Working for the People: My Time with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski
Michael Morrell interned as a Legislative Intern in the office of Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski. Michael left the program with a clearer sense of purpose and a desire to make a meaningful impact through public service, feeling more confident and prepared for a future career in government or policy.
Being part of the Illinois in Washington (IIW) program was one of the most meaningful chapters of my college journey. I came to D.C. eager to dive deeper into how the government can best work for the people and to make the most of every moment in the city. Between the fast-paced internship, the incredible people I crossed paths with, and the nonstop energy around town, there was always something new to take in. Every day felt like it offered a fresh perspective or lesson, and I found myself constantly learning in and out of the office.
The process of finding the right internship was its own challenge. I tried to keep my approach straightforward, aiming to submit about one application a day. This plan helped me stay focused without getting overwhelmed with having to find an internship. I leaned on both IIW staff and former participants for advice, helping me refine my resume and stay confident when things felt uncertain. Eventually, I found my fit as a Legislative Intern in the office of Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, a role that ended up being a really strong match.
In the office, I got a hands-on look at the inner workings of Congress. My responsibilities were filled with policy research across a variety of topics, writing memos and reports that supported the legislative team’s efforts. I also took on constituent correspondence, which really emphasized how central communication and clarity are for our constituents. Reading through real concerns from people back home reminded me why this work matters. On top of all that, I handled more behind-the-scenes tasks: answering phones, sorting through mail, and pitching in wherever I could. It gave me a well-rounded understanding of how everything runs day to day. Even the routine parts of the job helped sharpen my professional instincts and gave me a better sense of how to operate in a fast-moving environment.
Outside of work, living in D.C. was an experience all its own. Whether I was wandering through a museum on a relaxing Sunday or catching a glimpse of the cherry blossoms on my way to work, I never stopped being amazed by the pace and beauty of it all. Exploring it with the other students in the program made it even more rewarding. We navigated the ups and downs of internship life together and built bonds I know will stick with me long after this chapter closes. Our late-night conversations, weekend trips, and even small things like shared meals helped us form a real sense of community.
Looking back, my time in D.C. pushed me to grow in all the right ways, professionally and personally. It helped clarify the kind of impact I want to make and reminded me just how much you can learn when you immerse yourself in a new environment. I left with more confidence, deeper friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose. I’m deeply thankful to the IIW program for making this possible, it’s an experience I’ll carry with me for years to come.
