The White House
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE (AEI)
Read moreBrian Jay Rose
A sophomore at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Brian Jay Rose was concentrating in economics and medicine when he applied to the Washington Internship Program in late February of 2006; he will graduate in 2008 with a Masters degree as well as a Bachelors. In the past, Brian was an independent researcher at the University of California in San Francisco where he did work on Parkinson’s Disease in zebra-fish, and the abstracts and papers he wrote were submitted to medical journals. He was also a sales and marketing intern at Uptilt, Inc. in Mento Park, California. At Harvard, Brian maintained high grades even though he belonged to Lightway Crew; as a national champion, he made the college travel team and practiced fifteen to eighteen hours a week. In addition, Brian counseled underprivileged teens at the Mission Hill After-School Program another fifteen hours per week, took part in the Bureau of Study Council On-Call Tutor, and tutored Harvard students in multi-variable calculus. (Brian raised the grades of every student he helped based on first and second-semester midterms). Previously, Brian was president of the Model United Nations Club through San Francisco University, school newspaper editor, a teaching assistant for Outdoor Educational Program, captain of the Swim Team, and a teaching assistant at Harvard University’s Freshmen Outdoor Program. Brian traveled to Greece and England; as part of the San Francisco Boys Choir he also went to France, and in Ecuador Brian toured the Amazon rainforest and nearby Galapagos Islands where Charles Darwin did much of his pioneering work on evolution. Brian speaks some French.
Two months after applying to WIP, Brian was placed at the American Enterprise Institute as well as the White House where he was asked to serve as a liaison between the Executive Office of the President and the United States Department of Commerce. Although the second offer was quite an honor, Brian didn’t support what he considered irresponsible financial policies by the Bush Administration. Brian’s other choice, the American Enterprise Institute, is generally considered a neo-conservative institution, but the Washington Internship Program encouraged Brian to accept an internship at AEI because this think-tank enjoys a reputation for financial excellence that goes beyond partisan politics. Brian was later pleased that he followed this advice because throughout the summer he was able to speak freely about his own commitments during a challenging internship, which led directly to a paid position that Brian was subsequently offered at Harvard University with a famous liberal economist who served on President Bill Clinton’s Council of Economic Advisors, as part of a group that helped First Lady Hillary Clinton on her healthcare study, and as an economic advisor to both John Kerry and Bill Bradley – illustrating that the finest economists advise both Democrats and Republicans. Brian’s work at AEI on healthcare, Medicare, and economic projections prepared him to continue this research back on campus in the fall.
The Washington Internship Program counseled Brian on which internships to pursue among the thousands of prestigious opportunities possible for the finest students from Ivy League colleges, and then WIP informed intern coordinators at various institutions and agencies about Brian’s extraordinary talents. Brian first resided at Iris House, a fully-furnished home in D.C. run by WIP, and later he moved to WIP’s International House. These two exquisite residences, located near one another and 16th Street, N.W., allowed Brian to take the bus to work on 17th Street, N.W. just blocks from the White House internship he politely declined. Below is Brian’s description of his internship at AEI that lasted from June through August, after which he went to Spain with family. Brian was a popular student who was well-liked by peers and staff members alike.
“At the American Enterprise Institute I assisted three scholars with a research project on healthcare, which combined my educational training in economics and pre-med. As one of fifty interns selected in 2006 for a summer internship at AEI, I was thrilled to be given much more responsibility than other students there. The forty-page report I helped draft is now under review by my supervisor, who plans to submit it for publication – under my byline and the names of others who worked on the article – in the journal Health Affairs. My piece is a comparative study of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Medicare, and drug treatment within the United States versus similar agencies – like ENEA – within the European Union. I examined the fact that medical substances and devices usually take at least a year longer to be approved in America compared to the E.U. even though the incidence of problems with drugs and devices is no higher in Europe than in the U.S. (In Europe, new drugs were approved faster 80 percent of the time while in the U.S. such medicines were accepted sooner about 20 percent of the time.) The approval process for pharmaceuticals in the United States is much more expensive because the government requires manufacturer to prove both efficacy and safety. Devices are less expensive to test than new medicines, and some ‘horror stories’ involve useful medications that were not approved for up to fifteen years. I was given much freedom I pursuing this work. My supervisor was in the office about two days a week, and the rest of the time I was given guidance by his research assistant. I spent about 85 percent of my summer working on this project."
“I also enjoyed attending conferences sponsored by AEI, including a Summit on Iraq. I heard Secretary of Homeland Security Chertoff speak about strategies for prosecuting individuals who enter the U.S. illegally and companies that hire them while relaxing border control. Every Thursday AEI scholars talked about their research exclusively to the interns. Another tradition I appreciated at AEI was giving wonderful books (for free) to interns. I went home with about thirty books, and so far I finished reading ten of them.”
“My supervisor delivered a lecture on new cost estimates associated with Medicare, and I was asked to make projections in this regard through 2070. The experience I gained and the letter of recommendation AEI wrote for me resulted in a paid position I got upon returning to Harvard in the fall where I now work ten to fifteen hours a week for a renown economist for whom I project financial models for the future of Medicare. Ironically, for a time I considered staying in Cambridge for the summer and doing research at Harvard, but the director of the Washington Internship Program encouraged me to get some experience at an economic think-tank in our nation’s capital, and she correctly predicted that such work would lead to better offers from Harvard once I returned with a placement at AEI on my resume and a glowing recommendation.”
Brian Rose (second from right) with other WIP interns: Bethany Reese, Suzi Oh,
and Rachel Toler (plus two more friends) – at Silver Spring Metro Station
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Read moreMonica Hortobagyi
A journalism major who graduated from Loyola University in Chicago, Monica Hortobagyi was a Dean’s List student who previously worked as an intern for First Business News (a nationally syndicated daily financial paper) and a reporter at Mozaic Magazine (Loyola’s social-justice publication). Monica was editor of Urban Pulse (an online, student-produced, social justice journal) and the Cagli Project (a multi-media web documentary on the town of Cagli, Italy). Monica was published in the Journal of International Relations, she served as a delegate to the SPJ National Convention, and she won an award for excellence in Italian and French. Monica lived with a host family in Rennes, France and later studied at Loyola’s Rome Center in Italy. Monica applied to the Washington Internship Program on July 6, 2006 and requested an internship in writing as well as international affairs. One of the placements she specifically requested was with the National Geographic Society, which accepted her on August 25 to work at the National Geographic Traveler through mid December. WIP also placed Monica at USA Today and arranged for this second internship to start in January. Between these two spectacular opportunities, Monica visited family and then went to Rome for a short trip. During the first internship, Monica lived at WIP’s International House. Because the second internship begins in January 2007, Monica’s description of that experience will appear in the annual report WIP releases next year. Her paper on the first placement, located on 17th Street, N.W. just blocks from the White House, is quoted below:
Monica Hortobagyi (seated, far left) with National Geographic logo
“My three-month internship with National Geographic was extremely rich in character and contacts. Initially, I was surprised to see how many interns the Society hires along with the quality and complexity of projects assigned to students, but after immersing myself in the company’s culture, I now understand that such contributors are valued as a demographic connection with future subscribers. My primary responsibility throughout the internship was to collect information and develop content for a long-term online project. I helped editors modify their approach to be more user-friendly and presented my ideas at a meeting attended by the top two editors of the magazine. To my great satisfaction, these leaders embraced my vision of the project. In addition, the assistant online editor and I researched and wrote an article together, which will be published under our joint byline on the Traveler website in March 2007. I requested involvement with the research department, in response to which I was given the opportunity to fact-check three articles – one of which appeared in the January / February edition, and the other two are slotted to be published in March. I also attended staff meetings and edited pieces. I enjoyed these activities tremendously due to the insight I gained into magazine production, the evolution of articles, and the mental processes cherished by one of the finest magazines in the world.”
“I took a number of classes on research methods taught at the National Geographic Library. These seminars were titled: “Researching plants and Animals,” “Strategies of Effective Research,” “Basics of Nexis,” “Advanced Web Research,” “Researching People,” “Finding Experts,” “Researching Markets and Industry,” and “Finding Information on the World’s Most Dangerous Spots.” I also attended an employee-skills course on time management, which identified organizational tips, tactics for self-discipline, daily mistakes that are common to most workplaces, and approaches for maximizing professional potential. The efficient atmosphere at National Geographic offers workers flexibility and supportive features like access to a gym, mail services, and dry-cleaning. Special lectures and other educational activities are held during lunch or in the evening. Two excellent seminars that I appreciated dealt with immigration and the fiftieth anniversary of a trek to the Arctic Circle by George Schaller and Jon Waterman. Among the evening speakers were: Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International; NASA scientist and Satern expert Caroline Porco; Keith Bellows, editor-in-chief of Traveler magazine; and the “All Roads Film Festival” – a weekend honoring the struggles of indigenous people. Bob Dulli, deputy to the chairman, organized a brown-bag lunch lecture series for interns at which I met the president of the National Geographic Channel, toured the station, and heard staff members from the marketing department discuss programming choices. I also heard Neil Shea discuss his reporting from Iraq. Other supervisors summarized hiring practices and ways to manage ambition while maintaining families.”
“This internship taught me a great deal about conservation, education, research, and office dynamics. I am so grateful.”
USA TODAY
Monica was required to submit many “clips” and writing samples during the summer while under consideration for an internship at this exceptional newspaper. The Washington Internship Program figured that an internship at a monthly publication of the National Geographic would help prepare Monica for the incomparable stresses of a daily paper. Although both internships were originally scheduled to begin in September, WIP was able to move USA Today until winter so Monica wouldn’t need to sacrifice either of these remarkable opportunities.
Read moreHeather Lawrie
A student majoring in psychology with a minor in Spanish from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, Heather Lawrie was placed by the Washington Internship Program at the U.S. Conference of Mayors for an internship lasting from January to May. Heather requested a placement in law and government, and this one also made use of her Spanish-language abilities. In the past, Heather participated in the International Study Abroad Program in Salamanca, Spain and worked at her university’s Psychology Research Program as well as the Court-Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASA), which concentrates on how the court system affects children. A member of the Spanish Club and president of the Bayou Chapter of the National Charity League, Heather worked in the past as a bilingual tutor for elementary-school students.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization representing America’s 1183 cities with populations of more than thirty-thousand people. The Conference has assumed a national leadership role, calling attention to serious urban problems and pressing for solutions. While there, Heather worked with the assistant executive director. Heather performed research on current energy issues, in the course of which she used sources like the Energy and Environment Daily and online material. After collecting data, she wrote reports and talking points. Heather also helped senior staff organize packets for business-council luncheons and mailings.
Heather assisted in preparing for the Annual Winter Meeting at the Capitol Hilton Hotel. She worked on briefing materials for the Energy, Environment, and Membership Standing Committees. The mayors in attendance debated issues that would improve both local and the national government. Heather was thrilled to see New York Senator Hillary Clinton speak in person at a luncheon honoring the mayors along with leaders from her home state of Texas, including Bill White who discussed problems with Hurricane-Katrina evacuees living in Houston and the increasing crime rate there. Heather wrote two articles that were published in the bimonthly newspaper U.S. Mayor. The “Recruitment Plan Campaign” and “The Role of Mayors in Preventing Further Climate Change” both ran on February 6, 2006.
Heather was excited to accompany her boss to the National Press Club for a press conference about automakers producing plug-in hybrid vehicles in order to reduce gas consumption and dependence on foreign oil while cutting greenhouse-gas emissions. This initiative was supported by cities and counties, national policy organizations, electric utilities, national security experts, and environmental groups. Among the speakers were experts like Austin Mayor Will Wynn; Frank Gaffney, president of the Center for National Security Policy; Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy; and Professor Andy Frank of the University of California at Davis, the inventor of plug-in hybrids.
Heather also reported on Congressional hearings she attended, like one on LIHEAP (dealing with home energy assistance for low-income households), and another dealing with natural gas, which was addressed by Senator James Jeffords (independent from Vermont) as well as officials from the Environmental Protection Agency. Heather went to an Appropriations Committee hearing on Amtrak, transportation, and the budget for fiscal year 2007. A related Congressional briefing that Heather attended at the Dirksen Senate Office Building dealt with “Dependence on Oil: How Transit Can Help Americans Reduce Energy Consumption,” and it was headed by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute. Coming from a big state like Texas where citizens typically drive long distances, Heather was painfully aware that the United States consumes more than twenty-million barrels of oil each day with two-thirds used by the transportation sector, and currently almost 60 percent of U.S. oil is imported. Among the speakers were William W. Millar, president of the American Public Transportation Association; Mariia Zimmerman, vice president of Policy: Reconnecting America; and Winston Harrington, a senior fellow at Resources for the Future.
Heather heard a speech delivered by the Secretary of the Department of Energy, after which she went on a tour of the Energy Department. The Secretary spoke about high gas prices and alternative fuel sources. Later in the internship, Heather helped compile a survey for the Annual Energy and Environment Summit. Heather’s work was sent to every mayor from the member cities, who reported back on local environmental practices. Heather entered all this information onto spreadsheets and prepared the facts for publication in a brochure she designed. She also improved her ability to use Microsoft Excel.
Heather learned much about politics and lobbying, as well as conservation-related topics, at her impressive internship. Heather wrote in her final paper: “Overall, my internship was a wonderful experience. I loved being able to learn more about current issues that absorb the mayors of America. I also learned how important it is for people to fight for their beliefs. I met so many amazing, hard-working people at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the organization is really a great place. I am lucky to have been able to work there, and I strongly recommend this placement to other interns.”
Read moreSamantha Burns
A Dean’s List student from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Samantha Burns majored in psychology with minors in business and communications. She belonged to Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and worked in the past as an administrative assistant at Cheltenham Township Tax Office as well as for the United Jewish Appeal. Samantha studied management in the Turks and Caicos Islands through Boston University’s Field Studies program in marine-protected areas, and she traveled to Greece and Rome with EF Educational Tours. A reporter for the Brown and White student newspaper, Samantha requested an internship in event-planning, public relations, marketing and/or advertising and special events. In light of Samantha’s international experience, academic preparation, and past employment, the Washington Internship Program placed her at Arnold Worldwide – a prominent advertising agency in McLean, Virginia. Samantha was also accepted at the public-relations firm of Gallagher & Gallagher where she might work at the Pennsylvania branch during the upcoming academic year or next summer in Washington, D.C. Samantha and her friend Jessica Sardella, also from Lehigh University, applied to WIP in January of 2006, and they became roommates at Summit Hills in an apartment shared with other interns within a complex made available through the Washington Internship Program. Samantha had a phone interview at Arnold Worldwide and was accepted there on May 28; two days later, she was offered an internship at Gallagher & Gallagher. The first internship started in June. Samantha discusses her experience below:
“The Washington, D.C.-area office of Arnold Worldwide is located in a building that holds eighty company employees, and this branch is part of a large advertising agency with offices in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and other cities internationally. Arnold produces print ads, television and radio commercials, billboards and transit posters, brochures, and interactive media like online banners. On my first day, a meeting was held with the ten other interns, and we were given a swipe card and folder of useful information. After a tour of the facilities, we were taken to our cubicles, each of which had a welcome sign on the door before our names. Right from the start, I appreciated the friendly atmosphere.”
“I was placed in the traffic department while most other interns were assigned to account management. My department handles the flow of work throughout the agency. We deal directly with account-service production, media, studio, creative, and brand- planning departments. In general, a traffic manager creates schedules for advertisements in light of budget, approval, timelines, and distribution. Traffic managers deal with multiple projects, all with separate clients and due dates. New projects must be worked into the process, and any rush jobs are expedited through the system. Each time a request is changed, it must circulate for revision via traffic managers. Staff members and interns who work in this area must be well organized, efficient, and able to coordinate different tasks while prioritizing one’s own assignments and keeping other workers on task.”
“Arnold Worldwide has a lot of big accounts, and I worked primarily with Amtrak, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Colonial Williamsburg. For the first two weeks, I followed a mentor around the office while she delivered information and attended meetings. When she was busy, I did her job myself. At first, it was overwhelming to jump into projects that had been ongoing for months, and I had difficulty watching corrections being made and never seeing the final product. It was also hard to keep track of which ads and team members went with which accounts. However, after a few weeks I became familiar with the whole trafficking process.”
“After two weeks at Arnold Worldwide, my mentor left the company along with two other people in my department. Due to a shortage of employees, I was temporarily made an interactive traffic manager! For a month and a half, I handled all interactive advertisements by myself. These ads are animated online, so I dealt with banners on web-pages and templates on E-mails. In the D.C.-area office, we create, develop, and design ads, after which I sent them to the Boston office for animation. Then the advertisements came back to me, and I was responsible for getting them to account service – the department in charge of client approval and delivery to other companies that post ads live. I worked with a woman in Boston who helped me figure out schedules and timing for animation, but I was in charge of making sure all interactive projects ran smoothly.”
“The most difficult part of my job was keeping track of all project changes, which can be as small as adding a comma to a sentence or as large as starting over from scratch on an image. Multiple issues usually arise on every account, and twice a day I produced a ‘hot-list’ of upcoming deadlines. I also created folders on my desktop and saved related information. This job required me to be on top of all developments and constantly interact with other people.”
“One of the things I liked most about my position was working with many departments so I learned how the entire agency functions. As a psychology major, I initially wanted a public-relations internship and blindly entered the advertising world! Dealing with different personalities under stress – including creative minds versus account executives – drew upon my academic training. I also observed that the client comes first in this field. Although my hours were technically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., I often worked from 7 in the morning until 10 at night when assignments needed to be finished.”
“Before I became a manager, I helped with research on minority franchising and created a PowerPoint presentation to accompany it. At the time, Arnold Worldwide was hoping to gain Trex, a decking company, as a new client, so the interns participated in a commercial/video pitch. People from the company went to a house in Virginia where we hosted and filmed a large barbeque on a Trex deck, during which we were asked why we liked the product and discussed related matters. A volley-ball net was set up, and we enjoyed plenty of good food. Everyone had a great time.”
“Arnold Worldwide ran a few informational meetings, held at lunchtime, that were specifically for interns. Topics included: ‘Brand Planning 101’ and ‘Account Management 101’; people from the company gave presentations and then accepted questions. All interns were invited to agency-wide meetings, and we were treated like regular employees. On Wednesday nights speakers were hosted, and we had drinks at 5 p.m. I attended a wonderful slideshow and lecture by photojournalist David Burnett whose work has appeared in Time Magazine and National Geographic, among other famous publications.”
“The last day of my internship took place at the annual company outing. This year it was held at Dulles Gold Center & Sport Park. Games and teams were organized in advance, and it was followed by a big picnic. Arnold Worldwide has a slogan that the firm hires people with whom a person would want to sit down and have a beer, and the company’s social, engaging atmosphere made it pleasant – as well as educational – to work there.”
CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLINIC
Read moreEmily Gladden
A psychology major from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Emily Gladden was nominated for a Truman Fellowship Scholar Athlete Award from the Women’s Intercollegiate Squash Association, and she founded Students against the Death Penalty on her campus. Emily was a teacher’s assistant in law and psychology, and she worked in the past as a mental-health intern at Greylock Elementary School. This National Merit Commended Scholar studied abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand, and she was honored as a Seman’s Family Merit Scholar (for exceptional citizenship). Emily won the Harvard Club of Boston Book Prize, and she was a finalist in a public-speaking contest as well as an intern at Centurion Ministries (to free people who were wrongly imprisoned). Emily was a volunteer for an environmentally-oriented peace program in Estonia. She belonged to Habitat for Humanity and Best Buddies. (The latter does work with the mentally handicapped.) Emily was a WOOLF leader, who conducted wilderness trips for college freshmen, and she played varsity squash and lacrosse. A high-honors student, Emily gave tennis lessons to children in the Special Olympics. Emily applied to the Washington Internship Program near the end of March after missing the deadline for summer internships at the Public Defender Service, but WIP was able to place her at the Criminal Justice Clinic run by Georgetown University Law School (even though that deadline had also passed). In addition, Emily was accepted at the State’s Attorney’s Office (where she missed the application deadline) and the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, which was given to another WIP intern after Emily chose her favorite from among the three offers she received. Emily lived at International House, which is run by the Washington Internship Program, from early June to mid August. She found a part-time paid job working two evenings a week with disadvantaged youngsters in an environmental context.
Located on the campus of Georgetown University Law School, the Criminal Justice Clinic accepts only eight interns each summer who work closely with first and second-year law students as well as law professors at Georgetown. After an intensive week-long training period, Emily began photographing and diagramming crime scenes; helping to develop defense strategies; meeting with clients in prison and their families at home; deposing witnesses; visiting police stations to obtain reports; and going to court in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to get case jackets and previous criminal records. Emily worked on fifteen to twenty cases involving assault with a deadly weapon, hate crimes, armed car-jacking, possession of illegal drugs, arson, domestic violence, and distribution of cocaine, among other felonies. She took statements and wrote twenty-page reports in three cases, and she interviewed and wrote memos for three or four prosecution witnesses (some of whom refused to cooperate because they were victims of the crime). During the time that Emily was in Washington, her office won two cases – one for a juvenile found innocent of possessing marijuana, and the other for a man accused of attaching a family member. Emily also did considerable work on a case in which a bystander with a gun was accused of threatening a gay person. Emily liked the supportive community that developed among the defense team, and she realized how much difference interns make working frequently with poor, uneducated defendants who may be “at the mercy of the justice system because they have little money or resources.”
Emily was honest about “seeing the under-side of the legal system” where decisions are often influenced by “racism,” “luck,” “closed-minded judges,” and “attorneys who encourage the accused to plead guilty to crimes they did not commit when funds to pay for an adequate defense are unavailable.” Emily observed ignorance and indifference among prison guards and police, but she was gratified to work as an investigator who was greatly appreciated for giving a chance to people who might otherwise be injured by a system where they couldn’t afford a fair trial or were given bad advice they could not adequately evaluate. The Georgetown interns were taken to visit the D.C. Public Defender Service, which is a much larger defense program, and a barbecue for interns and lawyers was held near the end of the summer at the home of the intern coordinator.
JUVENILE JUSTICE CLINIC
On Mondays and Wednesdays in the late afternoons and evenings from 4:30 to 8:00, Emily Gladden worked for $8 an hour with an after-school program for youngsters run by Georgetown University’s Juvenile Justice Clinic. The purpose of this project was to sensitize adolescents to environmental issues, like cleaning up the Anacostia River. With the assistance of young people from thirteen to eighteen years of age, Emily helped inform the community that trash thrown in storm drains ends up in the river, and she worked with the children against companies that are polluting the city by dumping waste products directly into the river. Emily taught teens to make PowerPoint presentations and otherwise raise consciousness about the value of clean water. She was able to apply her major in psychology as well as her conservation training to this paid position. After reviewing both her internship and this summer job in Washington, D.C., Emily is considering the pursuit of a doctoral degree in psychology, rather than continuing in law, to help young people earlier in life before they become embroiled in the criminal-justice system.
