it! If I didn’t enjoy what I was doing here in D.C., I could see how people could easily become annoyed with their job. I have always had a general idea of how the workforce operated because I have had many jobs. It was a huge awakening though to see how much more difficult it truly is inside an office than at a restaurant. Seeing firsthand all the education and knowledge my coworkers have gained to get where they are now is astonishing. I thought that the degree I am currently receiving next spring would be sufficient to get a decent job. Now, I see how wrong I was. I have seen that many people do many more years of education just to receive an “okay” job in D.C. Living here has really awakened me to what I need to do in order to get where I want to be.

Coming to D.C. has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. All of the struggles that I have been experiencing have been for my own betterment. The amount of growth and strength I have gained will only continue to progress as my career continues. Blessed is the best way to describe how my life has been, and privileged is how I would describe it in the current state. I am not only scared, but I am excited to how my life will turn after this experience. D.C. has been a great stepping stone, and I will cherish what I have been through here to further my career. ”
— Joseph Paul Hartman, Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc intern and Coastal Carolina student

Quincy University Student Intern Benefits from "Remarkable Experience" at Sierra Club

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“This summer, I interned at the Sierra Student Coalition that is a part of the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club is a one of the largest grassroots environmental organizations in the nation that takes a stance on conserving the environment. As a part of the Sierra Student Coalition, I worked as a liaison between the older Sierra Club environmentalists and the youth environmentalists. We train youth to be environmental leaders in their campuses and communities, while also teaching them why the environmental movement is so crucial for the sustainability of the planet.

Working for one of the largest grassroots environmental organizations in the world as a young environmentalist made me jump for joy, but also intimidated me. My main duties included administrative and logistic work for the Sierra Student Coalitions Summer Programs (SPROG) that took place all around the country and the Sierra Student Coalitions National Gathering (Shindig) that is happening in the fall. I took care of all the finances for SPROG, which is pretty intimidating to a person who has not handled more than one thousand dollars in her lifetime. However, I adapted well and ran checks, approved foundation transfers, and made sure the 100+ young people attending SPROG had their tuition paid and required forms submitted. Also I helped with the logistics of both SPROG and Shindig: the who, what, why, where, and how is very important in order to accurately plan and execute an event. One of my favorite and most recent projects has been helping put together plans for the New York Climate March. It will be the biggest climate march in history, and I was able to help figure out plans for it with the Sierra Student Coalition.

Even though I may sound like Wonder Woman right now, this is not the case. I have tripped and stumbled a bit through my journey in the SSC. Some lessons I have learned are that logistics and the small details are truly important and crucial to efficiently execute an event. Another is, as an intern, I truly do matter at the Sierra Student Coalition. The work I do does matter, and the organization and details I produce help events run smoothly with the work I do. I was relied on to be responsible and efficient with the jobs I took on. I believe this has helped me grow professionally, being responsible for the details of such large projects made me see and understand event planning thoroughly while also understanding the responsibility I would have if I pursued a career in campaigning or event planning. The Sierra Club also did a great job with including interns on the inner working of the office by providing a lunch time lecture they called “brown bag presentations” from different people in the office who explained what they do. I have never met a group of more dedicated people before coming to the Club.

All in all, my internship has truly been a remarkable experience that I will not just let end when I leave Washington D.C. I plan on continuing to stay involved with volunteering for the SSC, attending the Peoples Climate March, and keeping in touch with my awesome supervisors! I hope to pursue a career in programming and event planning one day, so this internship gave me an insight into that world while also teaching me to be a true advocate for a safer more sustainable environment. I have truly grown professional and as a person through this experience. Internships are relevant and important; they are a cheat to getting a taste of the real world while also not having the full responsibility of real life or life after school. I am glad I took on this experience this summer!”
— Julianne Touhy, Sierra Club intern and Quincy University student

Vanderbilt University Student Intern Produces Radio Show, Produces Results

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“The night before I left for D.C., I had a hard time sleeping. I had no idea what to expect from the weeks ahead. My summers usually consisted of babysitting and too many hiking trips, so the idea of an actual internship was a little terrifying. I was also nervous about living on my own, as I’d been pretty spoiled by my Vanderbilt housing and meal plan.

