Student Experiences and Blog Posts

Interning in Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office gave me a front-row seat to how Congress operates and the many moving parts that make constituent service possible. One of my core responsibilities was managing constituent communications, answering phones, logging legislative opinions, and assisting with casework involving federal agencies. Every call was recorded in the office’s internal system to ensure the Senator and staff had a clear picture of public concerns. That process taught me how essential responsiveness and accurate record-keeping are for building trust between elected officials and the people they represent. It also reinforced something I saw every day: civic engagement isn’t passive, people want their voices heard, and congressional offices are the bridge that makes that happen.

Beyond constituent services, I supported both the Energy and Environmental legislative team and the administrative staff. On the legislative side, I helped draft vote recommendations and co-sign memos, and I attended hearings on energy and environmental policy, experiences that gave me insight into the research and strategy behind policy decisions. On the administrative side, I handled tasks like organizing technology, troubleshooting computer issues, and managing office supplies. At first these duties seemed small, but I quickly realized they were essential for keeping the office running smoothly. Every legislative success depends on a well-supported team, and contributing to that stability was a meaningful part of my role.

One of the highlights of my internship was researching and writing a policy memo on single-subject legislation and presenting it to staff. My memo explored whether principles like the Byrd Rule could be expanded to prevent unrelated riders in legislation and improve transparency. This project sharpened my research, writing, and presentation skills while letting me engage with an important question about legislative reform. I also assisted with constituent visits, escorting guests to the House gallery and the Capitol Visitor Center, an experience that connected me directly with people excited to see democracy in action.

Altogether, these responsibilities, whether answering calls, drafting memos, or troubleshooting tech, taught me that every task in a congressional office contributes to the broader mission of serving the public. This internship strengthened my commitment to public service and gave me a deeper understanding of both the challenges and the rewards of legislative work.

When I got accepted into the IIW program in the spring of 2025, I was nothing but thrilled and excited to start this amazing opportunity. I have always been very dedicated to school and community involvement, but wanted to have an experience that would catapult my career prospects and bring me memories I would be sure to never forget.

Each week until the start of my semester in Washington DC I loved talking to my professors about my plans and imagining the kinds of opportunities I would get in this amazing new city. I am very interested in communication and media roles, and had told my professors I wanted to pursue internships in digital media. I was thrilled the morning I got my offer letter saying I had been chosen for the press internship position in a congressional office in the U.S. House of Representatives. I remember gasping as I saw the email notification, calling my best friend and siblings, and waking my mom up from bed to share the news. I had gotten an internship on Capitol Hill. Every day I looked forward to coming to Washington DC.

Once I arrived I realized how different it was from Chicago, instead of sky scrapers there were federal buildings, and instead of a college campus I had the capital of the United States to call my home. On my first weekend in town my parents accompanied me to every major monument in the city, and took photos of me in front of the Capitol Building. They proudly told strangers “she’s starting her internship here next week!” They congratulated me and called me a future senator, I was in awe of everything that laid ahead of me. The other students in my program would quickly become my second family, and we would spend every day together exploring the city and all it had to offer. Some of my favorite memories from our first couple of weeks include nights walking next to the Potomac at the Wharf, visiting the Smithsonian’s, and then winding down at home with a movie night.

The thing I was the most excited about was my first day on Capitol Hill. My first day is a memory that I will treasure forever. I remember meeting the other interns in my office (who are now close friends of mine) and being taken on a tour of the Capitol as we looked at each other with excitement about working in Congress.

My internship was definitely the most amazing place to learn and grow, and the staffers were extremely welcoming. I could always tell that they genuinely wanted to see us succeed, and they never hesitated to share their advice and be fully transparent with the other interns and I. I am so happy to say that my internship experience was one that provided me with so much experience for the communications field, along with incredible connections which I now get to use for future opportunities.