Read moreVarun Raman
An economics major from Boston University in Massachusetts, Varun had just completed his junior year when he applied to the Washington Internship Program in February for a summer internship. Varun won a Congressional Award, was elected treasurer of the Undergraduate Economics Association, belonged to the Finance and Investment Club on campus as well the Mathematics Association, and his article “Thoughts on Ben Bernanke” was published within the Undergraduate Economics Association Newsletterin December of 2005. Varun worked as a telemarketer for New Jersey’s FOP Fund Center, at Boston University’s Audio-Visual Department, in BU’s Fitness and Recreation Center, as a hospital volunteer at Monmouth Medical Center, and for Ms. Fields Cookies. He took classes in finance along with related coursework in macro- and microeconomics, monetary and banking theory, and economic statistics. Varun’s family was concerned that many companies in D.C. wait until the last minute to select interns, but the Washington Internship Program reassured Varun that every intern accepted by WIP is guaranteed a placement of his or her choice – even though some organizations wait until the last minute to make final selections. Varun was accepted in late May by Mission Capital, LLC and Oppenheimer & Company, Inc. (both located within the same building in downtown Washington) as well as Earth-Day Network. Varun chose the former where he worked from the end of May through mid August. Varun decided to live at Logan House on 11th Street, N.W., which WIP purchased for interns, but since decorating the house was still in progress when Varun arrived, he stayed instead at International House – also run by WIP – where his Indian heritage and enthusiastic personality were appreciated by staff and students alike. Another economics student from Boston University, Zhenqiang Tang – who was working on a Masters degree after completing a Bachelors in China – was also accepted by WIP and placed at Oppenheimer & Company, but due to a change in Mr. Tang’s plans, his internship was deferred until next summer. Below is Varun’s discussion of his superb placement:
“In the summer of 2006, I worked as an intern at Mission Capital, LLC, an asset-management company that pools money into a hedge fund called Reye Partners, LLC. My formal title was ‘Market Research Intern,’ and my duties included conducting research, locating potential investors, and brainstorming for ideas to attract new clientele. I gathered information online using search engines and various hedge-fund sites.”
“A hedge fund is a private investment vehicle with large minimum sums of money, and the venture is restricted in terms of the number of participants. These limited partnerships invest in a portfolio of securities that are lightly regulated by the SEC to attract only accredited investors (whose net worth must exceed a million dollars). Reye Partners, LLC is a collection of different hedge funds all managed by Mission Capital. Selecting an array of funds spreads the risk and reduces the chance of losses.”
“I worked directly with the head of Mission Capital, which is located on K Street, N.W. just blocks from the White House. The primary purpose of this firm is to take funds from investors, pool them together, and invest in the hedge fund. The company provides diversification, liquidity, and management service for a fee determined in advance. Mission Capital provides advice on which hedge fund an investor should choose and what risks are associated with each. The brains behind the operation, and the person who bore responsibility for growing Reye Partners, was my supervisor.”
“As an intern, my goal was to help expand the hedge fund by attracting potential investors and contacting companies that sought growth through alternative investments. We employed a variety of strategies ranging from sending mass mailings to certified public accountants, whose clients were high net-worth individuals, to setting up meetings with registered investment advisors. We wanted to make ourselves known to investors and up-and-coming companies in the Washington, D.C. area. We were successful with registered-investment advisors who belonged to companies growing at a steady rate that wanted to pursue alternative investments.”
My boss and I worked together on most projects. Our days consisted of developing ways to market the fund and reach new clients. We kept in touch with third-party marketers, posted the fund on hedge-fund message boards, and contacted companies across the country that were buying or selling businesses. Recently, hedge funds have become an extremely ‘hot’ commodity, and we took advantage of that popularity. Instead of blindly sending out information to rich people, we planned strategic ways to inform accredited investors about this hedge fund of funds. The best prospects were individuals with whom we could form synergies and who would continue benefiting from this approach in the future.”
“Over the course of the summer, I gained valuable business skills and insight into the world of finance. My critical thinking was put to the test, and I faced an array of challenges on a daily basis. I had to think on my feet, solve problems, and find effective solutions to stay a step ahead of the competition. I learned to pursue tasks with a business-oriented mindset and approach situations carefully, paying attention to details. Strategic planning and patience were the necessary virtues at this internship. I saw myself grow professionally, and I walked away with experience that will be vital in my career. I am now in possession of unique insight that I can bring to the table when job hunting next year.”
“The venue of the internship played an important role in its success. Mission Capital is located in the middle of Washington, D.C.’s financial district among the most promising upcoming hedge funds. More and more businesses are trying to acquire contacts in this area because of its political history within our nation’s capital. Washington is slowly overtaking New York City as the financial hub of the United States, and I am happy that I was able to take part in this gradual transformation.”
Read moreReiko Ichimura
A student from Japan who was studying environmental politics in Canada at York University in Toronto, Ontario, Reiko Ichimura applied to the Washington Internship Program in late August of 2005. She had been a research assistant on campus at York’s Glendon College Career and Counseling Center, and she worked at Takashimaya Department Store in Nagoya, Japan. Reiko raised money for Tempus International to increase the literacy rate in Nepal; she was an event organizer at Fair Trade Toronto for Oxfam, Canada; she worked as a teaching assistant at the Advanced Center of English in Toronto; and she was an administrator at Peace Boat in Tokyo, which cleared landmines in war-affected areas. Reiko speaks English, Japanese, and French. Within a month, W.I.P. placed Reiko at the Sierra Club. The Washington Internship Program helped Reiko extend her visa through InterExchange, and she subsequently worked at her internship for five months starting in January of 2006 while living at Summit Hills among other students from Canada and the United States in apartments operated by W.I.P. Reiko reported on her internship as follows:
“Although I had plenty of volunteer experience at nonprofit organizations, I was not fully familiar with the conservation field, which made me a little nervous when I started my environmental placement at the Student Coalition Department of the Sierra Club. For a month or so, I was busy getting to know the management style, priorities, and structure of this organization. I helped each staff member and learned about the Sierra Club as a whole. This approach taught me about all the projects run by the Sierra Student Coalition, and I became knowledgeable enough to expand my work.”
“My biggest contribution was recruiting participants for summer training programs involving high-school and college students. I also researched and contacted like-minded organizations, Sierra Club members, and teachers who might be interested in advertising the programs. Many of my duties related to the Campus Climate Challenge, through which schools implement clean-energy methods to reduce CO2 emission. I replied to inquiries from students interested in this campaign, and I developed materials and managed databases. In the process, I learned about global warming and the energy situation within the U.S.”
“In addition, I worked on the Goldman Environmental Prize, the world’s largest award given to grassroots environmentalists from all around the world. I learned how the nonprofit sector relates to politics, and I even had a chance to deliver invitations to congressional and senatorial offices. I attended a luncheon with winners and legislators in the Capitol. After three months, several youth organizations in North America gathered to create a statement in response to the next G8’s agenda on energy security. I was invited to join the team because I speak Japanese and know the culture, and I translated documents and contacted youth organizations in Japan. I worked with two major youth organizations in Japan and persuaded one to join. Although my internship has now ended, I will continue working on this project. I personally established good relationships with organizations that I contacted in addition to one in China to which I wrote about Campus Climate Challenge. I promised that I would keep playing a role as a go-between and advisor. I am carrying out the Campus Climate Challenge in Japan.”
“My internship not only gave me practical training but also intellectual knowledge. My primary objective was to pursue urban life that is environmentally sound while contributing to global justice. By training from January 1 through June 6, I found the right path. I’m willing to use this experience to the fullest in achieving my future goals.”
Read moreEdna Kallon
A native of a small village in Bangladesh who grew up in Africa within Yonibana in Sierra Leone, Edna Kallon also spent time in Pakistan, Kenya, and Uganda while her father worked for the United Nations. Edna became a Dean’s List student at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where she majored in psychology with a minor in art history. Edna had a past internship with the U.N. World Food Program where she conducted research on female AIDS victims in Uganda and wrote a report on her findings. At Franklin and Marshal, Edna belonged to the African Dance Club, was an assistant at Martin Sciences Library, a resident assistant and head house advisor, and an intern at the Tommy Foundation for autistic children. Edna headed Tommy’s advertising and fundraising committee and the Sun-Rise Program (for personal therapy); she also tutored children in English at Lancaster Literacy Council. She applied to the Washington Internship Program in March requesting an internship in human-rights law and public relations. Edna was placed in May at the National Peace Corps where she worked from June through August. Edna is among the most impressive international interns WIP was privileged to host over the last two and-a-half decades; here is her paper:
“When Lev Berenbaum came to Franklin and Marshall College to recruit for the Washington Internship Program, he was articulate about the benefits of WIP. In his speech, he told us that the program costs $3,400. For a college student living from paycheck to paycheck, such an amount seemed astronomical. I fought the urge to discard the notion of possibly being part of the program. As I listened to Lev, I was furiously thinking of ways to apply without my parents writing the check. After the recruiting session, I asked Lev if WIP had a way to help students with interest, drive, and passion for such opportunities who could not financially afford to participate. Unfortunately, he told me that WIP had no scholarships but it had reduced the cost of the program initially from the much higher fees charged by two other such programs that charge three times the amount. I was saddened because the deadline had already passed for the majority of scholarships for which I could apply as an international student on my campus. Nevertheless, I took the application package along with me just in case a miracle happened or I could formulate a plan to afford the program.”
“Well, I got my miracle as well as a plan. After a month of contemplating other options for summer work, I decided on the Washington Internship Program. I didn’t yet know how I was going to budget my summer. I knew that WIP secured contracts with organizations that insured substantive work for all interns rather than letting placements relegate just administrative tasks to students. I didn’t want to fetch people coffee all day or file documents; I hoped to get my hands dirty with meaningful work.”
“My plan was simple but effective. To pay for the internship, I asked for help from my uncle, who is single and works with the U.N. in Uganda. He gave me $2,000, and then I asked my dad to cover the remaining $1,400. Taking into account housing and other living expenses, I realized that my father would probably have to pay about $5,000 for the summer, which I sought to avoid. I knew that I couldn’t afford WIP’s housing, so I tried looking for some college dorms with which WIP is affiliated, but then another miracle happened. At about 12:00 one afternoon, I was walking into the library when I came across a friend named Erin. She asked me about my summer plans, and I told her. Erin’s eyes lit up, and she uttered the sweetest words: ‘Edna, you can live with me this summer in Arlington, Virginia because I’m going to work in D.C., too!’ At the time, I didn’t know that Erin was also going to be part of the Washington Internship Program. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I graciously accepted the invitation to live in her home for the summer at no cost. I now view Erin’s parents as my adopted family in the United States.”
“My troubles did not end with this housing solution. I was asked to submit a writing sample for some of the applications for internships. I sent Dr. Bayer at W.I.P. a paper I tried to edit to the best of my abilities. She E-mailed back the partially edited paper with corrections and comments she wanted me to apply to the rest of the piece. One comment shook me to the bones. She bluntly stated: ‘You lack the basic skills to be a good writer.’ I was distraught because I thought of myself as a fairly good writer. I told myself that although I was a wreck at writing essays in the present, I was going to be better in the future. I spent hours in the library learning to improve my writing. Diane Hacker’s grammar book, the dictionary, and a thesaurus become my closest friends as I struggled to apply Dr. Bayer’s guidelines. I spent about two hours a day mastering grammatically correct, clear, and forceful writing. I sent my paper back to WIP, and Dr. Bayer responded that I had improved. Then I wrote another paper reflecting on my junior year in college and my work in service of human rights worldwide. Dr. Bayer again corrected half my work, told me not to worry about content, and asked me to focus on grammar and word choice when applying the rules she sent to the second half of the essay. I edited the remaining portion and E-mailed it to her. Dr. Bayer corrected the rest and sent it to me with the comment: ‘Thank you for allowing me to read such a gem!’ I realized once again the importance of hard work. I sincerely thank Dr. Bayer for being brutally honest with me and, above all, for being an educator. She coached me through the writing until my results were excellent.”
“On May 28 I moved to Arlington, and on the first day of June I started working for the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA). I had made it! I learned that the only person to be disappointed in the future – if I did not take full advantage of such an opportunity – was me. The NPCA is not the Peace Corps. The former organization deals with returned volunteers from the Peace Corps, and it continues to educate Americans about other cultures. An advocate for international development, the NPCA is not a government organization and thus has more freedom of action. I worked on five different projects at once. As a development intern, my tasks for the summer were to develop a strategy for increased membership, fundraise for the creation of a vibrant Internet community, and improve the utility of the organization’s online career center. I wrote proposals for grants and interim reports on funds received by the organization. I was also required to write a monthly newsletter for the Director’s Circle – members who annually donate a thousand dollars or more to the organization.”
As a development intern, I had the opportunity to sit in on several meetings where I was able to voice my opinion. The first was a strategizing session for a film to be produced for the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps in 2011. Several important people were at the meeting, including: Ken Hill, chair of the NPCA board; Barbara Anne Ferris, co-founder of the Peace Corps Fund and president of the International Women’s Democracy Center; Matt Losak, director of communications for the National Labor Coalition; Karen Dewitt, a reporter who worked for the Washington Post, New York Times, and USA Today; and Dick Richter, a writer and producer for CBS News, executive producer of the Public Broadcast Laboratory at ABC, and the producer of many documentaries. Richter is currently the president of Radio Free Asia. I also had the pleasure of being introduced to Harris Wofford, author of the book The Kennedy’s and Kings, in addition to having lunch with him. It was thrilling to talk to him about his being a former assistant to Martin Luther King, Jr. I felt great to be among such esteemed individuals as they exchanged ideas about the film.”
“I also attended several discussion groups held in D.C. The first was a two-hour session at the United Nations Foundation Center where three speakers addressed the United Nation's and the International Labor Organization's mission to stop child labor. These lecturers spoke about the correlation between poverty and lack of education and the need to create legislation to fix both problems in the context of eradicating child labor. I also went to a meeting about child marriage and women’s rights. The last event I attended was Senator Barack Obama’s articulate speech on the importance of public service, which was held at the Annual Washington Interns Event. Television journalist Tim Russet from Meet the Press interviewed the Senator. I loved gaining knowledge from these activities because I am passionate about international human rights.”
“What I value most about my internship was not the people I got to meet or the talks I heard but the person I became in the process. I gained a new understanding of myself and the world in which I am living. I must give credit to my internship because it set the stage for the personal growth I craved so much. This experience is definitely worth every dollar I paid for the Washington Internship Program. It was an endeavor that showed me the way to my future.”
Read moreYasmine Moezinia
A sophomore at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut who also worked at the London School of Economics for the Financial Markets Research Group, Yasmine Moezinia comes originally from London, England. She received one of top ten scores in the UK for German A-Level language from the Goethe Institute in London and won the Mary Lupton Prize for German from St. Paul’s Girls’ School in London, the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, and a Gold Certificate from Senior UK Mathematical Challenge. In the past, Yasmine worked at JP Morgan in London, England and as a volunteer for Norwood (a charity organization that provides care and entertainment for disabled children. She speaks German, Spanish, Persian, and French. Yasmine wrote articles on America’s growing deficit and political-religious groups’ power in the Middle East and the West. She traveled throughout Europe in Germany, Spain, Italy, and France as well as Israel, Turkey, South Africa, Kenya, and India. A member of Yale University’s Polo Club team, she also played on the South of England Lacrosse team and was vice president and fundraising chair of the Yale Persian Society. Yasmine applied to the Washington Internship Program in mid March of 2006 in search of a summer internship in foreign policy, strategy, and intelligence relating to the Middle East, counter-terrorism, international diplomacy, international economic policy and trade (particularly involving the U.S. and China). One of the internships she requested was the Center for Strategic and International Studies where she was accepted on April 27 for an internship that ran from mid May to late August (with a break during two weeks on July. Throughout the summer, Yasmine lived at WIP’s International House.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies is located just blocks from the White House on K Street, N.W. Yasmine wrote that she “worked for the chief of staff at CIS and began to develop files with some research on themes for future projects related to South-East Asia and ‘soft power.’” She continued: “I also did a news briefing a couple of times each week and was sent to take notes on talks / events that took place within the center as well as at rival think tanks like Brookings and the American Enterprise Institute. I enjoyed the fabulous environment at CIS that is very young-people friendly. It was a great work experience.”
Read moreKirk Sob
A Dean’s List student who graduated from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (whose career planning and placement office won an award offered this past year by the Washington Internship Program), Kirk Sobell had worked in the past at Zoellner Arts Center and University Productions where he functioned as a promotional coordinator as well as an arts-excursion chair from 2003 through 2005. Kirk won the Williams Award for superior writing and studied abroad in Galway, Ireland. A former stage manager and event planner for a theater, Kirk directed plays and wrote for a newspaper. He requested an internship in theater and other forms of entertainment where he could be assigned to marketing, public relations, and other forms of communication. Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts were two of the prestigious placements Kirk mentioned specifically when applying to the Washington Internship Program in late February, and WIP helped him secure offers and interviews from both institutions along with the public-relations firm of Compsierge USA. Kirk chose Wolf Trap where he worked from June through August while living at Georgetown University where he took WIP’s course on “Washington and Work.” Following his internship in September, Kirk applied for a position in group sales at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., for which WIP recommended him most highly and where he will probably be chosen. His final paper is quoted here:
“At the first meeting I attended of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, the supervisors told the interns that this summer could be the best of our lives. This prediction definitely came true. I worked as the advertising and group sales intern who reported to Wolf Trap’s group sales manager and the director of advertising, sales, and business development. I handled arrangements for several of the Filene Center’s events (from among a hundred such productions) as well as for children’s shows at the Theatre in the Woods. I took phone orders, answered customer inquiries, wrote and distributed invoices, processed payment, and mailed tickets. In addition, I served as group sales manager during my supervisor’s vacation. I helped develop an e-flyer to promote sales for the Theatre in the Stars production of Beauty and the Beast: The Musical. I researched prospects, created an e-mail list, and wrote copy for the flyer. Then I researched prospects to advertise in Wolf Trap’s summer playbill Center Lines and the fall playbill Timbre. I drafted letters to advertisers and persuaded them to make their presence felt at Wolf Trap. I also analyzed competitors’ business by tracking down advertising rates in local magazines and performing-arts venues across the country.”
“I had the opportunity to work on a marketing project for the National Symphony Orchestra’s concert: Play! A Video Game Symphony. I formed a partnership with x3o Emerging Technologies to promote the performance at a video-game tournament sponsored by the company. There I managed a campaign of enter-to-win free tickets and developed flyers for tournament attendees. I also assisted in writing a radio spot for the event, which was featured on stations like DC-101.”
“I deeply appreciated working in an innovative, motivating environment with a friendly group of co-workers. My experience was heightened by seeing performers like B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, the Doobie Brothers, Ziggy Marley, Chris Isaak, and Guster as well as performances of Riverdance, Chicago, The Marriage of Figaro, and the National Symphony Orchestra. The internship also provided tours of other performing-arts venues in the D.C.-Metro area, including Strathmore Hall, Arena Stage, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.”
Read moreSolomon Abraham Stavis
A graduate of San Francisco State University in California, Solomon Stavis majored in government and international affairs. He was awarded a full scholarship to the Washington Internship Program by the former director of the Golden Gate Bridge, under whom Solomon had coordinated student activities associated with the city’s transportation system. Solomon traveled in the past to Italy, Spain, France, Britain, and Holland, and he studied both Spanish and Italian. Solomon asked for a placement on Capital Hill when he applied in mid May, and despite the late date the Washington Internship Program was able to place him within ten days at an internship with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi – a Democrat from California’s District #8. Solomon worked for the congresswoman in the Rayburn House Office Building from June through August. Throughout the summer and upcoming year, Solomon lived at Logan House on 11th Street, N.W., which WIP purchased in May 2006 for interns working in the Senate or House of Representatives, among other downtown placements. A three-story blue townhouse with an outdoor Jacuzzi on one of its three decks, Logan House also has three kitchens, a living room, and a study plus a rock-garden out front. Solomon recalls his first days in D.C. and subsequent experience:
“Upon my arrival in Washington, the gleaming Roman architecture seemed untouchable, but the Washington Internship Program allowed me direct access to those halls and the chance to participate in our democracy. My first day in the congressional office of the Minority Leader was unexpectedly pleasant. I was assigned to the environmental policy department. In the beginning, my supervisor required me to enter data into a computer and create spreadsheets, but soon I was asked to attend a policy meeting with her and take notes. The meeting addressed whether the Supreme Court was right when it made changes in the Clean Water Act. At the end of the proceedings, I was instructed to write a memo detailing for absent colleagues in the office. The following day, instead of laboriously performing computer work, I attended three policy meetings where my job was to gather pamphlets and write memos. I was ecstatic. At the first meeting, I observed senior advisors to Congress. A panel of distinguished individuals hoped to convince the legislators to adopt a bill that would require every school-bus in the United States to be retrofitted with a gadget that would lower the amount of greenhouse gases emitted. I found the conference extremely interesting. Never before had I been on the front lines where laws were being enacted. I was given a front-row seat on actions that could change the future of our country.”
“During the course of my internship I also conducted research for Wendell Primus, a senior policy advisor to Nancy Pelosi. Most of the topics about which I wrote involved environmental issues like earthquake detection or the uses of hydrogen. My job was to search websites, pick out relevant information, and consolidate it. The next week I spent much of my time writing letters to constituents and thank-you notes to different organizations. One letter I remember well was a missive of appreciation to the NAACP. Although other senior-policy analysts later edited my draft, it was exhilarating to write the first version of a document that would bear the signature of Nancy Pelosi. Much of my day was consumed by making copies, delivering mail, and interacting with staff members. However, three times a week these duties were interrupted by serious lectures I attended that were scheduled especially for Capitol-Hill interns. I had the honor of listening to Majority Leader John Boehner, Congressman Jeff Flake, Donald Rumsfeld, Ralph Nader, and John McCain, to name just a few of the speakers. Each described a rich personal history and the path that led him to the world of politics. I majored in government and foreign affairs in college, but this time marked the first occasion when the people who were teaching me where individuals I had actually studied. I was honored to ask General Colin Powell his views on the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah.”
“I am now working at Georgetown University in the Office of Advancement. The Washington Internship Programs brought me from San Francisco and catapulted me into politics. I can only say thank you.”
Canoeing during WIP retreat at Wintergreen Resort Solomon Stavis (second from right), Devansh Patel (far right) NAFEO interns Ryan Mitchell and Jimae Mjlawal (left of Solomon)
RANDSTAD STAFFING AGENCY
After Solomon completed his summer internship in the U.S. House of Representatives, he needed a paid job while preparing for graduate studies – preferably at Georgetown University. The Washington Internship Program found Solomon a full-time paid position at Randstad Staffing Agency, where WIP’s Assistant Director David Halpern used to work, and Solomon was offered a substantial salary and possibly payment for graduate work at Georgetown. Solomon started his job at Randstad in early September, and almost immediately the company detailed him to job at Georgetown University where Solomon was hired as an assistant to the Director of Development Programs.
Read morePatricia C. Borna
A graduate of Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany where she majored in theater with minors in American studies and journalism, Patricia Borna also earned a Masters degree. Patricia speaks German, English, Spanish, and Latin. She worked as a reporter for the daily newspaper Offenbach Post; as an intern at ZDF (German Public Television) as well as Mousonturm Theater in Frankfurt; and as a tutor in German, English, and math. Patricia won the Book Prize Deutschephysikalische Gesellschaft; participated in exchange programs in Poole, England and Portland, Oregon; and traveled to Indonesia, Thailand, Spain, Austria, and Hungary. She also studied ballet, astronomy, fencing, and badminton. Patricia first applied to the Washington Internship Program in mid April of 2005 to start a television internship in December, but when Patricia was chosen by the chief editor at Frahkfurter Neue Press (where she was working) to help with the “newspaper in school” project run by the IZOP Institute (which is famous in Germany and financed by Fraport / AG, who operates Frankfort Airport), she decided to postpone her start date for her Washington, D.C. internship until the summer of 2006. In late April, the Washington Internship Program placed Patricia at Fox News for in a position that began in June. Patricia worked at Fox from mid June through early September, and her colorful account below reflects the current state of TV journalism:
“Whether the writer for the Fox 5 WTTG’s 10 pm news broadcast didn’t really understand that the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 was not a peace treaty between Israel and Hesbollah or if he just failed to read the wire information carefully and therefore wrote a voiceover about alleged successful negotiations between both sides, the resulting misrepresentation is indicative of the state of television journalism in the United States. The anchor read the prompter without questioning. After the show, the anchor’s Republican colleague was outraged. This editor had worked for several television companies during his career, and now he was disappointed with the TV news business; he blamed producers and management for transforming the news into a ‘zoo of infotainment’ without substance that catered to an unreflective audience. This man is not the only professional frustrated by widespread ignorance among young colleagues; old-school journalists searching for truth have become relatively rare in American local television.”
