Congressional Internships | Illinois in Washington

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.

Inside the Beltway: My Journey as a Communications Intern on the Hill

Amelia Bell interned in the office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. Assigned to the Press Team, Amelia worked on crafting press releases, managing social media content, and attending interviews between the senator and major news outlets. Looking ahead, the student plans to pursue a career in public service and feels confident in their abilities after this hands-on experience in Washington, D.C. The internship solidified their interest in government work and equipped them with both the professional skills and personal confidence needed for their future career.

I first heard about the Illinois in Washington program during my Political Science Department orientation the summer before Freshman year. After that day, it was a persistent thought in the back of my mind to pursue the program in my Junior year. I ultimately set out to live in D.C. during spring because I wanted to see the cherry blossoms bloom, and Capitol Hill would more often be in session during a non-campaign season. Towards the end of the summer, I began a master spreadsheet with a list of NGOs and personal congressional offices I was interested in, to keep all due dates organized. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s application was due relatively early, so I was lucky to know I secured my internship early in the season. Her work for Illinois is genuinely inspiring, so I was ecstatic to work for her. My biggest issue then became my wardrobe, which lacked professional clothes.

I started my internship a week after the other interns in our office, because their school’s academic calendar differed. It was a wonderful welcome, and they were able to help me through the arduous onboarding process. I was assigned to the Press Team since I am pursuing a minor in Communication. At first, I was disappointed that I was not working on a legislative team – I quickly realized that I loved the creativity and fast pace of press. The team recognized my hard work as the semester continued, so I began receiving bigger assignments. I have had the opportunity to work on press releases and social posts, attend interviews between Senator Duckworth and major news outlets, and handle other substantial assignments. I could not be more grateful for their kindness and support throughout the semester. While not officially on a legislative team, I was honored to attend Senate hearings addressing passion areas, deliver documents to the Cloak Room, and write sign-on memos for Senator Duckworth.

Besides my physical work, my intern coordinator ensured that I was enjoying my internship and achieving the goals I had set for myself. I scheduled many, many coffee chats with people inside and outside my office to learn more about different positions on the Hill. The other interns in my office were also wonderful, and we all became great friends. On one of our days off, we even attended oral arguments at the Supreme Court! Overall, my experience in Senator Duckworth’s office was absolutely unforgettable.

When I return to Champaign in the Fall, I will carry with me the work and life experiences from my time in D.C. In addition to work, the IIW cohort was an unexpected plus of the semester. Exploring the city and going to all of the (free) tourist attractions together allowed me to build strong friendships and get the most out of my short few months. While draining, this semester will be one of the highlights of my college career. I cannot recommend the program more to anyone interested. I am excited to begin my career after graduation and am confident in my abilities to succeed in public service.