Throughout my time in office I worked on a variety of projects such as drafting talking points and speeches for the Congressman, drafting mass e-mails, drafting tweets, creating graphic designs for our Instagram, designing posterboards for speeches, and attending hearings and press conferences to capture photos and video content. Along with communications work, I also helped with legislative duties such as attending hearings and creating memos and sitting in on stakeholder meetings to take notes. Lastly, I helped with administrative work, such as giving staff-led tours of the Capitol building to constituents, taking constituent phone calls, and helping the office staff by being a reliable intern to carry out any unexpected administrative tasks.

All of this work is going to be useful for future prospects, and the overall experience of being in this environment at such an early point in my career fills me with gratitude and eagerness for my future. I am looking forward to sharing these stories for the rest of my life, and I encourage future students to seek opportunities that will bring them growth and wisdom.

As the semester comes to an end and I wrap up my internship in Washington, D.C., I’ve been reflecting on what a meaningful and energizing experience it has been. From the very beginning, I was welcomed into a team driven by a clear mission: strengthen our democracy by holding powerful institutions accountable and putting the public interest first. Working with Public Citizen’s Democracy Team has allowed me to see how strategic organizing, community leadership, and public education come together to protect the voices of everyday people. Being surrounded by organizers and advocates who care deeply about fairness, representation, and civic engagement challenged me to think critically about the role I want to play in our democracy. One of the highlights of my semester was supporting event coordination and grassroots mobilization around the No Kings II movement. From researching potential coalition partners to helping vet hosts for key advocacy events, I saw up close how mobilization begins long before people gather in a room. Before any campaign takes shape publicly, there are weeks of planning, relationship building, and finding trusted community leaders who can help amplify the message in authentic ways. This experience showed me that community power is not spontaneous,it is cultivated through intentional partnerships, transparent coordination, and outreach that prioritizes trust.

Throughout the semester, I contributed to projects involving event support, host vetting, volunteer coordination, legislative research, and election security efforts. I learned how to identify organizational partners, expand outreach networks, collaborate across teams, and support the logistics that make public action possible. These hands-on experiences strengthened my planning, communication, and organizing skills, while deepening my understanding of how advocacy groups build collective power to influence policy, shape public perception, and give communities tools to engage directly with government systems.

I am leaving D.C. with new skills, lasting connections, and a stronger commitment to public interest work. I’ve gained a better understanding of the policy landscape, how advocacy campaigns evolve, and how community partners play a vital role in mobilizing democratic participation. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from mentors who took the time to share insights about organizing strategies, coalition building, and what it means to advocate with integrity. I am excited to continue learning, growing, and working remotely with Public Citizen in the upcoming semester.

I chose to do the Illinois in Washington (IIW) program because I am interested in policy, politics, and law, and I hope to apply to law school in the future. IIW has been the perfect environment to explore these interests and begin building a professional network in a city where advocacy and policymaking intersect every day. Beyond my internship and classes, one of my favorite parts of studying in D.C. has been exploring all of the different museums, monuments, government buildings, and historic sites that reflect the complex story of American democracy, past, present, and future.

My time in DC has been some of the toughest times of my life, but also some of the best. My internship was unfortunately interrupted by the longest government shutdown in United States history. As you may know, interns cannot work on the Hill during a shutdown. This meant for 43 days I should’ve been working; I had to figure out what to do with myself. For the first month of my internship, I fell in love with working on the Hill. I doubted whether the government would actually shutdown, thinking it was just a rumor. Turns out, loving a job and then having to leave it, not by choice, is not easy. The first week was easy, just Spring Break but in the Fall. After that I struggled to figure out how to keep myself busy and not go absolutely crazy. I had two choices in this situation, completely shut down and not leave my room until I went back to work, or “reboot” and find a different way to learn about the DC experience and not go stir-crazy. This shutdown really drew me closer to the girls in IIW. We would constantly try to find free things to do together, because with a shutdown, we were not getting paid. We pushed each other to be social, ensuring we saw each other at least a couple of times a week. I grew to really love my friends I made through the program. They don’t let everyone in for a reason, we all had similar goals and a similar drive. We also, it turns out, had a lot in common and really connected on deep levels.