“Patrick McGrath, Fox 5’s national correspondent, turned out to be one of my major teachers during three months of learning and working. He took me under his wing. In the field, we visited Capitol Hill, the Pentagon and the White House, daily press briefings at the State Department, and the State House in Annapolis for a story on the Maryland race for comptroller. He also covered the war in the Middle East and Afghanistan and the health of Fidel Castro in Cuba. During our visits, this sixty-three-year-old WTTG veteran introduced me to several other senior correspondents, reporters, producers, and political analysts like Fox News Channel’s Jim Mills and Major Garret, WTOP Radio’s Mark Plotkin, and CNC’s Chad Pergram. After doing live-shots, McGrath took me around the facilities, explained historical facts, and recounted stories from his long career in journalism.”
“McGrath opened doors for me at Fox News and widened my horizons from the confines of a local Washington news station to the glamorous world of a national news network. Having the opportunity to visit Jim Mills, senior editor and producer on Capitol Hill, in his office whenever I wanted, I was exposed to the daily routine at the House TV and Radio Gallery. I shadowed Major Garret, a former CNN reporter, at the Capitol Hill Club and visited the Fox News D.C. bureau where stories are written and edited. Being granted press credentials for the Hill, I was able to attend the congressional visit of Iraqi’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. I was in the House of Representatives when Fox News staff members awaited the release of abducted colleagues in Gaza. Because of Patrick’s contacts, I was allowed to visit the White House press area -- even during its renovation this summer and despite the fact that after 9/11, foreigners have great difficulty gaining permission to go there at all.”
“During these field trips, I gathered ideas for my own stories and packages. After finishing pieces, I gave them to a Fox 5 writer, producer, or anchor to improve my writing. I chose video footage from the library, used a new tapeless archive system, shot stand-ups with dedicated photographers like Doug Wilkes (who covered the war in Iraq as a photojournalist), tracked my voice, and gave the packages to editors like Mike Fischoff. Finally, I worked with the control room and a director to insert chyrons on my packages. I was supposed to work only three days a week, but soon I was at the station almost every day to work on my resume tape. I was working during Fox 5’s morning news as well as for the 5 pm and 10 pm news broadcasts. At the end of my internship, I had completed six packages, and one of the stand-ups was filmed at the Pentagon press-briefing room. I shot one German standup, but all the other material was in English. Most of the time, I covered politics, but because of my academic background in theater, American studies, and politics, I also did a feature story on the reopening of the American Art Museum and the Portrait Gallery. In addition, I followed police reporter Darryn Moore for a story on a pawn-shop robbery.”
“The news coordinator and my dedicated supervisor worked out an opportunity for me and the other the interns to sit at the anchors’ desk and participate in an audition. Supported by the whole Fox 5 studio crew, we recorded voice-overs and live-shots out of the Fox 5 morning news rundown. Then we talked with the anchors about our camera presence. Fox 5’s chief editor worked on my voice and American diction. In addition, I sat at the assignment desk where all information for stories is gathered and newsroom operations are organized.”
“As a German intern who worked as a full-time freelance newspaper reporter for ten months after graduation, I was eager to learn everything about the American news business. I worked as an intern in German television twice in the past. Because newspapers go into greater depth than electronic broadcasting, I knew from the start that local television would be different from print journalism, but I was still surprised by the size of the gap between ‘info-entertainment’ and fine reporters like John Henrehan and Patrick McGrath and anchors like Will Thomas. I was saddened to see WTTG veterans like Henrehan or McGrath, who covered the White House and Capitol Hill for almost twenty years, fight for their stories in daily editorial meetings. Some younger producers constantly misjudge the importance of political and cultural stories and therefore decide against covering critical matters. Likewise, anchors often know far too little about international relations. Doing a piece on naked yoga during a serious news broadcast is more than questionable.”
“Nevertheless, my internship at Fox 5 WTTG was an extraordinary experience. I was able to make contacts very early in the internship and therefore could focus on things that interest me, so the time at Fox 5 WTTG was more than helpful. Now I know that I would like to advance my career in political or cultural journalism. The contacts and friendships I made are very important to my future goals.”
Read moreJoseph Surcy Reed
Joseph Surcy Reed received paralegal certification from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. through its Legal Assistant Program, was a Dean’s List student as an undergraduate at Hampton University in Virginia, and is pursuing a Masters degree in communications from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Joseph was honored with a Community Service Award as well as a Peer Helper Award. A member if the Pre-Law Club, he was a volunteer for the March of Dimes and Walk America. Joseph worked as a paralegal at Update Legal(a law-related temporary service) in Washington, D.C. where he created trial notebooks, used Lotus Notes, and assisted attorneys. He was an intern at Prince George’s State’s Attorney’s Office in Upper Marlboro where he conducted legal research, created spreadsheets, and contacted possible witnesses about depositions. Joseph was also a paralegal at Hudson Legal in Washington, D.C. where he produced, managed, and reviewed legal documents. He was a case manager at Boies, Schiller & Flexner in Washington, D.C.; a paralegal for the Special Counsel in D.C. (another temporary legal placement service), and was a paralegal at Advantage Human Resources. Joseph belonged to the National Black Public Relations Society, the Public Relations Society of America, the Greater Washington Urban League, and the NAACP where he requested an internship after applying on May 8, 2006 for a summer placement that would continue through the fall/winter semester. In a little over two weeks the Washington Internship Program placed Joseph at the National Association of Colored People where he worked from May through January. In the spring of 2007, Joseph is interested in a second internship at the Brookings Institution.
Led by Martin Luther King, Jr. during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was the organization most responsible for ending segregation in America. During the internship, Joe attended Congressional hearings and mark-ups on various bills that the NAACP supported or opposed, and then he wrote reports on the testimony he heard. For example, Joe attended debates on proposed Senate legislation that would require all U.S. citizens to present driver’s licenses, passports, or birth certificates in order to vote. In opposition to this bill, Joe prepared materials explaining why such a law would be bad for America. Joe also conducted research on the Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, sponsored by John Conyers (Michigan Democrat), to reduce incidents of police brutality. This bill was written in 2000 but has since been bogged down in the Judiciary committee – in part due to lobbying by the Fraternal Order of Police. Joe also created executive summaries and talking points to be used by the director of the NAACP’s Washington Bureau.
In September, Joseph represented the NAACP at a conference of the Congressional Black Caucus that was held in the Washington Convention Center. At this event, Joe manned the NAACP booth, signed up new members, answered questions about the organization, and distributed legislative report cards that the NAACP created to grade all congressional representatives and senators on the basis of their voting records. Joe heard Senator Barack Obama (Illinois Democrat) speak on challenges facing African-Americans and U.S. legislators in this century. The NAACP paid for Joseph to stay at the Convention Center throughout the three-day conference.
When guests visited the Washington headquarters of the NAACP, Joe would help prepare for these visits, show people the facilities, and attend addresses delivered by the director. For example, during the summer a group of students from American University in Washington, D.C. came to the NAACP offices to learn more about the organization’s history and current agenda. Joseph also helped draft action alerts on a wide range of topics and bring them to the attention of members and supporters who were encouraged to contact their congressmen and senators in connection with these issues. Joseph was extremely pleased with his internship at the NAACP where he was treated like other workers on staff. The assignments Joseph was given allowed him to combine his training in both law and public relations. During the internship, Joseph resided in nearby Silver Spring, Maryland.
Read moreJennifer Kiessling
A young lawyer who attended the University of California Hastings College of Law after completing her undergraduate degree at the University of California in Los Angeles, Jennifer Kiessling participated in one of UCLA’s overseas programs at Meiji Gakuin University in Japan, and she also attended Exeter University in England. Before earning her juris doctor degree, Jennifer majored in political science with honors, and in Japan she studied conflict and dispute resolution. The winner of a Thurgood Marshall Legal Scholarship, Jennifer worked at the Equal Employment Opportunity Office in Yokosuku, Japan and the U.S. Hastings Law Library in San Francisco. She was a law clerk at the legal offices of Olivia Paniagua, also in San Francisco, and a legal intern for Judge James Lawrence King in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California in Miami. In Washington, D.C., Jennifer worked at the U.S. Department of Justice within the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistance and Training Program where she researched patent law in China and Thailand. She was a legal assistant at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office and at Younesi & Yoss, LLP. Jennifer worked at the Multidoor Dispute Resolution Center for the Superior Court in Washington, D.C., at Clausman Legal Staffing in Los Angeles where she was an executive assistant to the senior vice president, and at I Have a Dream Foundation in Pasadena, California. Finally, Jennifer contributed to America’s Promise as a fellow/mentor coordinator, and she belonged to the National Golden Key Honor Society. Jennifer speaks Spanish, and she traveled throughout Central and Eastern Europe; North, South, and East Asia; and Latin America.
In mid November of 2005, this extremely well-qualified young woman applied to the Washington Internship Program where she joined other attorneys placed by WIP (including Blaine Messina from Louisiana and Cory Bliss from New York). Jennifer requested a legal position in the General Council’s office of the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board where WIP successfully placed her after first offering Jennifer a position in private practice with the law office of O’Toole, Rothwell, Nassau & Steinbach, which agreed to pay her $17.50 an hour, but negotiations over salary broke down just when Jennifer was accepted at the internship where she ultimately worked. Because Jennifer and her husband John had traveled extensively, the couple invited a WIP intern from abroad to live in their home in Silver Spring, Maryland. Yu-Jin Jeon, from Kyungpook National University in South Korea, accepted this gracious offer and rented a room with the Kiesslings. (For pictures of Jennifer, John, and Yu-Jin, look under the upcoming description of Yu- Jin’s internship at Compcierge USA.) Jennifer’s paper is below:
“As a legal extern, I worked twenty hours a week at the United States Merit Protection Board where I analyzed federal cases and administrative policy involving: suspension for more than fourteen days, reductions in grade or pay, furloughs of thirty days or less, appeals to the Office of Personnel Management regarding retirement, performance-based removal, denials within grade salary increases, reduction in force (RIF), OPM employment practices, denial or restoration of employment rights, and certain terminations of probationary employees. I researched legislation affecting merit-systems principles using Westlaw, summarized proposed bills affecting the merit system and whistle-blowing violations, communicated with the office of General Counsel, and applied legal reasoning to the analysis of memoranda. I attended weekly meetings of the General Counsel and briefed attorneys on the progress of assigned work. In addition, I participated in weekly legal conferences like the American Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Update at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). I attended oral arguments at the D.C. Court of Appeals and the Federal Circuit Court. I wrote legal synopses of oral arguments in National Treasury Employees, Et All Versus Michael Chertoff (director of Homeland Security). I outlined the legal basis of MSPB’s authority to mitigate penalties and appeal procedures and also drafted legal memorandum on issues like the Hatch Act relative to mixed-case appeals and E-filing. I established the legal conclusion that there is a rebuttable presumption of receipt upon delivery through electronic case-filing systems based on a board decision in Lima Versus Department of the Air Force. I recommended use of registered e-mails through virtual companies to demonstrate whether documents that were sent had been received.”
Read moreMatthew Rankin
A history major from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Matthew Rankin was the public-relations chair of the Student Senate, and he worked at his Student Union for three years as a building manager. Matthew also worked as a technician and student office assistant. He won the Carpe-Diem Award from Phi Kappa Sigma where he also served as president of the fraternity. Matthew speaks Spanish and had traveled to the Dominican Republic as well as the Bahamas. He applied to the Washington Internship Program in early April and requested a placement in human rights (or animal rights) from a liberal political perspective. Following a phone interview, Matthew was placed in mid May at the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty where he worked from June through August. Throughout the summer, Matthew lived at Summit Hills in Silver Spring, Maryland, housing managed for interns by WIP, where two of his roommates – “Michael” Jeong and Taesu Kim – were from South Korea.
At the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, Matthew was one of three select interns. He worked on articles for the NCADP website for which he conducted research on cases where people were scheduled to be executed during the month. He attended protests against the death penalty that were held at the Supreme Court and distributed information about the racial and class bias involved in the application of the death penalty within the United States. Matthew also did some graphic-design work, including the creation of a logo for the Journey of Hope, an organization conducting a speaking tour from Virginia to Texas on behalf of the families of the executed. The National Geographic contacted NCADP for help with research on links between arson cases and the death penalty. Matthew helped with research for this project and discovered that there was no meaningful connection. Matthew reported to the director of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, and he worked in an unpaid capacity at the K Street office five days a week from 10:00 to 5:00. Matthew learned a great deal from dedicated staff members, and above all he said: “This internship pointed me in the direction of law school.” As a senior with one extra semester to complete, Matthew plans to begin applying to law school in the summer of 2007.
Read moreFrances Barker Hickox
A student from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, Frances Barker Hickox was majoring in both French and history. She participated in Columbia University’s Summer Session Abroad in Paris, France and then returned to Paris for a semester following her internship at the White House Commission on Remembrance. In the past, Frances was part of Duke University’s Talent Identification Program (TIP). She belonged to the Yale Entrepreneurial Society and tutored at-risk children through SPRK. Frances (who uses the name “Barker”) participated in a dance repertoire (in ballet, jazz, and modern) as well as the National Dance Institute. She also speaks Spanish and Italian. Frances applied to the Washington Internship Program in late March of 2006 requesting the Embassy of France or the Embassy of Canada, but her dates of availability (July through mid August) were problematic for these choices. Frances also requested an internship in advertising and / or government. The Washington Internship Program placed her at the White House Commission on Remembrance.
As one of three interns, Frances was able to design her own position creating product ideas to market for the organization. To commemorate the National Moment of Remembrance, the White House Commission on Remembrance was considering giving neckties to senators, congressmen, and other dignitaries as a way to draw attention to the contribution made by American veterans. Frances arranged for these ties bearing the Commission insignia and explored bandanas for dogs among other promotional gifts that she researched. In addition to this project, Frances attended a memorial ceremony at the Marine Corps Memorial (popularly called the Iwo Jima Memorial) from World War II. In connection with the War in Iraq, Frances logged in the new deaths of U.S. soldiers. She edited letters and drafted correspondence to military leaders and families that lost loved-ones.
Read moreLuke Andrew Olney
Luke Olney was pursuing a dual major in political science and international relations at the University of Findlay in Ohio when he applied to the Washington Internship Program on April 4, 2006. Luke also completed basic combat training at the Military Occupation School and attended the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center (Dam Neck) in Virginia Beach. He received a meritorious promotion to lance corporal and later corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and was an honor graduate of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Intelligence School. In terms of political experience, Luke worked as a campaign manager for John Sparks, his computer skills were perfected at the University of Findlay Technology Center, and he worked in public relations for the Inn at Honey Run. Luke received the President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, and he attended the National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. He also participated in the University of Findlay OILER Leadership Training Series, was a Presidential visit volunteer on campus, and helped disabled people through the Special Olympics. Finally, Luke won a Holmes County Educational Foundation Scholarship of $1,500 to be used toward rent at International House in the summer of 2006 when he took part in the Washington Internship Program. Following a phone interview in late April, WIP placed Luke on May 2 at the Terrorism Research Center in Virginia where he worked full-time (plus on weekends at home) from May 28 through July 28. Upon returning in the fall as a senior at the University of Frindlay, Luke became a teaching assistant for a course on Political Ideology.
Luke was one of five summer interns working at the Terrorism Research Center, which also has satellite offices in Florida, London, and elsewhere in the world. He was assigned to monitor terrorist attacks and write private threat analyses for Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Working with an Arabic translator, Luke traced news sources on a daily basis and contributed to a database of all terrorist activities that became part of a regional portfolio and a website that can be accessed by national and international clients of the Terrorism Research Center. Such information is extremely valuable for a wide range of government and intelligence services, police departments, fire fighters, and other first-responders. Before coming to Washington, Luke had seen a special on CNN profiling some of this work with Black Water, a private company handling security contracts overseas. Luke remarked: “Despite the disturbing character of the research, I greatly appreciated this fast-paced, exciting office that tested my writing and analytical skills. I liked the gracious, interesting people I met, and I learned so much from experts like our director of analysis who spent thirteen years with the Department of Defense before coming to the Terrorism Research Center. He was a great resource for me. This internship was amazing, and I highly recommend it to any students with a strong grounding in history who are capable of working independently on materials to be published. Although direction was provided, interns – like staff members – needed to function on their own and draft political analysis based on the facts they collect.”
Luke visited a number of think-tanks and other government and private organizations on his own and under the auspices of the Terrorism Research Center. For example, he attended Congressional hearings on the U.S. sale of fighter jets to Pakistan where members of the House of Representatives expressed concern over the State Department’s pursuit of this sale prior to congressional authorization. Luke wrote a summary of this debate. He also visited the American Enterprise Institute (where another WIP intern, Brian Rose from Harvard University – who lived for part of the summer at International House with Luke – was working). At AEI, the conservative Luke was exposed to a liberal thinker speaking on his new book. Luke went a couple of times to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (where another one of his housemates at International House, WIP intern Yasmine Moezinia from Yale University, was placed). Here Luke met Mr. Zalmay, the U.S. representative to Iraq. Through CSIS, Luke was introduced to Mr. Talabany, a representative to the United States from the Kurtistan region (stretching from southern Turkey to northern Iraq) and who is the son of Iraq’s current president. Luke went to a Palestinian film series to hear a very one-sided view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During the summer and throughout the year, WIP’s International House serves as an elite residential center where some of the finest interns at the best schools in America and abroad can exchange ideas and share experiences. (See picture of Luke with friends from International House.)
Luke Olney (in yellow shirt) beside other WIP interns:
Paul Dragan and Liana Matei
from Romania (left of Luke),
Suzi Oh (in pink shirt) from Carnegie Mellon University
in
Pittsburgh, Laura Giovarra from Italy (behind Suzi),
Bethany Rees from Ithaca
College in New York, and Varun
Rahman from Boston University. Eight of these
interns from
International House visited the National Cathedral following
a
WIP class at Georgetown University featuring this
architecture among other
famous Washington, D.C. sites.
Read moreBrett R. Saunders
Brett Saunders is a Dean’s List student majoring in history with a minor in Spanish at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Brett also attended Boston University’s International Program in Madrid, Spain, and she graduated from the Community School of Naples, Italy. In the past, she was a summer intern at Northwestern University’s Kellog School of Management. Brett was chosen as a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and Alphs Lambda Delta National Honor Society. She won first prize in an Essay Competition sponsored by the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences in 2005 and earned the Outstanding Student Award in World History, U.S. History, and World Literature. Brett also was honored with the Benjamin Briggs History Award and the Maxine L. Strayer Humanity Award. She was a member of the Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Honor Council. Brett did volunteer world for the Pediatric AIDS Chicago Prevention Initiative and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; she was also a Relay for Life participant. A member of Kappa Delta Sorority, Brett did volunteer work for Special Olympics. She traveled extensively to Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Thailand, and Morocco in addition to Spain. Brett applied to the Washington Internship Program in early April of 2006 and requested an internship in international relations. Although Brett missed most deadlines, WIP was able to place her within two weeks at the World Affairs Council on K Street, N.W. where she worked in the summer while living at International House, which is run by the Washington Internship Program. Brett described her varied, fascinating internship in her paper:
“From June 15 through August 18, 2006 I was an intern at the World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C., which is a non-profit membership organization that educates the community about current events and global developments. The World Affairs Council organizes lectures and panels for members, plans an annual Summer Institute for teachers, and holds programs specifically for students. I was fortunate to help organize, plan, and run several events. This summer the Council held a panel discussion on the crisis in Darfur, a lecture on the U.S.-India nuclear deal, a dialogue on U.S.-Iran relations, and a panel on Musharraf's Pakistan. For all of these events, I assisted with registering attendees, advertising sessions, and setting up lectures. I also took notes and wrote brief synopses that appeared on the Council's website. In addition, the other intern in the office and I worked on developing the Council's Young Professionals Program. We wrote a proposal, began publicizing it to members, and hope to have networking, a mentoring program, book talks, and cultural programs specifically for young professionals beginning in the fall.”
“At the start of my internship, I worked on the 2006 Summer Institute, a week-long program for middle and high-school teachers. This year, the Institute was entitled "Looking Toward Asia." Educators attended lectures on different regions, traditions, and news from Asia. The subjects discussed included China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, India, the Asian economy, nuclear proliferation, geographical topics, Islam in Asia, financial development, Buddhism, and Confucianism. On the end, teachers spent the day at the World Bank and the State Department where they discussed energy, the economy, and U.S. foreign policy in Asia. Overall, the Institute received rave reviews from participants. I was able to attend this conference in order to take notes and help run it, and I learned as much as the teachers did. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing from top experts in different fields. After the Institute, I wrote summaries that will become part of a brochure to advertise this program in the future.”
“I also helped with several projects in the office. First I conducted research that the president of the Council will use to write an article investigating the stance of think-tank members on the war in Iraq. I also registered members, drafted membership reports, and put together a newsletter for Council members. I scouted locations for future events and found a trade simulation for the Council to use in its upcoming Youth Trade Forum.”
“My internship this summer allowed me to help run the Council in significant ways. It is a small organization with a president, two staff members, and two interns, so I was really able to get involved and work on projects that will have definite results in the future. The other people working there were upbeat, relaxed, and professional. The work environment was superb, and I know I will stay in touch with my co-workers. Overall, my experience was wonderful, and I’m glad that I had this exciting opportunity.”
Read moreEileen Gyasi-Twum
A Ph.D. student from Strayer University in Washington, D.C., Eileen Gyasi-Twum earned her Masters degree in business administration from American University located in Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor’s degree with a specialty in personnel and labor relations from Washington Saturday College. At Howard University in Washington, D.C., she is studying religion for a doctorate of ministry. Eileen was working in human resources for Montgomery County government, in the office of services coordinator; when she applied to the Washington Internship Program in mid March 2006. Previously, Eileen was employed by Wolpoff and Abramson, LLP, Attorneys in the Practice of National Debt Collection, located in Rockville, Maryland. Eileen also taught human resources at Howard University. She speaks a number of African dialects as well as Spanish and French. She won Montgomery County’s Best Honor Award for Customer Service; the Department of Finance Award for implementation of Montgomery County Human Resources Management System, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Society of Human Resources Management Learning Systems. Eileen traveled widely in Africa and Europe, and she is currently a professor at Howard University’s Saturday School. In less than a month, the Washington Internship Program placed Eileen in the human resources department of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Force where she was originally offered a high salary that was unfortunately withdrawn when a person with seniority applied from within the police department. Eileen began working in mid May while living at home in Adelphi, Maryland. Her account of the experience follows:
“My internship with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department started on May 15, 2006 and lasted for the entire summer. The headquarters where I went each day is located at 300 Indiana Avenue, N.W., and my supervisor was the deputy director of the human services division of the MPD. A warm and friendly individual, she introduced me to the other staff and has been a great mentor for me. I respect and admire her work ethic. My work assignments included: drafting letters on various personnel issues to be signed by the assistant chief of police; writing disciplinary decisions, agency statements, and responses to discrimination complaints by MPD employees for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; creating manuals; and preparing a PowerPoint presentation. I made files and collected surveys from all summer interns at the police department, and then I evaluated and wrote a report for the assistant chief of police. I also assisted in planning and executing a retirement ceremony. I conducted a classification and compensation study for presentation to department heads, and I was accompanied by my supervisor when presenting these findings. I attended a panel discussion of captains and lieutenants where a claims-specialist interview was held. I also participated in an exciting ride-along with the harbor patrol in a boat on the Potomac River.”
