D.C. Intern Orientation

Deciding to do an internship can be overwhelming, especially when it involves moving across the country. But don't let that stop you from taking the opportunity of a lifetime.

Before each group of interns heads out to take on D.C., the IOGP holds an intern orientation to give them all the information they are going to need to be successful during their time out there. 

We have an excellent team to help you get all your questions answered and to give you their advice, including:

- Jashon Bishop and Madison Maners, two previous D.C. interns 

- Brandee Spackman, our intern and housing coordinator 

- Damon Cann, our co-director 

-Neil Abercrombie, our director 

-Jeannie Johnson, a professor from the political science department 

Among the topics covered during the orientation are:

-Professionalism

-Your role as an intern

-Life in D.C.

-How to use the Washington D.C. metro

-Safety

-How to get up to 12 credits for your internship

-Housing information

And any other questions the group might have.

The IOGP wants you to be successful during your internship, and to represent yourself and Utah State University well. Our office is always accessible during your time in D.C., ready to help you with whatever we can.

This is our group of spring 2016 D.C. interns.

 From left to right: Ethan Swenson, Camille Mindrum, Jessica Thompson, Anna Meppen, Hailee Housley, Christian Lippert (Lisa Chidester and Lily Wachtor not pictured)

Ethan: History Major, Interning for Senator Hatch

Camille: Political Science Major, Interning for Senator Hatch

Jessica: History Major, Interning for Congressman Simpson

Anna: Political Science Major, Interning for the State Department

Hailee: Art History Major, Interning for Senator Lee

Christian: Global Communications Major, Interning for Congressman Bishop, 

Lisa: Marketing Major, Interning for Tim Stewart

Lily: Political Science Major, Interning for the Financial Services Roundtable

All of our new interns seem excited for the chance to get involved in government.

Christian Lippert told us why he decided to do an internship.

"I expect that this internship will open my eyes to how government functions, the real detail of it. I have a broad understanding of what a congressman does, but I want to see the specifics of it, like how they fill their every day, the kind of issues the deal with and how constituents have a voice. I look forward to finding all that out and experiencing that first hand. In general, it will provide me with a lot of positive experiences as far as meeting people and learning how the United States government works, as well as give me some professional background experience."

Check back for intern spotlights throughout the spring semester for updates on their experiences in D.C.!