Radhika Gawde

Radhika Gawde

Major: Political Science-Public Service

Radhika Gawde

Tell us about your internship – what kind of work did you do? What did you find rewarding?

I worked on the Finance Team and on the Political Team. It was incredibly rewarding to build on my campaign finance experience. I had previously worked on a congressional campaign, so shifting from a one race lens to now focusing on multiple frontline races across the nation was fascinating. I primarily supported the finance team in their events, prepared memos, and managed finance spreadsheets. Additionally, the political strategy of looking at outside party media and advertising for frontline races was interesting as that was a new experience. I enjoyed the political research that I was required to do for the various races that my team as responsible for. HMP staff were incredible and took the time to get to know me and foster my development both professionally and personally. They went out of their way to connect me with folks in the field that they thought would be useful to me in my journey to law school and beyond. The PAC is full of talented, progressive, and politically savvy individuals with the same goal of electing individuals that better represent our country.

Have your career or life goals changed as a result of your internship? If so, how? 

I enjoyed continuing my campaign experience throughout this internship. I hope to continue doing campaign work throughout graduate school and possibly beyond.

Share an exciting memory from your internship – something unexpected, an accomplishment, someone you met. 

I enjoyed meeting elected (officials) such as Rep. Barbara Lee and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. I loved the opportunity to speak with members of the teams I worked with as well as donors who took an interest in my professional goals and offered their advice and assistance in helping me get where I envision my career leading.

Radhika Gawde

Did your internship lead to any opportunities?

The Finance Team asked if I would be interested in staying on as a Finance Assistant, but I unfortunately needed to return to California to finish my last year of school.

Share a story about something special you did in Washington – an event you attended, a place you went, an exciting talk, etc. 

I had the opportunity to see Yo Yo Ma live in concert for free. Additionally I saw the National Symphonic Orchestra perform Mahler which was incredible. The opportunity to walk to museums and the endless events made staying in Washington an incredible experience.

How has living in the nation’s capital for a quarter changed you?

I was able to protest the Dobbs decision at the Supreme Court, attend events with elected leaders and individuals that shape our nation's policy, and was able to contribute to the PAC's efforts to elect Democrats across the nation. Washington DC is a vibrant city which has fundamentally altered me through the many experiences I have had, the places I visited, and the people who I have had the opportunity to speak to.

Do you have any advice for future UCDC students?

Start looking for your internship early and make sure that your internship will give you good, real work to do. Additionally, it is imperative that the goals and values of your organization align with your own. Make sure the staff are good people who take an interest in your growth and that also share your values. Finally, after spending three years doing various types of campaign work, I cannot recommend campaign work more highly. The opportunity to work in such a team environment with the stakes of getting a candidate or candidates elected is rewarding. The connections, skills, and memories you take away from campaign experiences are unforgettable.

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