Majors: Sociology

Internship: Office of Congressman Mike Thompson and the Political Violence Lab

Participated: Summer 2024

Tell us about your internship - what kind of work did you do?

For the first half of the summer, I worked full-time at the Political Violence Lab (PVL) as a lab associate and then transitioned into working part-time for Congressmen’s Mike Thompson’s Office as a congressional intern. In terms of the PVL, I found it rewarding to contribute to the publication of a research paper that surrounds news media reporting and missing refugees. I view this academic research as a vehicle to alert policy makers, journalists, teachers, and rescue workers about what refugee incidents are not being reported enough or at all in the news media. Regarding the Congressmen’s office, listening and recording constituents' messages is an essential part of the democratic process and I found it rewarding to develop a deeper understanding of issues that are affecting people in my community (individuals in my district). 

Have your career goals changed as a result of your internship?

I do think both experiences as a lab associate and as a congressional intern have been career informative. Becoming an academic often requires a PHD and a lifelong passion and dedication to a subject through many years of scholarly research while becoming a congressional public servant requires a bachelor’s or master's degree and a lifelong passion and dedication to a particular field through several years of public service. At the moment, I like the variety of issues that are addressed in a congressional office while academic labs can be more single-issue minded in their focus. For myself, I have tended to take more of an interest in national politics like the (congressional office) and not as much in international politics (PVL). I can see a career in government or in the non-profit sector connected to public health, environmental, and/or social justice issues. 

Tell us about an exciting memory from your internship!

While there are many memories I have made during my time in D.C., one that stands out to me was a happy accident during my congressional internship. When I was trying to locate the exit during one my first days at the cannon office building, I ended up on the wrong floor. On that level, I noticed one office with a whole bunch of colorful post notes around the name plaque. When I read the name I realized was one of the most prominent figures in the democratic party, “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez” or AOC! 

Did your internship lead to any opportunities?

From my time at the political violence lab, my lab mates and I were all offered full-time positions in the political violence lab! As far as my time in Congressman Thompson’s Office, I was told by the supervisor that the new available position as a staff assistant would have likely been given to someone in our intern cohort if we were graduated seniors without school priorities. Both internships offered opportunities in the form of networking. The PVL allowed me to connect with people from other UC’s who have similar career goals to myself while the congressional office allowed me to connect with government professionals with various policy specialties. 

Share a story about something special you did in Washington!

There were a host of amazing experiences I have had in D.C! Probably the most memorable and picturesque one was visiting the numerous historically significant movements and memorials. I visited the Jefferson Memorial, National WWII Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial and the National Monument. My family and I’s favorites are between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials (we can’t decide)! Seeing the National firework show on independence day in front of the National Monument was also incredible!

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

During this unforgettable 10-week experience, I developed more life skills and a possible direction towards a future career path. This is definitely the longest I have spent away from friends and family at home, but it forced me to develop connections with other UC students and enhance my social skills. Traveling to different places within the D.C. area and on the East Coast allowed me to learn how to effectively use all different modes of public transportation. In this way, I feel like a more component traveler and I am excited to apply this knowledge on the next adventure! Ultimately, from this endeavor, I have a better understanding of what I may want to do as a career and it most likely involves non-profit or government work involving public health, environmental, and/or social issues. 

What advice would you like to share with future UCDC participants?

For future UCDC students, I would recommend making the most of the limited time you have in D.C. in whatever capacity seems appropriate for you. This could look like networking, developing professional skills or career direction, and/or exploring the D.C. or greater East Coast.