These friendships really pushed me to learn flexibility. We all had gone through the same thing at the same time and formed close bonds over it. We would constantly remind each other to stay in the loop with things happening on the Hill, stay informed about current events, and get to know DC as a potential future place of residence. I walked a lot and explored the area. A couple of other girls and I started walking dogs around DC to explore and make some extra money. I fell in love with the city and its culture. The people here, both in IIW and not, were people I would like to surround myself with. I realized I thrive in a culture like DC’s, where things are constantly changing and moving.

The shutdown, above all, reinforced lessons of flexibility that I had been learning for the last year. Flexibility, I have heard, is one of the most important skills to have when working for the Federal Government. The shutdown taught me how to “reboot” and redirect my energy into productive uses of time rather than completely shutting down. After coming back to work, the shutdown taught me how to be patient and flexible when assigned tasks. I learned to be even more grateful for the opportunity, which I did not think was possible, and to savor every moment because it really does go by in the blink of an eye. With that all said, Audrey Sperling is logging off as a Congressional Intern, and I couldn’t be sadder about it.

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.

Fall in D.C. has come and gone, and so has the 2024 election, my internship at International Justice Mission, and my senior year at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Time moves on, but the friends I made and the lessons I unearthed along the way have been deeply rooted against the aging of the hour.

Born in Taiwan and growing up moving around from Belgium to South Korea to the U.S. for college, I have witnessed many marvelous cities and met my fair share of interesting people. Washington, D.C., however, manages to trump them all. Here is a jewel of a city between the Anacostia and Potomac rivers where history is decided, where people from all walks of life gather to make an impact on humanity, and where the prosperity and suffering of America converge violently to be examined in the limelight.

As an international student, I applied for Illinois in Washington (IIW) with uncertain expectations. I was unsure if I could find meaningful employment as a non-U.S. citizen in D.C. and whether it was wise to move to a new city for the last semester of my senior year. Although I faced many setbacks along the way, I can look back now and say with certainty that I made a good decision to apply for and come to D.C. as part of IIW. It was a program that allowed me to pursue an internship of interest to me within the politically active hub of D.C. while being supported by a strong community of fellow peers from Illinois going through the same struggles and delights as I was. Our cohort formed a special bond, as I’m sure cohorts before us have done, and I am so very thankful that I was able to meet this diverse group of passionate individuals who are all determined to make an impact in the world.

I came to this city with a singular hope of reflecting on the abundant experiences of my past to discover my unique path forward, hoping that this central axis of global agenda-setting would enlighten me and put my calling into sharper focus. I ultimately chose to be the Public Engagement Intern at International Justice Mission (IJM) because I wanted to explore the realm of non-profits while I still had the space to do so as an undergraduate student. IJM is an NGO with a mission to protect people in poverty from violence, specifically in forms such as human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and bonded labor. We have offices in every region of the world, working with local governments and law enforcement partners to deliver justice to those who are often forgotten by society or unprotected by dysfunctional and corrupt justice systems.

As the Public Engagement Intern, I had a front-row seat to all the public-facing engagements that we as an organization were having. My day-to-day tasks included helping my manager vet speaker requests and evaluating them on the strategic value they brought to the organization. Although I did not work directly with the policy-facing side of the organization, I was able to learn from many who did through coffee chats and lunch discussions. I found my experience at IJM to be one of considerable professional and personal growth.

As I start transitioning to post-graduation life, I still do not have a definitive answer to the path I will pursue, but this Washington, D.C. experience has refined the parameters of my search and equipped me with lifelong skills in networking, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving. I grew in my ability to communicate effectively with colleagues through corporate tools like email and video calls. I learned how to healthily separate work from life and make solid friendships while keeping professional boundaries at work. Most importantly of all, I learned the value of talking to people who have gone before me and experienced life ahead of me. I have never done so many coffee chats in my life, but I am so thankful that I got out of my comfort zone to learn from so many people’s fascinating stories.