“I benefited greatly from this internship because I had an opportunity to improve my analytical, research, and writing skills while developing my expertise in human-resource management. After my internship ended, I became a volunteer with the Metropolitan Police Department in order to develop more contacts and apply for new positions as they became available.”
Read moreRobert J. Van Alstyne
A student from Syracuse University in New York, Robert Van Alstyne majored in both political science and history. He was a former Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors who traveled to Iceland, England, France, Canada, and Mexico as well as across the United States where he became interested in environmental issues. Robert worked in the past at Montgomery County Department of Recreation, Bethesda Country Club, and Best Buy. He belonged to Theta Chi Fraternity. Rob applied to the Washington Internship Program relatively late in mid April, and within one month WIP placed him at Earth Day Network on P Street, N.W. where he worked from June through August while living at home in Potomac, Maryland. Robert found his internship eye-opening in many respects as he describes below:
“This summer I was an intern at Earth Day Network where I learned a great deal about life and my future through this great opportunity. The most important thing I learned all summer was how to be more responsible and act like an adult at all times. Working in an office full of professionals made me a better person, and I realized that I still have a great deal to learn in all aspects of life.”
“Earth Day Network taught me that I really am not an environmentalist but that I am more liberal than I previously believed. The office atmosphere was one of great disdain for President Bush, which suited me just fine. However, many staff members and interns were even more liberal than I – a fact I found fascinating. I worked in Dupont Circle, and a substantial number of my co-workers were homosexual, which was a new experience for me. I used to think that being among gay individuals might bother me, but it did not affect me at all. Most of the work I did this summer was fairly interesting. We were asked to complete a report detailing the environmental health of seventy major cities across the country. My task was to compile information and conduct interviews with officials in many of these cities. I often had difficulty reaching these people, but I enjoyed being given significant responsibility. Many interns who are not in a formal structure like the Washington Internship Program get stuck stapling papers or sending faxes all day; by contrast, I had an office with a window and a nice chair. My placement was quite flexible in terms of the hours I worked, and my boss was outstanding. She was always willing to answer questions and provided me with a great deal of assistance whenever I had a problem. The other employees were equally accommodating and helpful. Overall, I really liked this office, and it was definitely a positive experience.”
“Earth Day Network taught me that I really am not an environmentalist but that I am more liberal than I previously believed. The office atmosphere was one of great disdain for President Bush, which suited me just fine. However, many staff members and interns were even more liberal than I – a fact I found fascinating. I worked in Dupont Circle, and a substantial number of my co-workers were homosexual, which was a new experience for me. I used to think that being among gay individuals might bother me, but it did not affect me at all. Most of the work I did this summer was fairly interesting. We were asked to complete a report detailing the environmental health of seventy major cities across the country. My task was to compile information and conduct interviews with officials in many of these cities. I often had difficulty reaching these people, but I enjoyed being given significant responsibility. Many interns who are not in a formal structure like the Washington Internship Program get stuck stapling papers or sending faxes all day; by contrast, I had an office with a window and a nice chair. My placement was quite flexible in terms of the hours I worked, and my boss was outstanding. She was always willing to answer questions and provided me with a great deal of assistance whenever I had a problem. The other employees were equally accommodating and helpful. Overall, I really liked this office, and it was definitely a positive experience.”
“The Washington Internship Program was quite useful for me this summer. Living just outside Washington, I unfortunately did not utilize all of WIP’s amazing resources since I already had a fairly complex life in this area. However, every WIP event I attended taught me a great deal. The classes on Thursday nights at Georgetown University and throughout the city helped me think about my future. The weekend retreat at Wintergreen Resort in the Blue Hills Mountains of Virginia was absolutely fantastic, and I learned a lot in all the group sessions. I had a great time – including playing poker all night in one of the big homes where we came together for speakers and fun. The great thing about the program was that everyone was so smart and successful, and learning how they accomplished their goals was truly inspiring for me. I really had a great time with my internship this summer, and all of the people I met were inspiring. I would like to thank you all for this opportunity. I truly had a great summer in the Washington Internship Program.”
Read moreNorman Lee Chan
A Dean’s List student from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., Norman Chan was a senior in college when he applied to the Washington Internship Program in early November 2005 seeking a placement to run from late January through early May 2006. Norman was a senator at Gallaudet’s Student Congress, he participated in the men’s handball team at the Second Deaf Olympics held overseas, he was voted “most all-round student,” and he served as captain of the men’s soccer team and treasurer of Kappa Gamma Fraternity. Norman worked as student manager of campus activities at Gaullaudet – the world’s premier college for the deaf, as program assistant for the Office of Campus Life, and as a visitor coordinator in the Office of Admissions. He requested an internship in economics, marketing, management, human resources, or public relations, and WIP placed him at the U.S. Commerce Department within the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, which is part of the International Trade Administration. Norman’s internship on Constitution Avenue, N.W. was scheduled at a time that did not conflict with his academic classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Throughout the internship, Norman continued to live at Gallaudet’s campus on Florida Avenue, N.E. Norman’s final paper describes the research he conducted:
“After accepting an internship at the Department of Commerce, I had an excellent experience working within the federal government. The Office of Travel and Tourism Industries is headed by a busy director who attends conferences, meetings, and other appointments, so I was closely supervised by the deputy director of industry relations. I worked at least nine hours per week by going to the office for three hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The deputy director happened to know some sign language because she attended Gallaudet University in the past. She and other workers assigned me several projects that involved Internet research. I was given a small booth with a computer on which Microsoft Office software had been installed, and I used Word and Excel programs. Staff members provided me with an E-mail account as well as notepads, pens, pencils, and post-its so I could communicate effectively with them at all times. The employees were so friendly that a person might think I had known them for a long time. This semester was difficult for other reasons, including the death of a close friend, but the office staff supported me through bad times. They were so nice that they even sent me a ‘thinking of you’ card.”
“The first project I completed involved the Travel and Tourism website. For its improvement, I provided feedback and suggestions in a written report. Then I rewrote sections with editing assistance from the Washington Internship Program. A market research analyst was one of the people who offered me a warm welcome upon arrival. He was quite a funny person. The only sign language he knew, and used with his son, was for ‘more crackers,’ and we made fun of it. His work at the time entailed analyzing how far a dollar will go in the United States for visitors from other countries. He relied heavily on tax research and assigned one of his projects to me. Initially I got lost, but soon I learned the ropes. As I completed more projects, I was given better ones. Another assignment I completed dealt with databases and statistics from tourism budgets for each state.”
“An international trade specialist asked me to generate a Travel Industry News piece about Shanghai and China as a whole. I learned how to write such a report by reviewing template of previous TI News. It was an awesome feeling knowing that I achieved this objective, and the supervisor was quite impressed with my work. Next she gave me a project that required information from online sources pertaining to travel from and to Japan in preparation for a conference with Japanese people. It was nice to know that my work was useful to this busy office.”
“I was also assigned research on taxes for each state – specifically associated with hotels, car rentals, entertainment, groceries, and similar expenses. Not all states provide this kind of information, and many sources were unreliable. Before I could finish this task, I was told to categorize onto spreadsheets a list of subscribers for TI News. Lastly, I was asked to make a marketing brochure for the office, and I used Microsoft Publisher for the job. What I created was both attractive and marketable.”
“In conclusion, I enjoyed my spring semester in an office where I quickly became comfortable. I did my best and completed most projects before the associated deadlines. I learned something about myself, which is that at my age I like to move around and would prefer to travel rather than conduct research on the subject. Perhaps in the future I would appreciate returning to government when I am older and have a family that requires more stability on my part. However, I’m thankful for the wonderful experience I had at the Department of Commerce.
Read moreSamantha M. Carter
An undergraduate student from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Samantha Carter also attended Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Florida, where she received an Associates of Arts degree, and the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Samantha worked in a family-owned restaurant, which sparked her interest in the hospitality field. Samantha was employed as a receptionist in a dental office, tennis instructor, cashier, hostess, and gift-shop attendant; she was a campaign volunteer for the State Attorney and a mentor for special-needs children; in addition, she studied foreign languages. Vice president of the Platinum Honor Society, Samantha won a two-year Leadership Scholarship from the Gulf Coast Community College Foundation. She was a three-year letterman in women’s tennis and both a District Champion and state participant. Samantha won a Bay District School Silver Medal for public service, and she traveled to all fifty states plus Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Virgin Islands, which was good preparation for an internship in the hotel industry. At FSU, Samantha was a leader among recreation professionals. She applied to the Washington Internship Program in late February and requested a summer internship in leisure management and event-planning, specifically at the Ritz Hotel where WIP placed her on May 10. Five days later, Samantha started her internship at the Ritz Carlton in Pentagon City, which is located in Arlington, Virginia.
Samantha worked full-time at the Ritz Carleton from May through August as one of four unpaid interns and four managers in training (MITs). She concentrated in the steward and banquet divisions but also worked in other departments in this five-star hotel. Samantha participated in a productivity study of the facility, in which capacity she first observed stewards, cashiers, servers, captains, managers, supervisors, and various utilities in search of problems or areas for possible improvement. After two or three weeks, the second phase began in which necessary changes were identified – whether they involved replacing silverware and equipment or altering schedules and procedures. After solutions were found, an implementation phase began – followed by a presentation at the corporate headquarters, which Samantha attended, and – in front of all the executives – she delivered an oral report on the implementation of new standards. Samantha worked on the computer to prepare portions of this study, and she also spent time in food and beverages, special events, and guest services. Samantha worked on weddings, conferences, meetings, receptions, breakfasts, dinners, and a wide range of public, political, and social functions. In the Ritz’s extremely selective internship program, the food and beverage director remarked that “Samantha made an exceptional contribution to the corporate study, and her experience with a family restaurant in Florida gave her personal insight into all facets of customer service at world-class facilities.” Internationally, the word “Ritz” has become synonymous with high fashion and luxurious accommodations. (Allegedly, the Ritz is the D.C.-area residence of basketball superstar Michael Jordan.) The experience Samantha gained at the Ritz will help her in the future – whether in pursuit of a Master’s degree or employment in high-end hospitality.
Read moreTiffany Isaacs
A National Dean’s List student and Collegiate All-American Scholar from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, Tiffany Isaacs also attended Santa Barbara City College in California. Tiffany worked at the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University as a research assistant, and she was named Student of the Year by Phi Theta Kappa. Tiffany won the Morris and Irma Hurkowitz Honors Program Award and the James S. Bower Academic Achievement Award; she was also nominated for the All-USA Academic Team. Tiffany earned highest honors in philosophy and English literature, and she speaks Spanish and French. She worked at Save Darfur as a volunteer, as a teacher at Rhode Island Children’s Crusade where she helped at-risk high-school students and assisted with college applications, and as a negotiator at Santa Barbara City College. Tiffany was elected to be a student representative at Reverential Ecology: Earth, Soul, and Society, and at Peter A. Angeles Colloquia she coordinated a year-long lecture series. At Emmaus Tiffany was an administrative assistant who also edited a newsletter and print advertisements, and she served as director of public relations at E-Filing where she ran a national media campaign. Tiffany was a government reporter for Valley Voice; she participated in Brown Outdoor Leadership Training (BOLT); was chapter president of Phi Theta Kappa; and was managing editor of The Channels in Santa Barbara where she wrote weekly pieces, managed a staff of twenty, and won statewide writing competitions.Tiffany’s international experience included extensive travel to France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, England, Scotland, Mexico, and Canada (with plans for South-East Asia in 2007). She requested an internship in international relations. Tiffany was applying for graduate work at Oxford University in England; Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts; and George Washington University in D.C. when she applied to the Washington Internship Program on May 10, 2006 after missing virtually all deadlines for summer internships. Within six days, the Washington Internship Program placed Tiffany at the Council on Hemispheric Affairs, which the Princeton Review identified as one of the most impressive internships in Washington. Tiffany worked there from July through October while living at Summit Hills Apartments run by the Washington Internship Program. Tiffany followed in the footsteps of WIP’s last intern, from Princeton University, who excelled at COHA. In December Tiffany was planning to visit Rwanda for three weeks to study genocide through Global Youth Connect.
Located on M Street, N.W., the Council on Hemispheric Affairs concentrates on matters pertaining to North and South America. As one of thirty-five interns in the summer and fifteen during the fall, Tiffany wrote seven pieces – all of which were published in newspapers, journals, or websites during her first two months on the job, after which she was promoted to the position of office manger in charge of twenty-five staff members. Tiffany’s favorite part of the internship was writing a rebuttal to a newspaper article by President George Bush describing America’s drug policy in Central and South America. She also drafted a piece on the U.N. Security Council. Tiffany edited articles written by others, taught writing workshops, and handled business matters like paying bills and setting up media interviews for the head of COHA at CNN, FOX News, the BBC, and other television networks. She accompanied her supervisor to many of these events along with briefings and parties at places like the Embassy of Venezuela (on its Independence Day celebration), Smithsonian Museums, and the Danish News Service. Tiffany attended hearings and subcommittee meetings in the House of Representatives and Senate, and she went to think-tanks like the Brookings Institute for a meeting on Latin America. Tiffany worked about sixty hours a week at what she described as “an amazing opportunity to write materials, 75 percent of which were printed in newspapers across the country."
Read moreSeana Holland
A student in her forth and final year at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada within an Honors Criminal-Justice and Public Policy Program, Seana Holland had earned a Marion McKiee Scholarship and Reach for the Top Scholarship as well as being named an Ontario Scholar before she applied to the Washington Internship Program. Seana attended the Simcoe Composite School, was a cheerleader coach, and worked in the past at Ontario Mortgage Action Centre. She traveled abroad to England and Florida, and within Canada Seana visited Winnipeg and Manitoba. In addition to English, she speaks some French. Seana requested a law-related position, so the Washington Internship placed her in a summer internship at the Public Defender Service, which the Princeton Review identifies as one of the top ten internships in the United States. As with all interns, WIP provided Seana with a professional editor to help with her resume, cover letter, and a writing sample that involved the detailed analysis of a defense strategy for a difficult case. The Washington Internship Program never writes such materials for interns but teaches students on an individual basis, as well as in group workshops, to think critically and write publishable-quality material. This editing service starts before students arrive in Washington and continues throughout the internships. Following a phone interview, Seana was accepted in February for a summer internship at PDS. WIP offers mock interviews over the phone to prepare students to do their best at this critical stage in being evaluated for a position. From May through August, Seana worked with attorneys at this demanding unpaid internship where she defended indigent clients accused of serious crimes. After an intensive training period and the conclusion of the internship, Seana was offered a paid position at PDS starting in the fall of 2006 and lasting a year. As always with students from abroad, WIP helped Seana obtain a J1 visa.
Throughout the internship, Seana lived in Summit Hills Apartments within a section of the complex furnished and administered by the Washington Internship Program. The facility includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, a gym, a computer center, washers and dryers, free parking, and a store on the grounds of this gated community. Seana asked to continue living there, saying: “Where else would I find such a beautiful place to live in the D.C. area!” She hoped a girlfriend could live in her suite because WIP opens its housing to friends of WIP interns and alumni (space permitting). Seana’s description of her internship follows.
“In the summer of 2005, I began a three-month internship at the Public Defender’s Service in Washington D.C. It started with an intensive, week-long training session that prepares new interns for working in the legal system. We rehearsed all types of assignments from taking witness statements to photographing crime scenes. Then I was detailed to two attorneys, both of whom were working in the Juvenile Division. I was also given a partner, with whom I worked closely throughout my internship. My partner and I met with our lawyers each time a new case was accepted, and we talked about what needed to be done – like gathering documents from the courthouse and police stations. My partner and I were responsible for completing all tasks assigned by the different attorneys. I worked on cases involving illegal drugs, assault, and grand-theft auto.”
“Late in September of 2006, I returned to the Public Defender’s Service after being hired for a year-long paid position where I work forty hours per week. My position is similar to what I did last summer, but now I have far more responsibility. I am currently working alone although I will probably be assigned a partner within the next few weeks after the new interns arrive. My lawyer and I discuss our cases, and I offer input on different investigative steps. Lately, I have been conducting interviews in addition to other duties. This time I am only working for one attorney, and I’m handling adult cases, which is exciting. My position is far more independent, and I’m trusted to manage my time effectively. Each morning I organize and prioritize my caseload. One of my cases dealt with sexual assault against a child and murder as well as a series of felonies. The majority of my time is spent in the field with little traditional office work. Sometimes I must work evenings and weekends, depending on the case. This rigorous position is definitely not for a person who prefers a nine-to-five job. For me, working at the Public Defender’s Service was an incredible opportunity that I still enjoy completely.”
Read moreFirdu Bati
A student who majored in information technology at Baker College in Flint, Michigan, Firdu Bati also attended Technical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he lived before coming to the United States. Firdu received his Bachelors degree in computer science with a 4.0 grade-point average, but he also studied aviation maintenance, which prepared him to work for Mountain Air Cargo in North Carolina as an aircraft technician and as an aircraft electrician for Ethiopian Airlines. Firdu received a technical license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, he wanted to switch his emphasis to IT and graphic design, so the Washington Internship Program first placed Firdu in the Information Technology Department of the American Red Cross located in Fairfax, Virginia. In servicing the different computer needs of the American Red Cross, Firdu was rotated among seven offices in the greater Washington, D.C. area where he worked from April until the end of September 2005. Firdu applied to WIP at the end of December 2004. He had been trained academically in AS400, database management using SQL, Computer Architecture C++, Programming, Visual Basic, Java Programming, MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. While in the Washington area, Firdu lived in Takoma Park, Maryland.
Following the first internship, Firdu returned to the Washington Internship Program to request a second placement starting in January 2006 that combined computer expertise with his international experience. WIP placed Firdu at George Washington University’s Business School in a program funded by the U.S. State Department that dealt with Research in Social and Organizational Learning. Under these auspices, junior scholars were brought to GWU from the former Soviet Union. Firdu was in charge of various websites as well as helping the visitors adjust to the United States. Firdu described his second internship in the following paper. (His placement last summer at the American Red Cross was detailed in WIP’s 2005 annual report.)
“I did my second internship through WIP at the Research Program in Social and Organizational Learning (RPSOL) located in the School of Business at George Washington University. The program focuses on the interaction between ideas and society as a way of transforming organizations and societies. The mission of the RPSOL is to:
- Contribute to the knowledge of social systems
- Help individuals and groups improve their skills in making use of social science
- Assist organizations in adopting an experimental approach and hence facilitate organizational learning
- Advance the interdisciplinary fields of systems theory and cybernetics
- Expand the philosophy of science so it can more effectively guide research
In general, the program concentrates on the design of intellectual movements.”
“RPSOL is supported primarily by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program hosts visiting professors from the former Soviet Union under the Junior Faculty Development Program and other exchange efforts. In connection with this project, George Washington University has received grants for conferences from the Charles Steward Mott Foundation and the Nathan Cummings Foundation. It also received research funds from GWU’s Center for the Study of Globalization and its European Union Research Center.”
“A Center for Social and Organizational Learning was established at GW in September of 1993 with a small gift from Vice President for Academic Affairs Don Lehman. The original location was on K Street, N.W. Since its beginnings, this program hosted many visiting scholars and arranged lectures and symposia. In addition, it employed many students and interns like me as website builders and research assistants while faculty members served as mentors for visiting scholars. The members of this Research Program published papers and abstracts.”
“I worked part-time from January to June of 2006, during which time I was mainly engaged in website design and upkeep in addition to working as a research assistant for the professor who heads the program. I maintained four websites that are needed for the daily activity of the program. The main website is for publishing papers by scholars and providing general information for program attendees. Through this website, new scholars access application forms and apply over the Internet from their home countries. Another site mainly deals with information and research papers about cybernetics. The two other websites on which I worked were used for storing internal details at the program for staff and faculty.”
“In addition, I assisted the head of the program with research papers and slide presentations for seminars that he taught. I also helped prepare educational materials that this man designed for regular university lectures. In the course of my stay with the program, I learned many technological tools and human communication skills. I enjoyed working with my main professor because he is fun to know, and he taught me many important lessons. This internship gave me the opportunity to work with scholars and faculty members from different countries. In general, it was a very successful and enlightening experience.”
Read moreEmily O’Koren
Another terrific participant from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Emily O’Koren was a Dean’s List student in her sophomore year who was running a 3.7 grade point average in early February of 2006 when she applied to the Washington Internship Program for a summer placement. Emily was working toward a Bachelors of Science degree in biology and a Bachelor of Arts in music. She had worked in laboratory settings with molecular and organic chemistry and taken biology courses as well as Calculus III, genetics, and other science classes. She requested a medically-related internship. Emily had won a choral scholarship, and she performed for years. She placed third in the finals for a Music Teachers National Association Student Competition in 2004. Emily traveled to Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Florida with different choirs. She also lived in several states as a military dependent. A member of the Lehigh University Choir and an improvisational group on campus, she also served as a cantor at a church. Three months later the Washington Internship Program placed Emily at an internship with a doctor at Walter Reed Army Medical Center where she worked from mid May through mid August at an internship that paid her a stipend. Below is Emily’s account of her summer internship.
“In the summer of 2006, I was an intern in the radiology department at Walter Reed Medical Center. The Washington Internship program taught me a great deal about the art of creating a strong resume and cover letter. It was helpful to have a support team throughout the process of finding an internship, especially for someone like me who was applying for the first time for an internship. My experience working at Walter Reed was both fun and educational. I helped the doctor for whom I worked to gather research literature on the newest heart scanners. Walter Reed had just begun using a 64-slice computed tomography scanner on patients when I arrived. It was interesting to watch how the doctors became familiar with the scanner and created protocols for it. I was involved in creating a pre-scan checklist that is currently used at Walter Reed. I also devised a database in Microsoft Access to hold patient information. This project familiarized me protocols and privacy protection for patient information. Two other interns worked with me. We took turns being project manager each week. This approach allowed me to hone my leadership skills and learn to work with others when not heading up a project.”
“I also created a PowerPoint presentation for my supervisor that detailed the effects of parameter adjustments on the new 64-slice scanner. It also described the benefits of the scan and who should undergo the scan. The doctor gave the presentation at a Radiology/Cardiology convention in D.C. In addition, I updated a previous presentation for the doctor, which he delivered to the medical staff at the Pentagon. I was able to attend and then go on a tour of the Pentagon.”
“Overall, my internship experience was wonderful. I learned a lot and am looking forward to future internships. The Washington Internship Program did a lot to aid me during the internship application process and provided a lot of unique and educational opportunities in the D.C. area. I highly recommend that anyone in the program take advantage of the activities provided by the Washington Internship Program.”
