Ma’Kayla Mashburn is a congressional intern in Washington, D.C., where she supports legislative and constituent services work while gaining firsthand experience in federal policymaking and public service. Her time on Capitol Hill has strengthened her communication, research, and professional skills and solidified her interest in pursuing a career in government and public policy.
The time I spent in Washington, D.C., as a congressional intern has had a significant impact on both my academic and professional careers. Because I am now living in the capital of the United States and interning with a member of Congress, I have been able to see what public service really means on a daily basis. My experience working on Capitol Hill has opened my eyes to how much of the work of public policy and government is done with the human aspect in mind as well as how government operates as an institution.
As part of my internship with a congressional office, I do both legislative and constituent services work. My daily activities include answering phones and responding to emails from constituents; conducting research on current legislative issues; attending briefings and committee hearings; and helping the staff of the office follow the progress of legislation. While the tasks may seem mundane, it didn’t take long to learn how necessary they are for the efficient operation of the office and to help constituents feel appreciated and supported. Each time I answer a phone call or respond to an email I am reminded of the reality of how federal policy impacts people’s lives.
The largest “learning curve” for me during my internship has been how much work goes into providing constituent services to the general public outside of what most people consider to be the “normal” day-to-day functions of a congressional office. Before coming to Washington, D.C., I assumed that congressional office staff members spent their time writing legislation and debating legislative issues. In reality, in addition to being responsible for handling constituent cases, a majority of the office’s time is spent assisting constituents with navigating the various federal agencies to address their issues such as healthcare, immigration, housing, and veterans’ services; assisting constituents with the process of contacting federal agencies; and educating constituents with respect to the complexities of federal policy. Through my internship experience, I have come to a much greater understanding of the real impact that government policy decisions have on individuals and families.
Finding an internship in Washington D.C., was a very rewarding experience, as well as a daunting one, that involved a large amount of persistence, flexibility, and taking the time to apply for multiple internship opportunities. I spent considerable time researching various offices that fit with my interests so that when I created and submitted my resume and cover letter I was able to ensure they were tailored to the office/organizations I was interested in. I also reached out to my mentors and colleagues for advice. From this experience, one of the most valuable things I learned about searching for an internship in Washington D.C. is that you must be proactive to get an internship. In a very competitive atmosphere, such as Washington D.C., you will probably receive opportunities if you take the time to ask questions, follow up, and continue to request information even if you receive rejections.
Not only was I able to grow professionally by obtaining an internship in D.C. but I have also been able to develop personally by being in a fast-risked environment, meeting professional expectations, building my network in a new city, etc. My experience living and working in D.C., has made me more confident in myself. I have improved my ability to communicate, to create an intentionally managed schedule, and to be calm and composed in high-pressure work environments. I will be able to utilize these developed skills in my future career.
Student Blog Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in student blog posts are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Illinois in Washington Program, the University of Illinois, or its staff and affiliates.