This program has been an extension of the gradual shift in my own interests from a STEM background to a more policy-focused outlook. In Washington, D.C., I was able to witness firsthand the process of making public policy, the intricate network of conflicting forces all vying for control of the national and international agenda, and the passion with which individuals stood for and advocated their causes. Being in D.C. made me realize the illusion and futility of power, while at the same time coming to a newfound appreciation of the very real consequences that power can bring. Going forward, I wish to take all that I have learned and realized in D.C. and integrate it into my future work—whatever it may be.

During my internship in D.C. with a congressional office, I was able to not only learn about the legislative process and how certain aspects of the federal government work, but I also built skills fundamental to future jobs. Mainly, I developed communication skills by working in a busy environment with many different kinds of people, and I improved my ability to set goals.

Referring to more technical skills, I learned to write in different styles; for example, letter writing is very different from memo writing, and I had to do both. As I’ve already said, I learned a great deal about the role of the legislature in American politics through this internship. However, my greatest gain was understanding what it means to be a professional and the importance of outreach.

Professionalism refers to my expected behavior, how it impacts the way the office is perceived, and the importance of balancing the rigid idea of professionalism with the personal aspects of my character. Someone who cannot include these personal touches may sometimes be viewed less favorably, even if they meet the expected standards of their office. To maximize your professional image and best reflect your office, you must maintain a delicate balance between these two things. This balance makes you more effective in outreach and, by extension, better at networking. Being both professional and personable can lead others to see you as a valuable part of a broader network.

Regarding outreach specifically, it was a skill I had to improve as the internship progressed. Not being afraid to ask for things or approach someone with questions—while still being respectful of what they’re doing and their time—is an incredibly important skill to build. I used platforms like LinkedIn or reached out to my existing connections to find people to talk to about specific topics, which helped me engage more effectively in outreach.

Overall, about half the time things would fall through, or I wouldn’t get a response to my request or question. But when it worked, the payoff was great. Many of the conversations I had this semester were with people I cold-contacted—meaning we had no prior connection—and I was able to learn a lot from them about the work they do.

This growth was thanks in part to learning to overcome my fear of reaching out, which was encouraged by the Illinois in Washington Program and its required biweekly coffee chats, but also by the work itself. Much of what I did during my internship was basic—like callbacks, scheduling tours, or setting up inauguration ticket requests—which required reaching out to constituents on behalf of my office. Building those outreach skills was similar, but instead of reaching out for Congressman Sorensen, I was reaching out for myself.

Overall, it was a great experience, and I see many of the skills I built here helping me in the professional world when I graduate next semester.

Throughout this semester in the Illinois in Washington Program, I have developed my skillsets that have helped me feel more prepared when walking into any room while also feeling confident about what my future holds within the political field and spaces of advocacy. Professor Mayer was a large part in this confidence as she always showed up for our cohort and provided us with guidance on aspects that can be overlooked during our time in D.C. as we try to build a name for ourselves.  

During the semester, I interned at the White House Hispanic Initiative located in the Department of Education. Here, I worked with a team that is focused on advancing economic opportunity and educational equity for Latinos across the country. I always remember learning about this internship during a Latino leadership conference where I focused on networking and sharing that I was looking for internships in D.C. for the following semester. I was in disbelief as my passion for education and advocating for underrepresented communities was coming together in this internship. Interning under the Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, was a very special experience as he is a champion in advocating for underrepresented communities and working towards providing an equitable education to students. I will never forget the day he shared his first gen story with our intern team, because as first gen students, we understand how we don’t always have a clear pathway when it comes to college and beyond but taking the leap is worth it.