Read moreSumi Kang
A student majoring in English language and literature as well as mass communication at Kyungpook National University in Daego, South Korea and Emilio Aguinaldo College in the Philippines, Sumi Kang was a junior who had worked as chief reporter for the KNU Broadcasting Station when she applied to the Washington Internship Program in early December of 2005. Sumi studied English at the KNU Language Institute, and she participated in SK Telecom’s program called Hi, Teacher. She also studied Chinese, tutored high-school students in both English and Korean, served as a music DJ at a bar, and was employed at Hyundal Department Store. Within a month, WIP placed Sumi at Graham Williams Group, a public-relations firm that produces conservative television and radio shows about current events. After getting the J1 visa, Sumi flew to the United States and started this internship in early March of 2006. After six months of improving her English skills and learning more about TV production, Sumi was accepted for a fall internship at C-SPAN Television. In fact, the supervisor who hired Sumi called WIP to thank the program for recommending such a wonderful candidate! Graham Williams Group offered Sumi a salary if she would continue working there instead, but Sumi decided that the new experience she would gain was worth more than monetary compensation. Everyone at WIP was extremely proud of Sumi Kang, who was with the Washington Internship Program for a year. Below are some of her observations:
“After two years of broadcasting experience in Korea, I was ready for more responsibility within the media. I found the Washington Internship Program, had an interview, and was accepted. I eventually arrived in dreamland: the United States. On March 9, 2006 I started working at Graham Williams Group – a public relation firm where the CEO, Armstrong Williams, originally hosted a radio program called Drive Time Dialogue every Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 A.M. The name was later changed to The Morning Show, and the hours were switched to 5:00 through 9:00. The Graham Williams Group also produces the Armstrong Williams Show in South Carolina from Monday through Friday at 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. as well as some television programs.”
“I was a bit stunned at first because there were fewer employees than I thought would be working there, but one of my friends from KNU – Ju-Ran Yoon – had been placed at Graham Williams by the Washington Internship Program, so I was happy that another Korean student was with me at this company. There was a third WIP intern at Graham Williams Group: Laura Maria Giovara from Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. She had experience in radio and television, having worked in Italy as a fashion and life-style correspondent. Laura is the blond woman in my forth photograph (below.) I conducted research for South California News and summarized information for Armstrong Williams. In the beginning, I had trouble understanding what my supervisor requested of me, but I tried to do my best. I was in charge of recording daily commentary by Mr. Williams and updating the web page. I was also required to write ‘talking points’ for guests on the shows, which mostly dealt with politics. I wasn’t really interested in either political or social issues due to my lack of knowledge within these fields, but I started to study them in order to educate myself. I’ll never forget the moment when my talking points were broadcast on the air for the first time.”
“Graham Williams Group has another affiliate TV station: the Right Side Production. My dream came true when the second television program was scheduled to be shot in D.C., and I had the opportunity to see how the control room operated and work with guests. An unforgettable moment occurred when my name was listed at the end of the show among the credits (see above).”
“One thing that impressed me about American teenagers is that they don’t feel shy and never hesitate when giving opinions in front of many people – even if members of the audience are older. In Korea, speaking up in the presence of one’s elders is considered impolite, but I believe this custom is actually a problem that Koreans should resolve.”
WIP Interns Laura Giovara from Italy (left) and Sumi Kang
with boss at Graham Williams Group
“Before coming to D.C., I promised myself to travel and see as much of America as possible. I went to New York, Virginia, and Florida. Manhattan was magnificent, and I was excited to be in the city I had seen in movies. In real life, one of the biggest cities on earth looks shabby because there are so many homeless people there. As is evident, ‘the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer.’ Florida is a beautiful state, and I went to Disney Land in Orlando. I also traveled to Virginia when visiting KNU alumni and during WIP’s annual retreat – this year in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Those were good times.”
“Last year in April I worked as an interpreter at the U.S.-ROK Trade Fair held by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA).
“One fact I noticed was that Americans don’t drink a lot, unlike Koreans – who, in my opinion, drink too much. There are not so many bars around downtown Washington. I like the way people in the United States enjoy their spare time with families at home. I also observed many people reading books and newspapers on trains and buses or even cafes. They never seem to waste their precious time.”
“I had been with Graham Williams Group for six months when I decided to reach for more in order to learn as much as possible. I applied for C-SPAN Television, which is a broadcasting station devoted to news, government, politics, books on a wide range of subjects, and other serious programming. I tried to look confident to the people with whom I had my interview. Eventually, I was accepted at C-SPAN – and I could hardly believe it! Furthermore, Graham Williams Group offered to pay me if I would continue there instead! In the end I chose C-SPAN because new experiences are more precious than money. Indeed, my internship at C-SPAN Television turned out to be priceless.”
Read moreJason R. Lim
A Dean’s List student with majors in political science and pre-law plus a minor in environmental studies at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Jason Lim first applied to the Washington Internship Program in 2004, but he deferred on April 14 after finding a job on his own. As is the policy of WIP when a participant must drop-out for any reason, Jason was welcome to return at any time, and he reactivated his candidacy the following year in early November, at which time the Washington Internship placed him on January 25, 2006 within the United States Congress with Representative Dennis Kucinich, a Democrat from District #10 in Ohio. Jason also had interviews and offers from the National Wildlife Federation and other environmental organizations, but he decided to work on Capitol Hill from late January (just after graduation) through June. Previously, Jason served on campus through ASMU Student Government, worked as a teaching assistant, participated in academic competition on Quiz Bowl, belonged to College Democrats, worked at America Coming Together and as a legislative assistant coordinator, conducted poling research, and was involved in politics on a grassroots level. He traveled extensively to Canada, China, England, Ireland, Australia, Belgium, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, France, Poland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Czech Republic, Netherlands, and Japan. Jason lived with other interns from across America and abroad within International House, which is run by WIP in the luxurious home of a former D.C. Mayor. Jason was pleased when his Congressional internship was tailored to include conservation and global topics as well as his political interests, so ultimately Jason was not forced to choose between these three areas. The contract WIP secures for all interns allows the placements to be personalized to match individual specialties. Jason’s account of working in the Longworth House Office Building is detailed below:
“My internship experience began in late January of 2006. Although there was no snow on the ground, the weather was quite cold. When my plane touched down at Washington National Airport on that winter day, it resembled many other times when I had visited my aunt and uncle who live in Alexandria Virginia, but now I was coming not for a short holiday but a four and-a-half month internship with Congressman Dennis Kucinich from Ohio, serving the tenth district, which includes parts of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Falls, and other neighboring areas. As soon as I landed, I called my new boss, the intern and legislative coordinator, to arrange the time on which I should report the next day. A congressional intern has many varied duties. When Congress is in session, life on Capitol Hill can be hectic and fast-paced; it goes by in a flash. When Congress is not in session, the hours seem long and slow, but I wouldn’t trade those days for anything because we spent time talking and bonding with staff members. The Congressman’s staff was like a dysfunctional family: everyone poked fun and joked, but you could feel love in the atmosphere. My tasks included batching stacks of incoming letters and entering them by topic into a database. In the middle of the internship, I began drafting responses to constituents. We also had “folding parties” (about twice a month) in the afternoon on non-congressional days when the entire staff sat around the table in the main conference room, folded responses, and stuffed them into envelopes. Like other interns, I sometimes sit at the front desk and answered questions ranging from ‘Where is the nearest Metro stop?’ to ‘What is the Congressman’s stance?’ on a certain issue. The interns often served as the face of the office when constituents visited. I answered phone calls from citizens, other politicians, staff members, and even the congressman himself when he was in the district. I mailed and sorted hundreds of faxes received on a daily basis. During my tenure, there were five interns in our office – only two of whom worked full-time five days a week. Compared to the other interns, I led the most tours of the Capitol building – about thirty in total and sometimes twice in one day. I also ran errands to other Congressional offices and collected signatures or got materials from the Congressional supply store in the basement of the Canon House Office Building.”
“On the second day of the internship, I was asked to name four areas of interest; I chose the environment, international relations, economics, and education. I was immediately assigned projects in these areas, the first of which entailed global warming. I gathered information from magazines, newspapers, and on-line journals. After three months, I organized the results in a cohesive, orderly fashion and then helped co-author, with the environmental aide, an article on global-warming for an Ohio magazine. In addition, I worked on projects dealing with the economy and a political story related to the environment in the People’s Republic of China. I gathered facts on this topic and delivered them to Congressman Kucinich as he asked me to do, and then I wrote an extensive paper that I presented to him. I worked on another project devoted to U.S. relations with Iran and a political profile of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. I completed a smaller research project when workers in France went on strike. I explored conditions that led to the strike and protested unfair workers’ laws. In the process, I consulted sources like Le Monde, BBC News, and the International Herald Tribune. The Congressman received the New York Times the every day, from which he chose an article one day and asked me to research a merger between two corporations: Starwood Hotel and Marriott because the Congressman was concerned about the ramification of a monopoly that could violate anti-trust legislation. I contacted the headquarters of both companies to find relevant information. In the end, I compiled a report for the Securities and Exchange Commission that led to the SEC filing against the merger. (However, the SEC did not go forward to block the merger since it related on a small scale to local hotels and did not involve a companywide conglomerate.) I was called the ‘lab rat’ in the office because I was always doing research on projects large and small. I could usually be found in the library or on the computer gathering data for assignments I had been given. I also attended a state speech that Chinese President Hu Jintao delivered at the White House and an address by Italy’s former Prime Minister Silvio Belusconi in the House Chambers.”
“The Congressional briefings I attended dealt with subjects of interest to me, like the State PIRG programs and the success of environmental protection, among other forms of activism. I went to a briefing on free-trade related to coffee from South America where farmers were getting paid low wages that could not support their families. I also attended a briefing on energy concerns and solutions, the future of hydrogen, bio-mass conversion, and ethanol fuels. Yet another briefing I witnessed covered the future of global energy and worldwide climate change as well as informational briefings on what this generation can do to protect the earth.”
“I can’t put into words all aspects of my internship on Capitol Hill except to say that it was unforgettable, and I would never trade my time in Washington, D.C. for anything else I can imagine. I was a part of a caring family of staff members who worked on matters of international significance.”
Read moreKatherine Herbst
An international relations major from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts who graduated in May of 2006, Katherine Herbst also attended Dickinson College’s Bologna Program in Italy where she studied political science. This Sarah Williston Scholar asked for a Europe-related internship when she applied to WIP in late March. Katherine worked as an Integrated Industrial Systems Intern in Asia last summer, and she traveled around Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Manila, and Singapore studying different cultures in relation to business. Katherine belonged to the dressage (horseback) team at Mount Holyoke along with College Republicans and 4-H. She speaks Italian. The Washington Internship Program placed Katherine at both the European Institute and the Italian Institute of Culture. Katherine originally accepted the latter just fourteen days after applying to WIP, but the European Institute persuaded Katherine to work there by promising her a paid staff position in the fall following the summer internship. However, at the conclusion of the internship, WIP brought Katherine Herbst to the attention of Ruthi Postow Staffing, which selects extraordinary interns for up-and-coming administrative positions in large companies or special projects within various organizations. This firm o K Street, N.W. chose Katherine as the first among the exceptional graduates in the Washington Internship Program whom it sought to place. Katherine’s account of her internship follows:
“When I first arrived at the European Institute in June, I was mainly responsible for writing web summaries and reports of conferences that had been recently convened and which I attended. Before these events were held, I also assisted staff members in preparing name plates, agendas, and other logistical materials. After about three or four weeks, I began more research-related projects. My primary responsibility involved an upcoming Roundtable on Energy and Environment to be held at the end of September. I worked closely with the president of the organization in order to develop a schedule for the meeting. I drafted a few preliminary agendas that listed possible speakers and identified issues to be discussed at the conference. In order to decide on the main themes, I completed Internet research and attended four other conferences at think-tanks as well as a Senate hearing. I submitted oral or written reports on all these activities. Once a clear direction was chosen for the roundtable, I began writing letters of invitation to speakers. I also drafted an invitation to Toyota as a possible sponsor. Later in the summer, I assisted in a mass mailing to all attendees.”
“Throughout the internship, I did other office tasks like updating the database and filing. I conducted background research on companies and individuals. Over all, my experience was quite valuable, and I am grateful for this opportunity. It was, however, difficult at times because the organization was undergoing restructuring, which created definite tensions. Although I was offered a paid position as staff assistant, I chose to leave the European Institute in order to find a new challenge.”
Read moreJane Koe
A junior at Wellesly College in Massachusetts, who speaks Korean and French in addition to English, Jane Koe applied to the Washington Internship Program in mid March in search of a law-related placement. A permanent resident of the United States, Jane also lived in South Korea, England, and Indonesia, and she traveled widely throughout Europe and the America. Jane worked as a student assistant in the Japanese Department at Wellesley College, and she translated for Korean guests visiting the East Asian Music Festival. A reading tutor at Wellesley Words on Wheels who also worked with young people at the Wellesley Child Study Center, Jane wanted wide exposure to the law – possibly in a government context. WIP placed her at the Attorney General’s Office of the District of Columbia where she worked in the Juvenile Department from June 15 through August 31 while living at George Washington University (with which WIP is affiliated) in Crawford Hall. Jane’s succinct description of the internship is reproduced in full:
“My internship was with the Juvenile Division of the D.C. Attorney General’s Office. I had opportunities to prepare cases for trial, write memos, photocopy, and file documents. I also learned how to conduct legal research on case law to help the attorneys. The most rewarding aspect of the internship was meeting lawyers and observing their daily lives at work. I had the privilege of attending trials that ranged from domestic-violence and theft cases to sexual assault. In the process, I learned a great deal about court procedures. I met many other interns with whom I became close. Although each intern was assigned to a different lawyer, we often had a chance to converse and assist each other with assignments. Interns did the ‘runs’ of delivering important files and forms to the courts and other offices. The work atmosphere was very friendly. It wasn’t too formal, and the attorneys were kind and understanding; they wanted to learn more about the students as individuals. Overall, the internship involved both administrative tasks and more substantive assignments. From answering phones to transcribing tapes that contained confidential information, interns were expected to act maturely and with integrity. For me, every task was valuable because this work would have been done by the lawyers themselves had the students not been there to help, and our contribution was taken seriously. I learned to become a more responsible and prudent person as a result.”
Read moreBethany C. Rees
A junior majoring in biochemistry with a minor in international business at Ithaca College of New York, Bethany Rees also attended Alfred University in the same state where she studied in the environmental science department. There Bethany worked with water and soil samples; she was also a lab assistant at the Biology Preparatory Laboratory of Ithaca College where she helped with courses like “Principles and Fundamentals of Biology.” Bethany worked at Ceralink, Inc. in Alfred, New York doing Internet and laboratory research. A member of the American Red Cross and the President’s Host Committee on campus, Bethany did volunteer work at Community Plunge and with INVOLVED (Intelligently Advocating Volunteer Opportunities and Leadership Values for the Educationally Determined). She studied French as well as Italian and traveled to France, Switzerland, Italy, and Haiti. Bethany requested an internship in science, research, and/or pharmaceuticals when she applied to the Washington Internship Program on March 4. Six weeks later, WIP placed her in a paid internship at the Chemical Education Foundation within the National Association of Chemical Distributors (one among forty prime placements WIP suggested to Bethany). She earned $10 an hour from the start of her internship on June first through mid August while living at WIP’s International House in Northwest Washington. Following is Bethany’s description of her position:
“I spent the summer of 2006 as an intern at the Chemical Educational Foundation in Arlington, Virginia where I had a great work experience. Over the course of about two months I learned so much. I designed a Solutions Bulletin on Earth Day and drafted a proposal for revision to solicit aid and coordinate a national academic challenge in connection with curriculum development for CEF’s You Be the Chemist kit. I had the exciting opportunity of traveling to Pennsylvania with CEF to demonstrate chemistry experiments at a cub-scout camp in Philadelphia. I conducted research on ways to advertise and publicize CEF’s Community Awards for Chemical Safety and explored possibilities for working with Local Emergency Planning Committees. I found new avenues for fundraising and outlets for purchasing CEF materials. Overall, I really enjoyed my internship. I even got to go on a cruise to Annapolis, Maryland with the company. We ate at a wonderful crab restaurant right on the water, and I enjoyed this chance to network with other people at the National Association of Chemical Distributors with whom I hadn’t had time to work closely during the internship.”
“In addition to my internship, the best part of my summer in D.C. was living with fellow students at International House. I made many friends with whom I kept in touch in the fall, and I appreciated having other people around who were new to the Washington area. We did lots of sightseeing together along with shopping trips and fine dining. In my opinion, D.C. has so much to offer for a young adult -- from museums and restaurants to concerts and think-tanks. It would be impossible to see everything in just one summer, which explains why many former interns return to our nation’s capital in subsequent years.”
Read moreAllison Zelman
Currently a senior majoring in international relations at Connecticut College in New London, Allison Zelman spent her junior year in Chile at the School of International Training in Culture, Development, and Social Justice in Valparaiso where she studied from late February until June of 2006. In the past, Allison worked in Perugia, Italy at the Fair Trade Organization; in New Zealand at an adventure park (where she led kayaking, mounting climbing, and white-water rafting); and in Monteverde, Costa Rica at Cloud Forest School (where, as an intern, she was a teaching assistant for a bilingual second grade and worked as a soccer coach). Last summer Allison was an intern at CNN Medical News in New York, and she worked for Deep-Dish TV in Manhattan researching and writing political news and documentaries. In addition, Allison worked in New London at Four Acts Film Company and in Lakeville, Connecticut at HMS Productions. She made contributions by working at the League of Conservative Voters, Strauss/Baker Democratic Financing Committee, and TriArts at the Sharon Playhouse. A student representative for the Planning and Budget Committee at Connecticut College, Allison also belonged to Connecticut College Democrats, Students Take Action Now for Darfur (in the Sudan), and Amnesty International. She served as head prefect at the Berkshire School and was a wilderness leader in New Hampshire at the Brook School in the White Mountains. Allison applied to the Washington Internship Program in mid February, and within a month and-a-half WIP placed her at Refugees International – one of the internships Allison requested – in the communications department. Prior to this offer, the Embassy of Chile accepted Allison, but she wasn’t ready to leave South America in time to start this placement by the date the embassy requested. Equality Maryland also wanted Allison, but this internship didn’t feel just right at a time when Allison began thinking in terms of a government-related job that would also solve a problem related to the number of weeks she would be available. Allison was delighted with the forth internship WIP arranged for her: at the Congressional Management Foundation on Capital Hill where she was accepted on the last day of May and then worked from June through August. Allison’s comprehensive account of her experience is presented in its entirety:
“Politics became an interest of mine that could someday be my career. I decided that Washington, D.C. would be a great place to gain experience in government and make connections. I imagined being a congresswoman or senator one day or working for a lobbying firm. I spent a stipend from my college on the Washington Internship Program because I was going to be in Chile throughout most of the application process, and WIP would be extremely helpful in placing me and helping with housing. The Washington Internship Program also offers classes and an international group of people whom I could easily get to know. Without WIP, applying for placements and going through interviews while in Chile would be extremely difficult. The Washington Internship Program was essential in placing me with the Congressional Management Foundation, which is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting a more effective Congress. It consults House and Senate offices through publications, events, and ideas for better management.”
“I vividly remember arriving to work on the first day and feeling lost in such a big, powerful city, yet everyone in my office could not have been warmer. They welcomed me onto Capitol Hill, and before long I felt like a normal employee. My boss was incredible. She had graduated college not too long ago and completely understood my situation. She encouraged me to explore D.C. and insisted that I take off time to attend Congressional hearings, speakers, and other internship events. In my little desk cubicle, which was located directly next to hers, we quickly developed a wonderful work relationship.”
“This office accepts only two interns, which allowed for plenty of work to keep us busy. The other intern was an economics major from Wheaton College in Illinois. Between her finance skills and my passion for politics, we collaborated brilliantly. The other intern started four weeks before I did, so she showed me how to fulfill the normal intern duties: getting mail, answering phones, sorting newspapers, and creating reports of staff meetings. She also taught me to network in a city where such skills are essential. Every Monday morning we had office meetings. All eight people would sit around the conference table and review priorities, specific tasks that needed completing, and national news that would affect our organization.”
“The Congressional Management Foundation gives out Golden Mouse Awards every year for the best websites among senators and congressmen. I created spreadsheets of different criteria to be considered. Every day we evaluated five to six websites. Although tedious at times, it was interesting to learn about every legislator. CMF was also completing a revised edition of its well-known publication Setting Course. I took responsibility for fact-checking and updating all information. In addition, CMF was hired by a research firm to create Online Town Halls in which twenty to thirty constituents signed online to hold live discussions with their congressman. While I was there, the topic was immigration, and I helped during trial runs and provided suggestions for improvement. I was then able to go to the Congressman’s office during the forum and help coordinate the entire event. In addition to meeting the Congressmen, which was incredible, I was able to witness how congressional offices run, and I sat in on numerous debates on political issues.”
I also made deliveries to House and Senate offices. It was thrilling to walk through the halls of the House and Senate, a binder in hand, and then enter an office. I loved seeing the adrenaline racing through every office. There were always people running around, discussing politics, and watching CSPAN as they following the news in the very building were it was being made. Walking down the corridors, I saw senators and congressmen I respected as well as ones I despised, surrounded by chiefs of staff, legislative assistants, and public-relations managers. I felt like I was really a part of Capitol Hill.”
“I attended a Senatorial hearing on Rumsfeld vs. Hamdon. The Senate was discussing Rumsfeld and Bush’s decision on torturing prisoners. Some senators thought that the Geneva War Conventions must always be followed. Others stated that for exceptions, Congress must give permission rather than the president deciding by himself. The Attorney General and some Republican senators argued that in cases like the War on Terror, torture may be necessary to save lives. It was incredible watching this important debate among people who actually make the decisions for our country. I was engaged the entire time. The second hearing I attended was on the War in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Lebanon. Rumsfeld attended this hearing as well as Senators Clinton and McCain. I had not been a fan of Hillary Clinton until I witnessed her impressive statement to Rumsfeld. She listed all his wrongdoings, backed up her claims with facts, and then asked why she should believe him in the future. This brave speech was so powerful and brilliant in content and delivery. The hall was packed with members of the press, Congressional staffers, high-profile lawyers, writers, and many intrigued interns. It was one of my favorite moments in D.C. Senators about whom I had read countless articles suddenly became real- life figures. I was so excited to be a part of that political process.”
“I also attended a wonderful intern event where Senator Barack Obama and Tim Russet from Meet the Press both spoke. They discussed the importance of public service and offered thousands of job ideas and hints on how to enter this field. It was inspiring being surrounded by so many interns of my generation, all of whom shared similar dreams of entering government. Senator Obama talked about the road that led him to his current position. Events like this one make Washington, D.C. a stimulating city.”
“One of the things I loved about my internship was working for a small group of people who became my mentors. They offered stories, hints, and advice on the positive and negative aspects of working in politics. I could ask them anything, and they responded truthfully from a wealth of knowledge. At first, I was concerned about working for a bipartisan organization. I personally have strong political views and considered being an intern for a congressman, yet this experience helped me gain a great overall view of how the legislature functions. I was able to meet many senators and congressmen, both Democrats and Republicans. I was able to spend time in all the House and Senate buildings and work with people who have dedicated their lives to government. The motivation that surrounded me helped give me direction. I could not have asked for a better first internship in Washington D.C. I learned that I don’t want to enter a career in management consulting. However, I made wonderful contacts and friends while enjoying a wide range of experiences. After this past summer, I am certain that I want to enter the political field and hope to do so in a wonderful city like Washington D.C.
