Zayna Ahmed interned in the Office of Senator Dick Durbin, where she worked with the Foreign Policy team conducting research and drafting written materials on issues including international human rights, immigration, and environmental policy. The experience strengthened her writing, collaboration, and analytical skills and reinforced her commitment to pursuing a career focused on policy and public service.
During my time in D.C working for the Office of Senator Durbin, there were four vital lessons that I learned which I will continue to carry with me through my academic and professional career. This experience has been incredibly transformative and pushed me in ways that will be cherished forever.
1. Criticism is Necessary for Growth
During the first few weeks of my internship, I was having a difficult time understanding the writing style I was expected to produce. There were many specific rules that the Senator expected of his team. I had to be very concise but also articulate research in a way that showcased depth and personality. I worked with the Senator’s Foreign Policy team, which has very timely and critical assignments. The senior staffers were very blunt with their feedback, which was initially hard to swallow. Eventually, I came to really appreciate that aspect of the office work culture. It pushed me to not take that criticism personally and also helped me understand how I could improve. Eventually, I found myself encouraging their criticism, and it made my writing so much better.
2. Always Ask the Tough Questions
Honesty is one of the most respected traits in the workplace. Admitting mistakes, having genuine questions, and understanding your colleagues is what helps build a team. It is always better to ask questions. Especially at an entry level position, you are not expected to know everything. Asking questions does not make you look unqualified, but rather shows your dedication to producing your best work.
3. Building a Community is Your Most Important Tool for Hope
My biggest takeaway from these past few months, in and outside my internship are the people that this experience has given me. During a time of political uncertainty, frustration, and doubt, it is vital to surround yourself with people who inspire you and challenge your perceptions. I have been so blessed to have met the most amazing people through this program who helped me grow as an individual. My colleagues and friends became a separate family who I could trust and found peace in. Building a community of people who I could rely on and entrusted me with their needs, in a completely new city, was one of the most rewarding experiences. The people I worked with supported me, guided me, and created a work environment that enhanced everyone’s strengths.
4. Use Passions to Guide Your Policy
Going into my internship, I knew I was interested in Foreign Policy, Immigration, and Environmental policy. I was extremely grateful to be assigned to the Foreign Policy team, and was able to really increase my understanding of how things worked. I was able to find the intersections between my three main interests in the foreign policy space. Immigration law and international human rights became an area of work where I was extremely knowledgeable, and my mentors pushed me to be in rooms that helped me increase my understanding. I also worked on research regarding Lead Exposure and Contamination in the Electric Auto-Industry. This project combined my knowledge of environmental science, international law, and human rights legislation. These are the projects that I am not only the most proud of, but gained the most from as well.
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