Political science students gain valuable experience interning in Washington, D.C.

Political science students at Ohio University now have the opportunity to take part in a valuable internship program in Washington, D.C.

OHIO’s Scripps College of Communication regularly sends its students to Washington, D.C. as part of its popular Scripps Semester in DC program, but this year political science students from the College of Arts and Sciences have also had the opportunity to participate in internships in the nation’s capital.

During the spring semester, student Thomas Kolbe served as an intern in the office of U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, and student Katie Raines worked as an advocacy and community engagement intern with the Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop.

And then over the summer, student Hunter Person served as an intern at the Department of Veterans Affairs and Sydney Patterson interned with the Student Press Law Center and with the public policy team at Generations United.

“The Political Science Department is excited to collaborate with Tim Goheen and Hebah Abdalla Lehmann, the co-directors of the Semester in D.C. program, to offer this opportunity for political science students,” said Matthew L. Layton, associate professor and chair of Political Science.

“The Semester in D.C. program offers a high-quality career building experience for our students by bringing together professionalization, networking opportunities with alumni, applied experience, and classroom learning. Washington, D.C. has so much to offer our students and I believe this program will prove transformative for all our students who participate,” Layton said.

Person began his internship with the Department of Veterans Affairs in July.

“I worked within the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, working on both the Corporate and Congressional Liaison teams,” Person said. “In doing so, I helped with constituent casework, drafted briefing materials, attended a Congressional hearing, and went on site visits to places such as Quantico Cemetery.”

As part of the program, Person also had the opportunity to work with other interns in Washington, D.C., primarily those working in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Overall, I thought it was a very interesting and rewarding experience,” Person said.

In addition, the internship gave Person opportunities to talk with alumni who live and work in Washington, D.C., including Howard Manuel, J.D., the deputy senior advisor for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  Person also connected with alumni who work at Amazon, Reuters, the SEC, RTX, and a variety of other institutions, think tanks, and government organizations. 

“It also provided me with the opportunity to have my first in-person federal internship, giving me experience in how the government actually functions, rather than what is usually portrayed on TV,” Person said. 

During the spring semester, Raines worked at the Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop as an advocacy and community education intern. Free Minds works with individuals who are incarcerated and continues to support them throughout their journey, both before and after release.

Raines said that her experience was very hands-on and deeply meaningful.

“This experience has given me a strong sense of direction. I now feel completely certain about the future I want to build, the work I want to be part of, and where I see myself moving forward,” Raines said.

Her work included meeting with staff members, researching legislation, reaching out to partners, conducting research, attending policy briefings for Congressional offices and collaborating with team members.

“One of my favorite aspects of the program has been the access to incredible networking opportunities,” Raines said. “Every student receives a membership to the National Press Club, which has been an amazing experience.” The interns also had the opportunity to attend classes at the National Press Club and attend events that the organization hosts.

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“Another highlight has been the mentorship aspect of the program,” Raines said. OHIO students are paired with alumni mentors, as well as with OHIO students who have taken part in the internship program previously.

Raines encourages students who are interested in the program to learn more about it and to apply.

“This program will push you in the best way possible, and if you fully embrace it, it can shape not just your career goals, but also your perspective and sense of purpose,” Raines said. 

Ohio University’s Semester in Washington, D.C. program gives students from a wide range of majors the opportunity to live, learn and complete a professional internship in the nation’s capital.

The program welcomes students from the Scripps College of Communication, College of Arts and Sciences and the Honors Tutorial College. Students take part in professional internships during the fall, spring and summer semesters, and learn directly from professionals working throughout the Washington, D.C. region.

To learn more about the program, including how to apply, please visit the Semester in Washington, D.C. website.