I worked about 35 hours a week, in the office, while also attending events in the afternoon with our executive director. Being in D.C. and working in this office during the fall semester was very special as Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from mid-September through mid-October allowing me to take part in a variety of celebrations, and as an intern for the Hispanic Initiative I had the opportunity to plan the Department of Education’s Hispanic Heritage celebration that brought in authors, celebrities, and educational leaders. We also had the opportunity to attend events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month while celebrating their accomplishments for our communities. Some of these celebrations were hosted by the House of Representatives, the Department of Commerce, the American Federation of Teachers, The White House, and NASA. Being in these spaces opened my eyes to seeing the representation Latinos have in these spaces in D.C, while also becoming aware of career paths. This was something I was not familiar with but it made me feel very proud and grew my confidence that I too, could be in these spaces one day.

Throughout our course with Professor Mayer, one of our assignments was to set up coffee chats throughout the semester. This was one of my favorite things, as I found myself learning a lot from diverse individuals working within congress, nonprofits and agencies but also some who are graduate students in law school and PhD programs and others who are interns within the area. The guidance we received on how to prepare and execute coffee chats was very helpful as knowing what kinds of questions to ask, made me feel more confident when speaking to those in leadership positions. I even found myself having casual unplanned coffee chats once in a while with individuals during events and in the Department of Education. Learning from peoples’ backgrounds and what got them here has been very insightful, as I came with a goal in learning what’s next for me to continue to advance in my career as an advocate.

Overall, the opportunity to live in D.C. for the semester opened my eyes to the numerous career possibilities for a future in public service. Every day I woke up excited to see what new things I would learn or get to experience, as it is a busy city with so many things to explore. As a first-generation Latina student, I am proud to have had the courage to take part in this program and how committed I have been to saying yes to opportunities that have helped me grow.

My semester as an Executive Intern for Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been an unforgettable experience filled with personal growth, professional development, and a deeper understanding of our government. Working in Washington, D.C., at the heart of policymaking, I’ve had the privilege to engage in meaningful work that has solidified my passion for public service and advocacy. As an executive intern, my responsibilities ranged from administrative tasks to project support. I played a vital role in ensuring that the office ran smoothly by setting up for meetings with members and stakeholders, escorting guests and groups, and keeping the office organized, including managing inventory stock. One of the most rewarding parts of my role was assisting the outreach director with organizing contact sheets and identifying government affairs contacts for key organizations, including Latino, workforce, and civil rights groups. This task gave me valuable insight into how outreach and coalition-building are essential to advancing policy goals.

A highlight of my internship was my semester-long project focused on creating a safer work environment for pregnant migrant farmworkers exposed to pesticides. Through this project, I collaborated with our agriculture committee to identify actionable solutions that protect farmworkers and their children. I researched best practices and developed a policy proposal aimed at uplifting and safeguarding this vulnerable population. This experience not only honed my research and analytical skills but also reinforced my commitment to ensuring that all workers are treated with dignity and fairness. One of the most inspiring aspects of my internship was the opportunity to learn from and interact with senior staff, including our floor director and scheduling and administrative teams. Their dedication and expertise taught me the importance of teamwork and effective communication in legislative work.

Additionally, I had face-to-face interactions with members of Congress and gained a deeper understanding of the work conducted in various committees. These moments reminded me of the immense responsibility and impact of public service, motivating me to continue pursuing a career in law and advocacy. Outside of work, I immersed myself in the vibrant culture of Washington, D.C. My weekends were filled with runs by the National Mall, where the monuments served as a daily reminder of the history and progress that shape our nation. I also loved exploring the Eastern Market, where I discovered unique crafts, local produce, and delicious food. Living in D.C. allowed me to connect with other interns and professionals who share my passion for public service. These connections have not only expanded my network but also deepened my understanding of the diverse paths one can take to make a difference.

My internship with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been a transformative experience. It has deepened my understanding of the legislative process, strengthened my skills, and reinforced my commitment to advocating for underrepresented communities. As I prepare for the next steps in my journey, I carry with me the invaluable lessons and experiences from my time in D.C. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work and for the guidance of the dedicated professionals I had the privilege to work with. I can’t wait to return to Washington, D.C., and continue pursuing my goal of creating equitable and just policies that uplift all communities.