When I arrived at my apartment in Crystal City, it was pretty clear that I wasn’t in Nashville anymore. The first few days are a blur of getting in everyone’s way on the metro, a few mishaps in attempting to cook for myself, and trying without avail to define “business casual” before my first day at work.

I arrived forty-five minutes early on my first day as an intern at The Kojo Nnamdi Show on WAMU 88.5. I sat squirming in my seat in the lobby until my supervisor arrived to show me around. I panicked when I realized I didn’t remember everyone’s names when I was asked to take notes in my first production meeting, but I felt relieved when one of my coworkers complimented my handshake. By the time I left the station, I was exhausted, but also excited by how much responsibility I’d been given. As an intern, I would be able to pitch my own ideas for shows and work on producing them from start to finish. This involved writing scripts, doing background research, and finding guests who could join Kojo on the show. In addition, I’d be helping the producers with research and editing scripts. The atmosphere at the station was creative and full of energy, which is exactly what I’d been looking for. (Needless to say, my fear of spending the summer fetching coffee was alleviated.)

I produced my first show a few weeks ago, and the number of calls and emails we received amazed me. After weeks of doing research, writing up a script for Kojo, and contacting potential guests, seeing it all come together as a cohesive segment was unreal. Walking out of the studio that day, I remember thinking that maybe the “real world” wasn’t so scary after all.

Sure, I’ve had some not so great moments as well. I’ve gone to the wrong Starbucks to meet up with an alumnus, finally arriving at the correct location twenty minutes late with blistered feet. I’ve been painfully awkward when meeting guests on the show, particularly those that left me a little starstruck (Ahem, John Waters.) And rather than sticking to the budget I carefully outlined last May, I’ve spent entirely too much money on brunch.

But at the end of the day, on my train home, I can’t help but look out at the Washington Monument and be proud that I took this risk. Cliché as it may sound, I have to say the past eight weeks have been a whirlwind. I’m definitely more confident than the girl who sat nervously in the station lobby that May morning. I’ve had to reach out of my comfort zone. I’ve volunteered to take on responsibilities that go beyond what was outlined in the intern handbook I received on my first day, and I’ve built some valuable relationships with my coworkers. I’m leaving D.C. much more sure of myself and what it is I want to do after college, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this experience.”
— Maggie Knox, Kojo Nnamdi Show on WAMU 88.5 intern and Vanderbilt student

Colby-Sawyer College Student Intern Learns about Teamwork to Fight Disease

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“Deciding to intern with the Hydrocephalus Association was, I think, the best decision I could have made. I decided to take a chance. I entered an internship centered on a condition I knew very little about, and I was going to working on things that I had never really been exposed to before. Since starting my internship at the end of May, I have learned so much. One of the most important messages I will take away from my experience is that every person with hydrocephalus is different. Like many other conditions, no two people are the same. Many people have never heard of hydrocephalus, and if they have heard of hydrocephalus they tend to think it is only a problem in the developing world. I have learned though that more than 1 million Americans have Hydrocephalus, making it more prevalent than cystic fibrosis, and yet more people have heard of cystic fibrosis (I was one of those people).

Interning with the Hydrocephalus Association was a wonderful experience and I am thankful for it. Not only did I learn about a condition I knew close to nothing about, but I also learned a lot about being a professional. Having never worked in an office before, I was nervous in the beginning, but the work experience that I had taught me the importance of teamwork and though the work is different in this office, the importance of teamwork is stressed, which transcends to other work environments. The best piece of advice I can give to anyone about to start an internship is this: keep an open mind and look at everything as a learning experience. There may be days that are busier than others and there may be days where you do a lot of clerical work, but everything you do is important in some way to the organization you are working with. If you can remember that, then I truly believe you will have a great time with your internship. ”
— Erica Bradley, Hydrocephalus Association intern and Colby-Sawyer College Student