Spring 2025 | Illinois in Washington

Lobbying, Learning, and Leaping Forward: How DC Changed My Career Path

Morgan White interned at Hartley Blunt (HB) Strategies, a bipartisan federal government relations and advocacy firm in Washington, D.C. Her responsibilities included conducting policy research, tracking legislation, preparing briefings, and attending meetings and briefings on Capitol Hill to support the firm’s lobbying and public affairs work. Through this experience, Morgan discovered a strong passion for public service, public policy, and advocacy. She now plans to pursue a career in these fields, aiming to help bridge communities, industries, and government through meaningful and mission-driven work.

When applying for the Illinois in Washington (IIW) program, I knew I was stepping into something much bigger than myself, but I couldn’t fully grasp how transformative this experience would be until I set foot in Washington, DC. During my semester in DC, I was fortunate to develop new connections, skills, and perspectives that forever transformed my outlook on myself in the political world.

Arriving in a new city during an uncertain time wasn’t easy, but I overcame the challenges and fully embraced its fast-paced, vibrant rhythm. Through the IIW program, I had the opportunity to intern with Hartley Blunt (HB) Strategies, a national advocacy firm that provides clients state and federal lobbying services, leadership strategies, and public affairs services. HB Strategies serves a variety of clients throughout the United States, from small businesses to prestigious universities, helping them navigate complex regulatory and legislative processes. Pursuing an internship with this bipartisan federal government relations firm was the best professional experience I could have asked for, especially for someone who wants a career rooted in public service, policy, and advocacy.

HB Strategies offers a dynamic office environment, which means I worked on a variety of tasks for different principals and lobbyists. My responsibilities ranged from conducting policy research on key legislative issues, tracking bills in Congress that could impact on our clients, and preparing briefings. I also attended legislative meetings and briefings on the Hill, providing detailed updates for our team and clients. Each week came with new opportunities, whether it was sitting in on meetings with congressional staffers or learning to explain complex policies effectively, all were experiences and skills that I will carry with me to any career.

The process of finding an internship was not an easy task, but it was incredibly rewarding. The UIUC Career Center and the IIW program provided excellent support and resources to help guide me toward opportunities aligned with my career goals. I came to DC with no internship, but a heart full of hope, and the University of Illinois helped turn that hope into success. Both the program and my internship have solidified my desire to pursue a future in public service, public policy, and advocacy. I’ve witnessed firsthand how advocacy can bridge gaps between communities, industries, and government, and how vital it is to have passionate and mission-driven people working behind the scenes.

It would be wrong to say that only my academic and professional journey has helped me grow, as purely living in DC has taught me just as much. I never could have guessed how beautiful and historically charming DC was until I walked the Tidal Basin during cherry blossom blooming season, explored nearly every Smithsonian Museum, and fostered a supportive community with the other IIW students. Growing alongside such a passionate and intelligent group of peers helped foster motivation, which made the experience even more meaningful.

The most important thing I gained in DC and the IIW program wasn’t a line or two on my resume, it was growth and a new, transformative perspective on my life and career. I discovered how empowering and freeing it is to step outside of your comfort zone and surround yourself with new people and experiences that inspire and transform you. If you’re considering IIW, I cannot encourage you enough to take the leap. Washington, DC, and the people bustling through it have a way of shaping you in ways you would never expect, if you just let them. I did, and it changed me more than I ever expected.

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.