Alison Zelman on WIP Potomac River cruise with interns:
Devansh Patel, Varun Raman, and Paul Kirby (left to right)
Read morePaul Kirby
An economics major who graduated from Pennsylvania State University in State College and also spent a semester abroad at Seville University in Spain, Paul Kirby was a Dean’s List student who worked in the past at Person to Person Marketing and Mercury Masonry. Paul is nearly fluent in Spanish, he belonged to Habitat for Humanity in Alabama, and he did fundraising for fighting cancer through his university. Paul had conducted research in the past for a project on federal courts, and he wrote for the Collegian(his college newspaper). Paul applied to the Washington Internship Program for the summer on June 15, 2006 and despite the extremely late date, WIP placed him within one day in a financial internship at Oppenheimer & Company, and Paul started working five days later! From June 20 through late August, Paul lived at Summit Hills in apartments furnished and run by the Washington Internship Program.
Oppenheimer & Company is located on K Street, N.W. just blocks from the White House, and Paul was assigned to the executive director of investments. As one of four interns accepted by Oppenheimer for the summer, Paul worked full-time five days a week conducting financial research through Blumberg and preparing databases for clients. He concentrated on local bio-technology companies and used Excel software in the work he did on mergers and acquisitions. Paul helped his supervisor write a paper on inverted bong-yield curves, which involve the anomaly created by the fact that thirty-year bonds were offering a lower rate of return than one-year bonds. Paul’s boss sent this article to clients and then explored options for its publication. Paul enjoyed his internship and felt he learned a great deal there. In the fall, Paul began searching for a similar job in economics back
Read moreMarc Hoffman
A student entering his junior year a Syracuse University in New York, Marc Hoffman dreams of being a TV comedy writer. Marc was an editor at his school newspaper, and he belonged to Delta Chi Fraternity. When Marc applied to the Washington Internship Program on March 22 – relatively late for a summer mass-media placement, he requested an internship in television. WIP was able to place Marc at ABC News where he was accepted on May 3 and started at the end of that month where he worked full-time through mid August. Although Marc’s home is in Annapolis, Maryland, he quickly decided that commuting to Arlington, Virginia each day was too difficult, so he lived in a dormitory at George Washington University in downtown D.C. within in one of the quads (four people per room) available to WIP interns. Just one stop on the Metro brought Marc to the studio each day.
As one of ten interns at ABC News, Marc split his time between working at the assignment desk and going into the field with reporters and film crews to cover stories. First Marc attended meetings held each day at 9:00 where newscasters pitched their stories. Marc estimates that he spent half his time following leads with the crew. Most memorable for Marc was coverage of a number of stories: an incident when hackers broke into computers containing veteran information; a time when the satellite truck in which Marc was based accidentally found itself in the middle of a high-speed chase in which suspects were caught and identified with crack cocaine among the illegal drugs in their vehicle; bad storms in June that resulted in the flooding of cars, basements, and other damage for which insurance companies refused to take responsibility after homeowners had paid premiums for decades; and various fatalities – one of which occurred in Arlington where two people were killed at a place where neighbors had been agitating for a speed bump to be built in order to deter motorists from driving cars too fast up an incline. Marc was sent to ask questions and be filmed at a press conference. In addition, he covered a robbery at a grocery store where the thief dressed up in a red wig, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) offered a reward if the criminal was caught. Marc acted as a cameraman and shot stock footage that might be used on television if the perpetrator is apprehended. Marc conducted interviews on the street with residents in the Georgetown area to see how people felt about the installation of surveillance cameras that would create greater security at the expense of privacy.
Marc was also filmed doing stand-ups of his own to be used in seeking future employment. Marc was “surprised that showing initiative was so important in determining the type of internship each individual had. Following an orientation on the first day, interns were not really told what to do.” Marc had a richer experience because he made friends with many reporters whom he accompanied on shoots. In general, staff at the station expected interns with broadcasting training in college to know what they were doing and help with assignments they preferred. Marc noted the pressure under which reporters must operate to get stories submitted for editing by 3:00 each day in time for the 5:00 evening news. Although Marc enjoyed his internship immensely and found everyone at ABC to be friendly and helpful, he would prefer to write professionally for television programs where weekly deadlines replace daily ones.
Read moreTheodore Allen Jenkins
A student from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut who was majoring in international relations and modern languages, Theodore Jenkins had traveled to Nepal, China, and Thailand through two college academic programs. He participated in Himalayan Trekking Excursion, was a member of Trinity’s Varsity Crew Team and its Chapel Singers, he was co-director of the Interfaith Council on campus, and he studied basic Japanese and Nepali language skills, which contributed to his understanding of linguistics. Ted applied to the Washington Internship Program in late March and requested an internship in international relations, public relations, linguistics, global business, or trade. A month later WIP placed him in a paid internship at the Center for Applied Linguistics from June through August, after which a masters-level linguistics major from the Washington Internship Program – Pawel Szudarski from Adam Mickiewicz University in Pozan, Poland – started an internship at the same organization lasting up to eighteen months.
The Center for Applied Linguistics paid $12 an hour for undergraduates and $14 an hour for graduate students. Theodore lived in an apartment with four other guys at Alumni Square on the campus of Georgetown University, where he met for WIP’s class in the evening, and Pawel resided at WIP’s Logan House in the historic U-Street district of Washington, D.C. Below are parts of Ted’s colorful paper about this internship.
“I first applied to the Washington Internship Program with the intention of immersing myself in the field of international business. The application form asked me to indicate some professional areas of interest, and I jotted down the first things that came to my mind: international economics, business, and trade. My thoughts then turned to other academic areas. Since my major is in international studies with background in Asian languages, I thought I might try something with the U.S. State Department. However, I still had some room left on the form, so I added something fun. I had taken an introductory course in linguistics in the spring semester of 2006 and had found it fascinating. My teacher was an eccentric Russian professor, and she piqued my interest in syntactical, semantic, and sinological constituent relationships among sentences. Since this topic was a last-minute addition, I didn’t think much about its potential. However, when Dr. Bayer reviewed my application, she recommended an internship at the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL). I was strangely captivated by this organization, so I applied along with the more pragmatic positions. After my applications were sent, CAL was one of the first job offers I received. The staff members there were enthusiastic about my resume, despite my relative inexperience in the field. I entered the office on June 5.”
“The oddest thing about my first day at CAL was the relaxed tone of its professional atmosphere. One of my supervisors was a fastidiously outspoken Democrat, as were many of my coworkers, and she was quite verbal about her dislike for the Bush administration. This attitude surfaced when I was waiting for our first contact and reached for a copy of the Washington Post in the lobby. Being more conservative myself, I was put off by her first words to me: “Don’t read that Republican rag.” I always obsess about first impressions, and immediately I had second thoughts about interning at CAL. I was led to my office and told to settle in and take a couple hours to meet everyone on my floor. My officemate kindly gave me an in-depth tour of every branch of CAL. However, I still had not met my other supervisor and was warned not to be intimidated. I braced myself for the worst only to encounter a tall, smiling, barefoot woman skipping down the hall. She took me into her office and spent a half-hour inquiring about my hometown, academic interests, and hobbies. I had prepared myself for an intense lecture by a crazed and aged linguist. Instead, I encountered an inquisitive, cheerful woman whose immediate concern was for my personal well-being. I was instantly captivated by her charm and wit. We then took the next hour to go over my responsibilities for the next two months.”
“This supervisor was part of the leadership team at the Alliance for the Advancement of Heritage Speakers – a small, under-funded, and understaffed organization with big aspirations. Members were concerned with the lack of attention paid to nourishing bilingualism in the United States. A heritage speaker is someone who comes from a non-English-speaking household and speaks that language a majority of the time at home. Many of these people are proficient in a second language but have major deficiencies in grammar and written skills. Furthermore, their unique skills cannot be addressed in regular foreign-language classes that concentrate on students who have no formal background in these languages. This organization is concerned with pooling resources for schools and programs that concentrate on teaching such speakers and developing curriculum. The Alliance developed a resource website for heritage-language programs. My job involved collecting profiles on these programs and posting them on the Internet according to a format I created. The website started small but would hopefully grow to incorporate hundreds of schools from all over the country. This website is the first step in building a national community for heritage-speakers.”
“I was awestruck – not simply by the magnitude of this project but by the responsibilities I was given. Would I have to sort through thousands of schools, scholars, program heads, and obscure languages? However, I was told to work at my own pace and do what I could. Another project at CAL involved a federally funded program to attract heritage speakers to develop English on a professional level so they can work for the government. These opposite approaches (developing native tongues versus second-language proficiency in English) coincided in the office like a linguistic yin and yang. Often, I contacted programs at universities and community schools about teaching both English and other foreign-language classes to heritage speakers.”
“This internship marked a great amount of personal growth for me. The projects improved my confidence as I learned to call complete strangers and ask them to complete a profile of their programs. My writing skills also developed by editing the profiles. I enjoyed the work, but my focus was primarily on myself. I used the time to research and build connections for the following year when I would be applying to graduate school. I focused more on the person I would become rather than the people I was assisting. At a Leadership Team Meeting for the advisory board of the Alliance, my efforts were scrutinized. At first, I thought this kind of anal attention to detail was unnecessarily caustic. However, as the meeting persisted, the positive impact of my work became abundantly clear. Before I started, the Alliance’s website had not been updated in four years. Only thirteen profiles existed on heritage programs and a few links to other projects. After I was done, the Alliance had collected over fifty profiles, and efforts were underway to revamp the entire website according to new research and information I helped collect over two months. The work I did was a great help to a field that was still struggling to be recognized in a regular learning environment. I had performed an invaluable service. Naturally, I left the meeting beaming. I was part of a pioneering effort to establish the needs of particular language learners and develop a trend of bilingualism in the U.S.”
“Many world leaders and scholars have forecasted that the world is rapidly diversifying. As the burgeoning Eastern economies enter the global marketplace, the influence and dominance of the English language has begun to wane. As one of the world’s leading economic and political leaders, America needs to develop a new generation of bilingual leaders to stay competitive and communicative. However, the natural abilities and resources of heritage speakers are still being ignored. The United States needs to enlarge bilingualism and bring such speakers to a level of proficiency that can compete internationally. As a result of working at CAL, I joined a growing movement of bilingualism and developed a strong academic interest in pursuing further study in linguistics. Leadership, social change, and economic growth need not begin with politics. I found that the work one does on a daily basis can have a greater impact than we normally realize.”
Read moreSeong-Il Choi
Seung-Il Choi attended Kyunpook National University in Daegu, South Korea, and he also studied at St. Mark’s International College in Sydney, Australia before applying to the Washington Internship Program in late November of 2005. An economics and trade major, Seong-Il had completed his military service in the Korean Army and worked in both New South Wales and New Zealand as a conservation volunteer. He could speak Korean, English, and Chinese, and he had been an intern at the Baxter Company within the human resources department in Australia. Seong-Il was an interpreter at EXCO in connection with the APEC Minister Conference in Korea; he also worked at Sebelonepier Hotel in Sydney and for the Australian Railway Station, all of which strengthened his English. In early March, the Washington Internship Program placed Seung-Il at the Korea Economic Institute, an organization located on K Street, N.W. – just blocks from the White House. KEI is most selective in the interns it accepts, and the work they are given is quite demanding. Like all the KNU students who chose not to live in WIP housing this past year, Seong-Il complained about the difficulty in finding accommodations on his own, and this universal conclusion should be taken seriously by future Korean interns – all of whom have the option to live in fully furnished homes and apartments offered to interns from across the U.S. and abroad. Korean interns who tried living in less expensive housing far from their work or segregated with other Koreans in small, crowded apartments invariably learned less English and had consequent difficulties on the job – even, in this case, when working for a Korean-American institution. Below are excerpts from Seung-Il’s paper (translated from Korean) describing his full-time internship that lasted six months.
“Before working at the Korea Economic Institute, I did an internship in Australia for two months after competing English-language study there. However, I thought this amount of time was too short, so I applied to the Washington Internship Program, before which I prepared myself by improving my computer skills and business English. One of the hardest things I faced in D.C. was finding accommodations. To be honest, I had to work for a couple of weeks without my own place. It was a big inconvenience and burden at my internship.”
“The first day of my internship began with a staff meeting, which was held every Monday morning. I though that interns would not be allowed to attend such a meeting, but in fact every intern was required to do so. We could give our opinions to anyone there. The next day, I was notified that I needed to go to one of the conferences that KEI members must cover. I was stunned because I wasn’t prepared, and I believed I would accompany a staff member. The first program overpowered me. Honestly, my English was not good enough to follow what the panelists were saying, but I concentrated on the program as much as possible. I needed an entire week to complete this report, but unexpectedly my manager praised my work, which made me feel more confident.”
“After this experience, I concluded that a voice recorder would help me understand future conferences because I could later listen to the speeches again. The second program to which I was assigned was another trial for me; it dealt with U.S. immigration law. I couldn’t understand these lectures at all, even when reviewing the tapes repeatedly. I felt like I could never write a report, so I told my manager: ‘I cannot complete this one.” However, he responded cheerfully: “Do your best.” These three words kept spinning in my head. I started working on the report again and forced myself to complete it. My supervisor remarked: ‘See? You could do it!’ and then annoyed me with a smile. This incident taught me that nothing is impossible if I really try.”
“KEI held large seminars on the U.S.-ROK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). I helped prepare for these events, which looked like the work would be simple, but it wasn’t. There were much to do, and the assignments presented a good opportunity for me to get familiar with the staff. The experts from each country had very different opinions on agriculture and the service market. I was pleased that I was able to make good use here of my knowledge acquired at KNU.”
“In addition, I participated in several programs on China issues. Most counties have a big interest in China’s economic growth, and the panelists discussed the impact of China’s economic growth on the world economy. Although China’s success is generally positive, adverse effects – like unemployment elsewhere – were evaluated in light of low prices for Chinese goods abroad.”
“KEI convened an Opinion Leaders Seminar in July, which was one of its biggest events held annually. Experts from many countries discussed U.S.-ROK FTA, the DPRK missiles, and complicated diplomatic relations. I was surprised to see that even interns could talk about substantive matters with people in high social positions. I couldn’t imagine this kind of scene in Korea, so it was very refreshing for me.”
“Our boss used to serve as the U.S. Special Envoy for Negotiations to the DPRK during the Clinton administration. One day he gathered the interns together and briefed us on DPRK-related issues and his experiences in North Korea, which he had visited several times. His observations were interesting and impressive.”
“As I write this paper and review my internship, I feel ‘high’ on life and brimming with pride because I attended many seminars and learned so much. I even had a chance to work with students from the Ivy League colleges. I have no doubt that this internship will be a catalyst for my future. I would like to say to students preparing internships: Do your best, and never give up -- even when things are too hard to carry out. Everything depends on how big our passions are.”
Read moreJessica Sardella
An undergraduate studying political science at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Jessica Sardella was a Maryland Distinguished Scholar who belonged to College Republicans before applying to the Washington Internship Program, which placed her in a summer position with Congressman Charles Dent (Pennsylvania Republican from District #15). During a six-week internship, Jessica was trained to lead tours of the capitol, she drafted correspondence to constituents, and answered all types of inquiries. Jessica watched debates on the floor of the House of Representatives, and she handled a wide range of topics in the office – including matters pertaining to a bill for school-bus safety, which the Congressman co-sponsored. Jessica attended hearings and wrote reports as she did at the Committee on Government Reform. From June through August, Jessica lived at WIP’s apartments within Summit Hills in Silver Spring, Maryland with Samantha Burns, a friend from college. The two young women came to D.C. together to take part in the Washington Internship Program.
The congressional internship soon led to a paid position for Jessica at a law firm in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Jessica worked at MG Title Escrow Company, LLC in Bethesda, Maryland for the last two months of the summer. Here she served as a receptionist at the front desk and also helped with various cases, most of which involved real-estate. Given Jessica’s study of Spanish, she plans to go abroad next winter or spring to build upon her legislative and legal background.
Read moreJu-Ran Yoon
A student from Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea, Ju-Ran Yoon also attended Seoul National University and was involved in broadcasting through her church, for which she sang (as she did to raise money for other charitable organizations). Ju-Ran worked as an English interpreter for the summer Olympiad held on her campus, and she taught English at a private educational institute. A junior in college, Ju-Ran applied to the Washington Internship Program in mid July of 2005 and requested an internship in mass communications. WIP placed her at Graham Williams Group and the Right Side Productions – a public-relations firm that also creates television and radio programs which examine political and cultural topics from a conservative perspective. Ju-Ran worked there with two other WIP interns: her friend Sumi Kang from KNU who was at Graham Williams /The Right Side Productions until being accepted for a second internship with C-Span Television, and an Italian intern – Laura Giovara, who had done some freelance broadcasting in Milan before this placement. Ju-Ran’s internship started in September, and in February of 2006 she was nearly fired for absenteeism and failing to give notice when unable to work due to illness. However, Ju-Ran learned from the example set by her peers, and her work product improved significantly. Below are parts of Ju-Ran’s final paper translated from the Korean.
“As I reflect over my year in Washington, D.C., this report reminds me of the early days. Over the months here, I thought a lot about the way Americans live. They rarely become daunted in front of many people, and most do not hesitate when expressing opinions. This cultural tendency was one of the most impressive realities I witnessed in the United States.
Ju-Ran Yoon [on left] is with supervisor, and KNU intern Sumi Kang is seated.)
“I was an intern at Graham Williams Group / Right Side Productions, a small broadcasting station. As I grew more self-assured, I realized that I could handle whatever challenges arose. Finding this confidence in myself was a joyful experience, which brought me one step closer to my dream of becoming a mass media announcer.”
“America is sometimes called the ‘land of opportunity,’ and it’s composed of diverse people with different origins and characteristics. I had trouble adjusting to this fact in the beginning, but I read as much as possible on the Internet – about the U.S. as well as broadcasting – to strengthen my professional background.”
“I enjoyed a great Christmas season at the home of our CEO. At work, most employees concentrated on assignments without much talking, but during the holidays staff treated us like family, and we all exchanged cards.”
“One day I went to Capitol Hill with my supervisor as well as the boss of our company. They both delivered speeches to many students. As I mentioned earlier, the young Americans in the audience – unlike typical Korean listeners – voiced their reactions with confidence. One of the most important lessons I learned during the internship is what U.S. citizens could teach all Koreans: a person can be modest but not shy, and each individual should proudly state his or her ideas without fear of shame or mistakes.”
“In addition, I worked as a volunteer at the twelfth annual Gala Dinner hosted by the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS). At this event, I met many successful people who had a positive impact on society, and I was excited to take part.”
“I promised myself to experience as much as possible before returning to Korea, but now that my internship is finished, I feel somewhat unfulfilled because there is always more to do. Nevertheless, I came to the ‘new world’ and developed diverse viewpoints on my own life. I’ll try to do my best in the future.”
Read moreAmelia A. Woessner
A journalism major also concentrating in management and communications at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, Amelia Woessner also attended Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Amelia applied to the Washington Internship Program on March 11, 2005 – a year before she wanted to start an internships – in order to insure that’d get the best possible placements in mass media. Amelia was running a 3.7 grade point average and had experience in radio, having worked at WRBB 104.9 FM, and in print journalism at Northeastern News and the Lexington Minuteman. Amelia was also employed at Allegiance Telecom, Inc. After conducting a phone interview, Amelia was accepted on May 6, 2006 at Talk Radio News – which is widely regarded as one of the most highly respected broadcasting internships in Washington, D.C. Amelia worked there four days a week beginning in June. Subsequently, she was also accepted at Radio Free Europe to begin in the fall, but on August 8 Amelia was accepted by Fox Broadcasting (WTTG) for an internship in television where she would work on Saturdays and Sundays as well as one day a week starting in September. As autumn turned into winter, Amelia’s hours and responsibilities grew at Fox, so she decided to stay there despite interview offers at C-SPAN television. Since Amelia’s work at Fox continued into 2007, the description of her internship there will be covered in next year’s annual report. Amelia chose to live at Summit Hills Apartments where she made friends with other WIP interns: two suitemates in public relations from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and two other women in law from Lynn University in Florida and the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Below are notes by Amelia about her first internship.
“At Talk Radio News I spent six months going to hearings at Capital Hill and surrounding areas. After attending these sessions in the Senate or House of Representatives, I wrote clips about then that were posted on the website. I worked from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. four days a week, and on weekends if I was asked to come, I was paid to do so. I worked as a radio producer and a reporter for both Talk Radio and College Media News. As a journalist in Washington, D.C., I covered the Israeli-Lebanon Conflict and the 2006 Midterm elections; I also conducted many interviews. I had the opportunity to cover serious issues with Israeli Ambassador Daniel Ayalon, Congresswoman Melissa Hart (Republican from Pennsylvania), and Vice President Bruce Freidrich from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). In producing the news, I assisted staff during coverage of events all around the Beltway. I produced nationally syndicated news programs published on www.talkradionews.com and countless stories on www.collegemedianews.com.
Read moreSu-Yeon Park
A student from Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea, Su-Yeon Park applied in January of 2006 and was promptly placed at International Trade and Technology (IT&T). Much of her paper describing this internship appears below in translation from the Korean.
“I wanted an internship before graduating from college, so I was pleased to discover that KNU has a relationship with the Washington Internship Program. To my surprise, I was quickly placed at International Trade and Technology, so I had no problem waiting for a company to accept me. Then IT&T requested that I come to Washington, D.C. as soon as possible to help with a big trade fair called the Federal Office System Exhibition (FOSE) on March 6. After I received my DS-2019 for the J1 visa and attended an interview at the American Embassy in Korea, I flew to the United States and arrived on March 4. I started work without even having a rest from the jet lag. FOSE was aimed at the U.S. federal government as a customer. KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) held the exhibition, and IT&T attended as a consultant for KOTRA and eleven other Korean companies. I attended the exhibition and helped it run smoothly. The scale of this event overpowered me. Since it was the thirtieth anniversary of FOSE, it was even bigger than usual. I adjusted to being in the U.S. while helping with the exhibition for three days.”
“IT&T helps Korean enterprises to export goods, like military supplies, into the United States. This firm was founded by Jeong Seung-Gyu and Nina May ten years ago. Many Korean companies have similar problems; although their products are often better than the American competition, the Korean companies tend to have weaknesses with advertising in English. IT&T functions as a link between Korean and American firms. I felt proud of our company for the important work it does. The fact that my contribution could affect exports from my country motivated me to work hard at the internship.”
“I was given the title of a ‘marketing assistant,’ but I flexibly worked on several tasks depending on the situation. For example, I also helped with fight and hotel reservations because our company is somewhat small. In addition, I scheduled staff meetings, which were held three or four times a week, and wrote reports on the results. In addition, I took part in FOSE and the Government Security Expo (GOVSEC) as well as the Sea, Air, Space, and Marine Military Expo.”
“One day I conducted a tour of Washington for an important buyer from Mexico. My boss, who is fluent in Spanish, was supposed to be in charge of this tour, but he had other important business to handle at the time. I took our guest to famous attractions like the Smithsonian Institution, the National Aquarium, and Capitol Hill. I had a good time with the man who was our client because we went to many places I haven’t yet seen but was hoping to visit.”
“I lived in the home of my boss, Nina, in McLean, Virginia. When I first saw this house, I was surprised by its splendor. I had heard that this town was quite rich, but the level of the wealth was more than I expected. I held parties many times, thanks to the kindness of my host family, and I had the chance to experience American-style parties. My host family took me to the fireworks during Independence Day. I was impressed that Americans celebrate their history even though it is relatively recent.”
“Public transportation in McLean was not very good – probably because this town is affluent and every household has at least two vehicles. During weekdays, I had little trouble because my boss gave me a ride to and from work, but on weekends getting to Washington was inconvenient. Since there was no Metro access near where I lived, I relied on buses that run once or twice per hour, and if I missed one, I had to wait another hour or go home. I shopped at Giants, Whole Food, Safeway, and Harris Teeter for groceries. Sometimes I went to Korean markets to buy rice and Kimchee. The price of food was almost the same as in Korea and even cheaper for milk and fruits, but eating in restaurants costs at least ten dollars for dinner.”
“I went to Milwaukee and Chicago for sightseeing. One of my friends was living in there, so I stayed in her house with her family. Chicago, the third largest city in America, has a big body of water – Lake Michigan – and lots of skyscrapers, which are absent from Washington because zoning codes prohibit buildings from being higher than the Capitol. I visited the Art Institute of Chicago and spent a whole day enjoying its large collection. I saved money by using the international student card. As always, traveling filled me with joy.”
“From my internship I learned the importance of positive thinking and trying to learn from whatever I did. I realized that I have to approach first when meeting new people. No one will show interest in me if I stand alone and don’t talk. Better to say: “Yes, I can do this” when facing a challenge rather than cultivating modesty. Nevertheless, I feel somewhat wistful because I wasn’t active or aggressive enough. This internship taught me that how many fruits I bear depends on how much I try and how fully I expose myself to the world.”
Read moreJaroslav Plevko
A student who majored in computer engineering at Slovak University of Technology in Slovakia, Jaroslav Plevko first applied to the Washington Internship Program over a year before he actually participated. Jaroslav was deferred when he explained that personal reasons would interfere with the original start date he had requested, but WIP reactivated Jaro’s candidacy after these matters were resolved – as is always the case when interns need to postpone their participation in the Washington Internship Program until any date in the future that proves to be more convenient. Jaro was placed in a paid internship at Global Management Solutions, LLC, which involved both his training in information technology and global interests. Located on Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Washington, Global Management Solutions was quite flexible in the hours Jaro worked and the three major organizations to which he was assigned on a contractual basis. Therefore, Jaro was able to live nearly an hour away and commute from Severn, Maryland. Jaro’s J1 visa was for eighteen months, and he started his internship on May 16, 2005.
Before long, Jaro told WIP about his girlfriend – Manami Osugi from Kinki University in Osaka, Japan – who had also majored in computers and wished to participate in the Washington Internship Program. Manami was accepted by WIP and placed in the information technology department of the American Red Cross in Fairfax, Virginia where she started an eighteen-month internship in mid September of 2005. Manami followed in the footsteps of WIP interns from Kenya in Africa; Seoul, South Korea; Ankara, Turkey (by way of Tampa, Florida); Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (by way of Flint, Michigan); and Moscow in Russia – not to mention Lowell, Massachusetts (by way of India), which illustrates some of the diverse locations from which the Washington Internship Program selected interns to work at the American Red Cross over the past few years. The story of global friendship between Jaro and Manami, two students in the same field who were dispersed geographically but brought together in the U.S. capital through the Washington Internship Program, is reiterated in similar international anecdotes over the years that WIP is pleased to share.
Fittingly, the Red Cross is famous for providing a safe blood supply and helping with emergency services during natural and man-made disasters. Manami is still working so her paper has not yet been submitted, but suffice it to say that her internship involved work with the database administrator, health and safety training, graphics and communication, creation of an on-line portal for authorized providers, customer relations, and e-commerce related to items from the Red Cross catalogue. Both Jaro and Manami profited from WIP’s second weekly class, intensive English for interns from countries where English is not the native language, which was taught by Andrew Kolb at International House on Monday evenings. This instruction assisted the couple in communicating with one another as well as with professional staff on the job. Jaroslav’s description of his compound internship appears below:
INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE
“I worked at Global management Solutions, LLC, and my internship began in May of 2005 and ended at the conclusion of October 2006. In the fall, I will begin studying for my Masters degree in science at Strayer University in Washington, D.C. where I plan to specialize in information and business-network management. From November 2005 through January 2006, I was assigned to work as a network administrator for the International Republican Institute. There I monitored network traffic and AD management on a daily basis. I protected the computers against SPAM and other viruses through use of a Norton Antivirus Corporate edition. Each task had to be logged in TRACKIT, which is a software program for managing and supporting IT assets. IRI has branch offices around the world. I helped keep these programs up and running under Windows 2003 platform servers. The company uses a centralized exchange, which was accessible to traveling employers through VPN clients. We also backed up documents on Z-Box storage units. Our employees, who worked for a year abroad, attended a New Year retreat that my company sponsored. This unique opportunity gave us a chance to meet more than 140 people who were greeted by senator McCain during the event. For eleven days we worked on their laptops to solve any problems the workers may have developed overseas. Typical tasks involved cleaning Spyware / viruses, updating new software, and addressing hardware difficulties. During this period, we also held a number of virtual conferences using IP phone connections, which were helpful for support when we couldn’t reach staff members personally and our branches had no reasonable IT services in the countries where they were based.”
AFFINITY NETWORK SOLUTIONS, WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION
“From February through April of 2006, I was assigned to Affinity Network Solutions, Inc. where I worked on a project for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) that involved PC system replacement. I personally visited all the sites and replaced old systems with new ones. There were more than fourteen hundred personal computers throughout the Washington, D.C. / Maryland area. We installed image capabilities on all computers as was required by the department. On site I replaced units, created logon procedures for users, and connected PCs to the domain. I also insured that old data could migrate to new PCs. Such tasks involved using a product called a Ghost-image server from Symantec. Using old speeds of 100Mb/s, we needed to establish connections with local hubs and switches.”
INDYNE, INC., CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)
“From April through October 2006, I was assigned to InDyne, Inc. as an SQL / Delphi programmer. The project to which I devoted most of my time was created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We developed a server-client application for Suicide / Homicide death reports. The main tools used were: Microsoft SQL server 2000 plus object-oriented language from Delphi and Borland. The applications used were Principe relational database structures. Each form had its own database, and every variable involved a value lookup. InDyne supports all state users through its own helpdesk, which entailed more work for us in terms of debugging and tuning applications.”
Read moreYu-Jung Ko
Like twelve other interns from Kyungpook National University in Deagu, South Korea, Yu-Jung applied to the Washington Internship Program in early December of 2005. Yu-Jung’s major was French language and literature, and she had gained much international experience working in Melbourne, Australia as a conservation volunteer and traveling throughout Europe to London, Prague, Munich, Interlaken, Rome, Venice, Nice, Paris, and Madrid. A member of the Scuba Diving Club on campus, Yu-Jung studied English at the Box Hill TAFE Institute. She requested an internship dealing with tourism or intercultural issues. Within a month, WIP placed Yu-Jung in a paid internship at Delphi International Cultural Exchange where she worked full-time for six months beginning in early March and earned $7 an hour. One other KNU intern had an unpaid internship there during the same time period. Among other activities, Delphi International sponsors international exchange programs that are funded by the U.S. State Department. Like other KNU interns who chose not to live in WIP housing, Yu-Jung cautioned that this decision might not have been the best because finding an apartment on her own proved more difficult than she anticipated, which is why WIP makes housing available to all interns who decide to live in any of its varied residences. Below are some excerpts and photographs from Yu-Jung’s final paper.
“At first I was anxious about going to the United State for an internship because I had only one year left to prepare for getting a job, and I didn’t want to postpone graduation. However, my professor advised me that finishing college a year or two later would never affect my future while working within my field in the United States could be a big help, so I decided to embark upon a brand new experience. The visa process was handled much more satisfactorily than I expected, and I was eager to work for an organization related to tourism. The first place to which I applied with the help of the Washington Internship Program was the Travel Association of America (TIA), which seemed like the Korea National Tourism Organization. I submitted my resume and cover letter after these documents were edited by WIP, and then I had an interview over the phone. Unfortunately, TIA didn’t accept me and hired an American applicant instead. Next, I applied to Delphi International, which is a non-government organization working on educational and cultural tourism, which accepted me for an internship and welcomed me warmly. On March 7, 2006 I boarded an airplane for the United States. Upon arriving in D.C., I had difficulty because I spent much time trying to find accommodations and open a bank account, which might have taken just a couple hours in Korea. I recognized that living in another country would not be easy.”
“My work at Delphi International involved young and influential people whom the U.S. Embassy selected as representatives from foreign counties, and then these individuals are invited to America for three weeks. They usually stay in D.C. for about one week and participate in conferences and other events, and then they visit other cities to attend professional meetings before returning to their home countries. Some travel all around the U.S. before going home. Delphi International manages their schedules while in Washington.”
“One of the most surprising things I learned about this program is that the U.S. government covers all expenses for these visitors. Although encouraging tourism this way might be considered ‘cultural imperialism,’ my co-workers explained that the purpose of this program is to promote better relationships with other countries rather than trying to get other nations to copy American culture. I think the Korean government is short-sighted for failing to recognize the necessity of implementing a similar project as a long-term strategy. Personally, this project seems very attractive to me because it was not simply tourism but an educational culture exchange on a high level. I believe it would be worth trying in Korea.”
“I conducted research on special programs, hotel reservations, account documents, and vehicle companies in New York to help attendees avoid problems when they went to other cities. I learned computer programs, like insurance software called Win-ASPE. We make briefing books about programs in which the attendees participated, and for this task I used E-NPA software. Three months later, I my name appeared in these briefing books, and then I was able to introduce myself to State Department officers and the Delphi team at the opening luncheon. I really appreciated my supervisor, who gave me lots of chances.”
“One of the best parts of my internship was making friends with a girl who was majoring in international politics at Georgetown University. We shared much in common, so becoming close was easy. I had a great time with her and was touched by her hospitality. When my internship drew to a close, she came to the airport along with her mother and sister to see me off on my flight.”
“I had both hard times and good times during six months in Washington. Sometimes I felt homesick and nostalgic for home, but I overcame these sentiments and did everything I was assigned. I left America full of confidence and enthusiasm. Everything I had in Washington was more precious and valuable than I could have imagined.”
Read moreKarmen Wong
A student from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, Karmen Wong also attended Tsinghua University (China’s equivalent of MIT) in Beijing in 2005. Karmen worked as a library aide at Northwestern University, a publicity chair on the college Executive Board, and a site leader for Northwestern University’s Development Corps. She is proficiency in both Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese. Karmen applied to the Washington Internship Program in early April and requested a Capitol Hill internship for the summer with a Republican from Illinois since she both attends college and lives in that state. On May 24 WIP placed her with Congresswoman Judy Biggert, the Illinois Republican from District #13. Karmen worked in the Longworth House Office Building from late June through early September and lived in Logan House on 11th Street, N.W. along with other WIP and NAFEO (National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education) interns. Representative Biggert was so pleased with Karmen’s contribution that the Congresswoman spoke about her politics and career at a private breakfast, hosted by the Washington Internship Program within one of the congressional suites. Karmen tells about her exciting internship below:
“As my internship draws to a close, I feel that I’ve really enjoyed this summer working on Capitol Hill. Six months ago I would have never imagined that I would be here! I learned a lot at work and in the city, and I got to know interesting people. I looked at enough monuments, statues, and neoclassical architecture to make my head spin. Through an unofficial restaurant club formed by two friends and me, I experienced the culinary delights of several neighborhoods, and the WIP retreat was a fun escape into the ‘wilderness.’ In all, I really enjoyed living and working here.”
“The atmosphere in Congresswoman Judy Biggert’s office was relaxed and comfortable. I was somewhat relieved on the first day of work since I’d feared a strict office. In general, the community on Capitol Hill is rather friendly due to the high number of young staff members. Someone once joked that the only way to tell the interns from the staff was that ‘interns are always on cell phones while staffers are on Blackberrys.’ Indeed, the small age gap between the staff and the interns made it very easy to get to know each other. A strong camaraderie formed between the Congresswoman’s three interns, and these friendships certainly made for some amusing scenes in the office.”
“Intern-led tours of the Capitol building were times in the day that guaranteed a seventy to ninety-minute break from office developments. The process of deciding who got to lead the tour evolved into a high art. Often it came down to rock-paper-scissors, but there were also coin tosses and even talk of paper-airplane contests. Sometimes winners led the tours; other times, they won the option of deciding who headed them. We used reverse psychology, probability, reversal of reverse psychology – anything to get the upper hand. Regardless of who won, the tours were spread pretty evenly among the interns.”
“The internship was a bit overwhelming at first. I wondered how I would ever memorize the way to the Capitol and all the different stories, descriptions, and dates. I’m shy in terms of public speaking, but fortunately I took two very useful classes during my spring quarter at Northwestern: ‘Museum Exhibitions’ and the ‘Art of Storytelling.’ Giving tours was the perfect application of what I had learned in the classroom. Everything had a story, and the Capitol itself was a museum.”
“I was nervous during those first few tours, and sometimes I made mistakes and felt incompetent. Even after I learned the tour, there were always things that made a guide’s job difficult – like large crowds or hyperactive children. In the end, however, I enjoyed giving tours. The rotunda never ceased to amaze me although I saw it over thirty times during my internship while giving my ‘nine million pounds of cast iron’ speech. Every time I talked about France E. Willard, the first female president of Northwestern University and whose statue is in Statuary Hall, I couldn’t help but swell with pride. Maybe I would feel differently if I gave tours of the Capitol for several years, but throughout the summer this opportunity never got old.”
“The best part of my internship was the chance to work with the staff on legislative issues. Each covered an area like health, agriculture, energy, or financial literacy. The interns were encouraged to identify topics of interest. Since I was interested in public relations, I started working with the press secretary. I helped her write press releases and attended a press conference. I was very happy that I got a chance to work with her since this fall I will be one of the people handling publicity for NCDC, a volunteer organization at school. Although publicity for college organizations mainly involve fliers and chalk ads on the sidewalk, learning how to write better will be helpful in connection with pieces for the school newspaper.”
“I discovered that coming to the Hill as an English major didn’t put me at any disadvantage over interns studying politics. Although many Capital-Hill interns do concentrate on government and political science, any major can find a place here. After all, a degree in American government probably won’t help a person understand the details of a bill dealing with alternate sources of energy. Many constituents who came on my tour asked if I’m headed toward law school. Sometimes they were surprised to learn that I’m studying Victorian literature.”
“At the event to which the Washington Internship Program took us within the Israeli Embassy, I had a conversation with a scientist who made a rather interesting comment about my field of study. He said that examining Victorian Britain gives many clues about modern America. The power (economic, cultural, and political) of the British Empire was similar to America’s place on the international scene today. In all, I liked the WIP events that were held outside the classroom at Georgetown University. These special activities were educational, and they also presented a great chance to meet people working throughout the city. The diverse organizations in Washington attract people with unique perspectives and experiences. Many were much older than I, and I enjoyed learning what they decided to do after graduation.”
“I made many friends within the program and Logan House. Although our interests and habits were different, the residents of Logan House got along pretty well. I think a part of that compatibility related to the fact that we all didn’t become very close. Bizarre as this statement sounds, it makes a lot of sense. Best friends often make bad roommates simply because both parties are too involved in each others’ lives. As housemates, we knew each other well enough to put on a pleasant face all the time, and we left the complaining and drama of everyday life to our relatives and friends back home.”
“When I told my mother over the phone about the different people I met, she replied enthusiastically, ‘See, you’ve made so many friends from everywhere!’ Doing so took very little effort on my part, which was truly an unexpected plus within this program. WIP drops you in a large group of people who have a high probability of sharing your interests. It’s impossible not to make good friends while in the Washington Internship Program. The best part is that a lot of these people are so geographically distant that you would never have met them otherwise.”
“Working and living in Washington has been a rewarding experience for me. I learned a lot about career choices and how to live on my own (without the help of a dorm and dining hall). Another intern asked me if I could imagine myself living here permanently. I though, ‘Yeah, I could get used to it.’ This city has its charms; it’s modern while holding onto its roots. I remember traveling to Beijing, which is a capitol city in its adolescence. It is still coming to terms with modernization and is a little awkward around the edges. Washington, on the other hand, seems happily settled. It moves along at a good pace, and there is always something new to discover.”
Read moreJu-Young Lee
One of many interns from Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea, Ju-Young Lee also attended the University of Texas in Dallas. She was majoring in electrical engineering, and her graduation project involved optical modulation for digital frame/packet transmission. Ju-Young worled in the past as a volunteer at a welfare center, and she was head of the Math Club on campus as well as class president. She applied to the Washington Internship Program on July 8, 2005, and in late August both she and another KNU student – Yun-Woo Lee – were placed by WIP at Primus Telecommunications, a company with headquarters in Mclean, Virginia that was founded by a man whose family came to the United States from India and whose daughter (a WIP intern years ago) received a paid internship at Points of Light Foundation. Her dad was so impressed with the Washington Internship Program that he subsequently accepted young people from all over the world as interns within his multinational corporation. In the fall, Ju-Young began a year-long internship there.
At the same time, another intern from Korea – Taesu Kim from Korea University in Seoul – was also placed by WIP at Primus Telecommunications for six months, during which time he worked in the Translations Department as a routing and database administrator handing route changes in VOIP, software, and Nortel GSP. Taesu was trained to help with fault-finding routing and translation errors, and Taesu did so well that he was moved to another department at Primus Telecommunications to learn more. Therefore, Taesu applied and received a visa extension to stay at this internship for a total of eighteen months. Taesu lived at one of the apartments in the Summit Hills complex that is furnished and operated by the Washington Internship Program; he shared a room with another KNU intern: Ji-Hoon Jeong. These young men learned English from their other roommates while becoming close friends.
When Ju-Young was at her internship, these two other Korean students worked there as well in different departments. Below are remarks from Ju-Young about her experience.
“I was sick and tired of school when I found a notice about the Washington Internship Program on the KNU website, and I felt something lurch in my heart. I applied for the internship program, had an interview, and was accepted. My expectations grew over the coming months as I excitedly anticipated applying in the ‘real world’ what I had learned in college.”
“I did research about Washington, D.C., and my plans began to take shape. However, facts I found on the Internet gave me some fears about Washington. I learned that the District of Columbia has one of the highest crime rates of all cities in the United States, but I did not give up my dream of going there. I applied to Primus Telecommunications and kept studying English in Korea, but the upcoming phone interview made me tense because I never experienced a professional interview in the past. However, the interview went well because I prepared extensively and was asked questions I expected. Soon, I became an intern at Primus Telecommunications.”
“I came to D.C. two months later than I originally planned, but I used the extra time to get ready for my new life in the United States. I arrived in Washington after twenty-four hours in the air. It was horrible. I was supposed to stay with friends until I found my own place, but the next day I went to work at Primus even though my supervisors wanted me to begin several days later after recovering from jet-lag. I was filled with excitement and curiosity. I never hesitated to ask questions and did my best to be positive. I found accommodations in Virginia that were very close to my workplace.”
“At Primus Telecommunications, as at all such companies, customers complained about the inconvenience of being disconnected. I checked dissatisfaction reports and then called people to check if their services worked well. It was simple work, but I felt interested because it was the first time for me.”
“I also did volunteer work at an organization I found on the Internet that provides meals for the homeless. I met many good people there. However, I felt that my English was not improving as quickly as it should because I was living in Virginia, so I moved to Washington, which is much livelier.”
“I did more volunteer work at the Red Cross headquarters. The work was easy because I could go whenever I was available. I felt comfortable around the people there and had lots of chances to talk in English.”
“In addition, I traveled all across America – to the Western, central, and Eastern states. I saw the differences between the “wild” West and the more old-fashioned and cultured East. D.C. was more formal in terms of clothing than the casual West.”
Read moreKimberly R. Frazier
A student from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina who also attended Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia and Temple University in Rome, Italy, Kimberly Frazier served on the Student Government Executive Board and was a teaching assistant at the Collegiate School in Richmond, Virginia.
She was a researcher dealing with arts curriculum for underprivileged children, and she speaks both Spanish and Italian; Kimberly traveled to Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, England, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean (including Bermuda). She belonged to Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and worked in the past at Frazier Insurance. The Washington Internship Program originally recommended an internship in the arts (at museums or galleries) when Kimberly applied in mid February for a summer internship, but Kimberly insisted that she wished to use her artistic background for an internship in advertising and/or public relations. As with many interns, WIP staff reassured Kimberly that most places wait to choose summer interns until late spring – even when candidates apply early, which increases their chances of acceptance. Kimberly waited impatiently for months and was thrilled when she was offered an internship on May 15 by the American Advertising Federation for a position that started in early June and lasted through mid August, during which time Kimberly lived in townhouses operated by George Washington University (with which WIP is affiliated).
Located centrally in downtown D.C. on Vermont Avenue, N.W., the American Advertising Federation is very selective in choosing interns, but other WIP students and graduates worked there as interns in the past. Kimberly wrote of her placement: “I was a marketing intern for the American Advertising Federation where I enjoyed a great experience and learned a lot about many different facets of the advertising industry. I would highly recommend this internship to future students. The office environment is very friendly, and staff members were always willing to help. I think this job would be great for someone who is independent and self-motivated. The summer is a slower time for AAF because the organization has just completed its national conference, so I conducted research and helped with planning the Advertising Hall of Achievement. I was lucky to have this great opportunity to see the amount of effort that goes into such an event along with the cooperation between departments in the office. I just heard that a candidate I strongly recommended to the planning committee was chosen as one of seven people inducted into the Hall of Achievement this fall. I feel like I really made a difference, and I was a highly valued member of the team.”
Read moreChang-Mo Kim
Another member of South Korea’s delegation to the Washington Internship Program from Kyungpook National University in Daegu was Chang-Mo Kim, who also studied at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia. He applied to WIP on the last day of November in 2005 for an internship in computers and education. Chang-Mo did his national service within the Korean Air Force as a prison guard for the military police, and he was a private teacher of English and mathematics. Chang-Mo completed volunteer work in the Philippines, which improved his English as did his employment at Starbucks; study at the KNU Language Institute; and travels throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia: to New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Detroit, and Boston; Niagara Falls, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec; Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Tangalooma. On January 4, 2006, the Washington Internship Program placed Chang-Mo at Computer C.O.R.E. where a previous intern from the Washington Internship Program was a volunteer following his internship at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Computer C.O.R.E. is a nonprofit organization that teaches information technology to poor people who need such proficiency to find good jobs. Chang-Mo was also accepted by Corporate Zen, an American IT company – located in Arlington, Virginia – that is run by a man of Korean origin, but Chan-Mo specifically wanted an internship that combined teaching with computer expertise. WIP directed Chang-Mo to the Home-Stay program where young people can live with America families for about $500 a month (because Chang-Mo felt he couldn’t afford $250 more to live in WIP housing), so he was placed within a household in Alexandria, Virginia since Computer C.O.R.E. has offices in that city. However, Chang-Mo later moved to a studio apartment but recommended to interns from Korea and abroad that living in WIP housing with U.S. students and other English-speaking participants – the way WIP advises – is well worth the expense because of the improvement in language skills and friendships with peers worldwide that invariably result. Below are more of Chang-Mo’s thoughts about his six-month internship, which started in February.
“I was interested in the Washington Internship Program described on the KNU webpage because I wanted a variety of experiences that couldn’t be had in school. I didn’t hesitate to apply because I could get academic credit, and the program was in the United States. I managed to pass the interview for the J1 visa, held at the U.S. Embassy in Korea, and then I chose Home-Stay for my accommodations. I got on an airplane without any worries about my upcoming life in the United States.”
“My host family was kind to me, but I felt uncomfortable using public transportations from Alexandria where most people commute by car, so public transportation wasn’t reliable. The schedules, for example, were frequently wrong, and I often missed my bus. After three months, I moved into a studio apartment close to my company, but I recommend to other Korean students like me that living with Americans is much better because of the opportunity to learn more English and U.S. culture, which will not happen as much when residing alone.”
“I worked as an intern at Computer C.O.R.E. (Community Outreach and Education), which provides basic information-technology and employment skills for low-income groups. Most of the people served were immigrants from Africa, Asia, and South America. The organization is run by four regular employees plus large numbers of volunteers, so it was always very busy, but I liked it. I did an examination and annotation of computer textbooks in schools. I also worked as an interviewer for applicants who wanted to take computer classes. I was nervous at first because most of the applicants’ English was better than mine. I also managed the classes to make them run smoothly, and I even wrote questions for exams. I was very happy because a lot of students applied for my class even though my English was poor compared to other tutors. My last project was developing an intermediate computer class through NOVA University. Students could acquire three credits without taking the class if they passed the ITE 115 test. I did my best and felt so proud of the results.”
“The most impressive moment of my time in D.C. was the graduation ceremony. I unexpectedly received lots of thank-you letters. In fact, I got more expressions of gratitude from students than staff. I also participated in the CTC National Conference, which was the most fruitful moment in my life – even though it was not easy. I would definitely recommend Computer C.O.R.E to other students interested in information technology and education.”
“If possible, I hope to work in the future for public institutions like Computer C.O.R.E., or return to C.O.R.E., and I’d like to establish similar facilities in Korea if I can afford to do so.”
Read moreLiana Matei
A graduate from Nicolae Titulescu University in Bucharest, Romania, Liana Matei earned a Masters degree in international and community law, and she completed her undergraduate work at Romanian-American University, also in Bucharest. Liana was working as a junior councilor within the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority at the European Integration and International Relations Department in her country where she transposed the European Union’s laws into Romanian legislation, went to meetings of the European Commission, and met with government officials. Liana was trilingual in English, French, and Romanian; she had traveled extensively through France, Tunisia, Spain, Austria, Italy, Greece, Cambridge, and England. Liana requested an internship in diplomacy when she and her boyfriend, Augustin Tudor Paul Dragan both applied to the Washington Internship Program in early October of 2003, and by the end of the month WIP placed her at Meridian International Center, which works with foreign embassies, conducts seminars on world affairs, sends missions overseas, and promotes educational outreach throughout the schools by teaching American youngsters about the cultures of other nations. Liana and Paul moved into International House four months later, and due to superb English and leadership skills, by the summer they became resident assistants for other interns. In the fall, the couple applied to extend their visas by six months, and both became paid interns for the Washington Internship Program where Liana planned recruiting trips in Canada and the U.S., managed a weekly job-bank of part-time paid employment, spoke with students from across America and abroad who wanted information about WIP, did computer work, and helped execute field trips and retreats. Below is Liana’s description of her first internship.
“Meridian International Center is a nonprofit institution that promotes international understanding through the exchange of people, ideas and arts. Established in 1960 with headquarters in Washington D.C., Meridian educated people of all ages about global issues while connecting professionals from different countries and promoting multicultural perspectives across the United States and abroad. Meridian International is a place where the world comes together. I started my internship there on February 23, 2006, and for more than seven months I enjoyed working in a global environment. I was based in the Educational Outreach Department where I provided office support and was an archivist for the Culture Box Library (that contains hands-on learning resources for teaching about different countries and regions of the world). I created the Romanian culture box as part of what Dr. Bayer described as a ‘time-capsule museum,’ and I prepared materials for India while renovating display artifacts for Japan, Senegal, and Russia. I also served as liaison for teachers throughout area schools who checked-out these boxes, and I served as a receptionist for visitors to the office. During six weeks in the summer, I was the sole representative of the Educational Outreach Office as other staff members were out of the country at a work project. My supervisors felt comfortable leaving the office in my hands, and I did my best to meet their expectations and respond to other departments. I felt so proud when they returned and were highly satisfied with the work I did while they were away.”
“At Meridian I learned to write more effectively in conjunction with public events, and I conducted background research, corresponded with embassies and guest speakers, updated the library, prepared invitations, monitored the cultural lending system, maintained databases, and performed a host of administrative duties. I also planned specialized programs and worked with clients using various computer programs. My internship at Meridian was one of the best experiences of my career thus far. Supervisors encouraged me to apply the skills I had learned in school, trusted me to assume responsibility, and helped me gain new insights and tools for success. At the same time, the Washington Internship Program taught me about this extraordinary capital city and what people can accomplish when they really care about what they do.”
“This past year I had the great opportunity to experience Washington, D.C. from an insider’s point of view, which was an amazing chance for a young adult seeking professional development and enrichment. I learned about foreign affairs and international education, but one year was not enough to achieve all my goals so I extended my J1 visa to eighteen months in order to stay longer in this fascinating city where my boyfriend and I made so many close friends. We were able to compare diplomatic life in America with Romanian models, and I was thrilled to assist WIP – the organization that made possible this exciting chapter in my life.”
Read moreAh-Youn Park
A junior from Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea who also attended Sendai University in Japan, Ah-Youn was majoring in both English and Japanese language and literature when she applied to the Washington Internship Program on December 3, 2005. Ah-Youn had worked in the past as an English tutor for elementary and middle-school students, and she served as a host family for a KNU student from Japan after she herself lived with a family in Japan in 1999. Ah-Youn taught Korean when she was in Japan, and she also traveled to Malaysia and Singapore. On campus, Ah-Youn belonged to a Korean Traditional Instrument Club, and she studied at the KNU Language Institute. Just thirteen days after WIP accepted Ah-Youn, she was placed at the National Japanese-America Memorial Foundation, located on I Street, N.W., in a paid internship (with a salary of about $10 a hour) to start in February or March of 2006. Although Ah-Youn learned much as an office assistant at NJAMF, she experienced some personal and cultural difficulties that led to her being fired in June after a disagreement with a supervisors that let to his dismissal from work. Below are excerpts from Ah-Youn’s monthly reports on her first internship.
“One of my first jobs at the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation was translating the organization’s website into Japanese – a task I myself requested. In addition, I helped with packaging books and other materials related to soliciting donations for this nonprofit foundation. I had trouble talking in English with the office administrator in charge of my assignments, so he gave me many language lessons. Soon, my spoken English improved to the point where I was allowed to answer the phone. I also filed documents. On April 6 we had one of the biggest annual events: a gala dinner for which we worked hard on preparations for weeks. I was on the NJAMF Committee, and the booklet from this occasion includes my name. I researched aspects of Japanese-America history that were used at presentations delivered at the dinner, and when I saw my pictures on display, I felt proud. Five days later, we had a board meeting. Some of my work for these events felt mechanical and repetitive, like making copies and putting them in protectors. However, other days were more exciting – like when we went to the Memorial and greeted elementary-school students visiting from another city. I distributed pamphlets and took pictures, and we taught the children about World War II and the unfortunate internment of Japanese-Americans in camps within the United States.”
Ah-Youn complained about the office administrator’s conduct, which she considered rude, and the man was asked to leave his position in May. Ah-Youn continued working for other departments using the Excel program on computers. However, she was not given much work once her supervisor left the organization and she continued working in a different building than most of the staff. Ah-Youn refused assistance with this matter from the director of the Washington Internship Program. In retrospect, she missed the fine teacher whose departure she had caused. Ah-Youn worked hard on a few more translations from English into Japanese. “I was so happy with my work and felt good to be alive,” explained Ah-Youn. “However, June 30th was my last day at NJAMF. I was sad, but I thought this ending might be a good sign. One of my favorite co-workers said to me: ‘When things seem awful, remember that in the worst of fortune can be found the best chances for a happy change.’ I felt frustrated and knew I was in deep trouble, but maybe I would get another fantastic internship I never expected. I have good memories of my first job. I learned so many things I had never seen, heard, felt, or thought. I definitely know that such an experience is more valuable than any amount of money, which is why it's much more precious than something visible. I love my co-workers, but I knew the time had come to say good-bye. When I was told to quip by my supervisor, I didn't feel good, but soon I was strong enough to make another try.” Ah-Youn was told that she lost her internship due to inadequate work and leaving the office for long periods of time during the day without being excused as well as taking food and other objects that did not belong to her. After visiting relatives in New York, Ah-Youn had the courage to try again, and she needed to earn money to afford life on America. Apparently, she learned some valuable lessons from her mistakes.
E.L. HAYNES PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
On July 26, less than a month after Ah-Youn lost her job at the National Japanese-American Memorial Foundation, the Washington Internship Program found her a second paid internship – this one at the E.L. Haynes Public Charter School on 14th Street, N.W. This elementary school opened three years ago and now contains 160 children ranging from pre-school to the forth grade. Each year, a new class is added. Ah-Youn became a full-time teacher’s assistant working with four-year-old youngsters and also teaching all grades about life in Korea and Japan. Ah-Youn worked at this position from late July until November 21 when once again she lost her job, which Ah-Youn attributed to scheduling problems. Below are poignant excerpts from Ah-Youn’s monthly journal.
“After training to work as a teacher in the Extended-Day Program at E. L. Haynes Public Charter School, I began my second internship where I have been so happy. I always dreamed of becoming an English teacher at a language institute after graduation from college, and I pictured myself at a school with lovely kids. This educational position will be more helpful than the first internship in terms of my future career. I spend my time at pre-kindergarten in the morning and within the kindergarten during the afternoon. I observe the children at all times and help them keep up with the teacher. Sometimes I dance with the youngsters, and I watch animated movies with them, read them books, teach them how to write the letters of the alphabet, and help them draw with colored pencils. Compared to NJAMF, E. L. Haynes Public Charter School is awesome for me. I have time to talk with the children, and many regular teachers and staff members try to help me whenever I need assistance. I 'm satisfied with the atmosphere at the school, and I concentrate on doing my best. This internship is fantastic. I go to both the first and forth grade classrooms where I help the pupils with math. I also take part in the Kite Club on Wednesdays with the main teacher, and I help the students there. Sometimes I work at before care, which takes place in the morning prior to the start of regular classes. I also work as a teaching assistant during Spanish class at Pre-K and Kindergarten. I always come on time, and I appreciate this great, rare chance. I was so glad to be considered a reliable employee. Since I couldn’t do my best at NJAMF the way I had expected, here I had a second chance to do my work with all my heart. I think of myself as so lucky. Most interns can't get paid internships easily, and I had two. I watch movies three to four times a week with the kids. It is the perfect job for me. I have happy days with the children!
In September Ah-Youn wrote: “I' m getting settled these days. I moved to Bethesda near the metro station so I can get to my internship more easily. I used to spend four hours round-trip commuting by bus to work, so I was exhausted all the time. I try to be as diligent as I can. I was offered a part-time job working at the kindergarten for two hours per day. I help with decorating the classrooms, and I go to the park with the kids for recess that lasts an hour. I take the youngsters to the restrooms and make sure they don’t play there as a way to skip class. I help them with coloring, reading books, drawing, and writing. I have so many chances to practice English with the children, so my language skills continue to improve. I think it's marvelous how well I deal with these children as time goes by. We have an intercession program next month. I'm going to find helpful materials for the kids to use during after-care.” After the internship, Ah-Youn visited relatives in New Jersey and then traveled elsewhere in the United States for a month.
Read moreRachel Goldman
A Dean’s List student from the University of Maryland in College Park, Rachel Goldman was employed in the past at Schreiber Pediatric Rehabilitation Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania within a financial-development office where she gained experience in public relations and fundraising. Rachel also worked in the past at Lancaster Jewish Community Center, and she speaks Spanish on an intermediate level. Rachel applied to the Washington Internship Program in mid January in search of a summer internship in marketing, event planning, and public relations. Although she faced the likelihood of acceptances at a number of larger PR agencies, Rachel chose an intense internship involving considerable responsibility at Du Plain Enterprises, a smaller firm run by a most dynamic owner. Rachel worked full-time at the D.C. office of this company from early June through the end of July while living at WIP’s International House in the elegant home of a former mayor.
At Du Plain Enterprises, Rachel did considerable work in event planning in connection with the eightieth birthday of Virginia Williams, mother of Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams. From working on the guest list and invitations to attending the party, Rachel was deeply involved in all aspects of the preparations. She worked with the D.C. Council and personally met the mayor. Rachel’s supervisor, Jan Du Plain, also operates a speakers’ bureau for which Rachel conducted research. Rachel did considerable computer work with databases and assisted clients, often in the absence of her supervisor who would be busy in the Virginia office or in the field. An excellent mentor, Ms. Du Plain remained in contact with Rachel after the intern returned to her junior year of college in the greater D.C. area.
Read moreSuzie Oh
A freshman from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Suzie Oh applied to the Washington Internship Program on February 3, 2006 in search of a summer internship in law. Suzie is fluent in Korean and also studied Spanish for three and-a-half years. A permanent resident of the United States who traveled extensively in Europe, Thailand, Korea, and the United States, Suzie attended Lake Forest Academy in Illinois before college, and on the university level she was a member of Emerging Leaders, served as a Sexual Assault Adviser, was a model at the Lunar Gala Fashion Show, and in high school was captain of the cheer-leader squad. She belonged to a Cultural Diversity Club and helped with a Homelessness and Hunger Project at Northwestern University in Saint Louis, Missouri. She took many law classes and participated in a civic education project at Northwestern University. She also worked at the University of Chicago with a researcher in radiation and cellular oncology. Suzie was scheduled to live at WIP’s Logan House on 11th Street, N.W., but her internship started early in June before the new townhouse was completely furnished, so she stayed through August at WIP’s International House on 16th Street, N.W.
Neighborhood Legal Services has two offices, and Suzie worked part-time at the one on Forth Street, N.W. There she learned much about what attorneys do. Working with a staff of over twenty lawyers and staff members, Suzie was one of twelve interns, only two of whom were undergraduates. Neighborhood Legal Services handles just civil cases, and Suzie often went to the D.C. Superior Court to file documents in the clerk’s office and pull case jackets for research. She also wrote brief articles on various cases – especially ones that were success stories – for publication in the organization’s monthly newsletter. Suzie accompanied lawyers to trial. Occasionally, Suzie helped with translations. Although Suzie enjoyed observing interactions with clients and the entire legal process, the tasks she was assigned were limited by the fact that she had not been trained in law school for many of the assignments that were given to older interns who had completed more advanced study of law.
Read moreYu-Jin Jeon
A student from Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea, Yu-Jin Jeon applied to the Washington Internship Program on July 8, 2005 and requested a placement in the hospitality field. Yu-Jin majored in French language and literature and also studied French at the Herald Language Institute; in addition, she took English classes at the Pagoda Language School and worked as a receptionist at the Y&B Foreign Language School. Yu-Jin traveled to France, Spain, and Portugal, worked in customer service at TGI Fridays, and did volunteer work with the handicapped – all of which sensitized her to a range of cultural, linguistic, and personal needs in preparation for a career in hotel or airline work. On September 8 the Washington Internship Program placed Yu-Jin at Compcierge USA, a marketing firm dealing with the hospitality industry. (The previous summer, WIP placed Elizabeth Ford at this same company; Elizabeth is a U.S. citizen from Virginia Commonwealth University who had been studying marketing and advertising abroad at Westminster University in London, England. Compcierge USA was delighted with this excellent intern who was paid a stipend of $500 a month; Elizabeth was also placed by WIP at the American Youth Symphony.) Yu-Jin had some difficulties getting a J1 visa, but WIP and KNU were able to resolve these problems, so Yu-Jin started what was scheduled to be a year-long internship in early January of 2006.
The Washington Internship Program arranged for Yu-Jin to rent a room in nearby Silver Spring, Maryland within the home of another WIP intern, Jennifer Kiessling, who had studied at the University of California in Los Angeles, Hastings College of Law, and Meiji Gakuin University in Japan. In that Jennifer is a young lawyer, the Washington Internship Program placed her at an internship she requested within the U.S. Merritt Systems Protection Board in the office of the General Council. Jennifer and her husband had traveled extensively and therefore requested from WIP an international student as a tenant, and Yu-Jin was thrilled to live in the home of this young American couple. In that Yu-Jin’s English is a bit weak, the director of the Washington Internship Program hoped that living in an American household – in combination with two English classes Yu-Jin took through WIP – would improve Yu-Jin’s English to the point where she could succeed at an internship where the last student did so well. Below is Yu-Jin’s experience translated from Korean into English by another KNU intern (Ji-Hoon Jeong) supplemented by excerpts from WIP’s report.
“Honestly, I wasn’t really interested in an internship program at first. I was actually preparing for English study abroad, but then I found the Washington Internship Program on the KNU webpage. After WIP accepted me, I talked with Dean Lorne Hwang about the program – who explained that a demanding internship could be even tougher than military service in Korea. I hesitated a bit, but I made up my mind to be ready for the hardest experience I would have in the United States because I believed I was young enough to face such a challenge.”
Interns Jennifer Kiessling (top left) and Yu-Jin Jeon Yu-Jin (top right)
with John Kiessling (bottom right, husband of Jennifer)
Yu-Jin rented a room in the home of the Kiesslings, who welcomed her as part of the greater WIP family.
“I’ll never forget the feeling I had upon arrival in the United States where everything was new, and I felt really excited about a whole new world. First I stayed with a Korean intern, and one of my closest friends was also in Washington, so I didn’t feel alone. Shortly after arriving in America, I got a call from Dr. Bayer at the Washington Internship Program saying that one of the interns wanted to rent a room, so I decided to live there. Jennifer and her husband were so nice and kind. They gave me a ride in the car and full cooperation whenever I asked for help.”
“I worked as an intern at Compcierge USA, which dealt with marketing and hospitality. Among other tasks, I handled the input of customer information into a database. On my memorable first day of work, the thoughtful staff took me to a Korean restaurant. I worked at my internship three days a week and six hours a day. I learned the computer programs the firm uses. However, I had a hard time due to my imperfect English, which prevented me from doing my job perfectly. However, I believed I could overcome such obstacles as long as I kept trying.”
“I was impressed by the Americans’ open-minded lifestyle. In the United States, people seem to care less for others than do Koreans. For example, a lot of people riding on the metro and buses in Washington are reading newspapers rather than chatting with friends. I guess they prefer not to waste time, and I found myself starting to grab books or newspapers before going to work like the Washingtonians.”
Yu-Jin with a friend in New York City on New Years
“During the New Year season, I went to New York City. I’ll never forget the great time I had in Times Square. I felt as though I were in a dream while walking down Broadway. Manhattan is very different from Washington. I couldn’t take my eyes off all the tall buildings. I learned why New York City is so beloved by millions of people.”
“In retrospect, I guess perfecting my English was impossible while staying in Washington for just one year. Nevertheless, the experiences I had in D.C. will be of great help during the rest of my live as I cope with new situations. The United States is often called the ‘land of opportunity.’ There are a lot of things that I can do, and I believe everything is up to me. Chances won’t usually come to me if I wait around passively: I must find them myself, so the internship and life in Washington taught me good lessons in this regard.”
MURASAKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Yu-Jin worked part-time in a paid capacity at Murasaki Japanese Restaurant on Wisconsin Avenue, and balancing responsibilities with her internship may have caused problems. Compcierge originally wanted Yu-Jin to work five days a week rather than three, and difficulties at the internship resulted in supervisors requesting another intern to replace Yu-Jin. They decided that Yu-Jin should come to the office just one day a week (Mondays) for meetings while doing all other assignments at home. Although Yu-Jin was initially happy with the new schedule, the director of the Washington Internship Program explained that working at home was a partial dismissal, and missing office interaction would be a loss for Yu-Jin – who didn’t need to come all the way to America to work at a Japanese restaurant. To Yu-Jin’s credit, she agreed with this assessment and worked hard to do better on all tasks, which Compcierge presented as a prerequisite for returning to work more days each week. Yu-Jin fought to keep her internship, and she generally succeeded. Students from abroad sometimes mistake the informality of the American workplace for a sign that punctuality and diligence aren’t required. On the contrary, high standards and the expectation of initiative (rather than simply following orders) are important aspects of the American work ethic. Friendliness across lines of class and hierarchical authority should not be confused with low expectations. Yu-Jin learned this lesson and kept her internship. WIP was proud that she rose to the challenge.
Read moreJeremy Soana
An economics major from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Jeremy Soana also attended Winchester College in the United Kingdom where he won two Vale Ludeorum Medals for best all-round athlete. At Franklin and Marshall Jeremy performed community service by working for a blood-donor drive, and he founded a rock band to raise money. He helped coordinate soccer games for children with learning disabilities and participated in Wessex Walks to help fight Alzheimer’s Disease. Jeremy worked as a web-designer for Phuket Island Properties and Phuket Realtors in Asia, and he was a lifeguard at Plaza Beach in Banus Marbella, Spain. Jeremy was captain of Kappa Sigma Intramural Soccer at Franklin Marshall, captain of both the swimming team and water-polo team, and deputy head of Fearon Boarding House at Winchester College. Jeremy is fluent in English, Spanish, and French. He had much computer training and was interested in the stock market and sports. Jeremy belonged to the East India Club in London, and he lived in the South of Spain and France along with Asia and the United States where he was studying in America on an F1 visa. Jeremy applied to the Washington Internship Program in late March, was accepted at Linsco Private Ledger one month later, and started his internship in Fairfax, Virginia during mid May while living at Summit Hills within apartments furnished and operated by WIP. Jeremy’s supervisor described this young man as “the best intern” he ever hired. Below is Jeremy Soana’s description of his work.
“Linsco Private Ledger (LPL) is the number one independent brokerage firm in the United States with more than six thousand financial advisors based in more than 3,500 branch offices nationwide, making it the largest company of its type. I worked full-time for a branch of LPL Financial Services as an administrative assistant beginning May 17 and ending on July 2, 2006. Every day my supervisor provided a list of tasks for me to do, like installing financial software such as Morningstar and Value Line on the computers and learning how to use them. The internship was quite computer-orientated, and thus my skills in this area were put to good use. I also created financial reports on various clients’ accounts; these reports were created on the LPL platform and were used to show the financial health of the assets my boss was managing. In addition, I prepared Asset Allocation reports, which gave clients insight into the diversification of portfolios in conjunction with a description of their track record and current plus predicted rates of return. I also drafted an investment-policy statement describing the core financial strategy being applied. It included a summary of the financial situation, future goals, and the firm’s attitude toward risk. It serves as reassurance that assets will be prudently managed in keeping with expressed objectives. I compiled mailing lists for the weekly LPL Market Outlook Report. Every week I also picked a selection of municipal bonds. My supervisor was changing his business strategy while I was there and moving toward retirement planning, so I also wrote reports using a Monte Carlo simulation to predict how pension funds would develop depending on how risk-averse individual were in light of their annual expenses and planned consumption.”
“One of the biggest jobs I was given was organizing new software, contacts, and machines. One day I sorted a filing room filled with prospectuses from various mutual funds and insurance companies by updating the cabinet. This task was tedious and long since I had to read all the documents and use initiative in terms of what should be kept and discarded. Half way through my internship, my supervisor purchased some software called ProTracker, which is a program designed specially for financial advisors. It is an advanced client- management tool that tracks all contacts and client information. I was assigned the responsibility for setting up this program and obtaining information from various other programs for the input of nearly three thousand entries.”
“I had numerous administrative duties because my supervisor was frequently on business trips as was the certified public accountant who worked there. In the absence of these people, I was in charge of running the office by taking calls and handling clients who visited. Other assignments included installing security systems.Special projects were the most interesting. For example, my boss was frequently visited by wholesalers from various mutual funds and insurance companies who marketed their companies in hopes of generating more business. I was allowed to sit in on all of these meetings, and occasionally I was treated to a luncheon with them. Another interesting task I was given involved creating a model portfolio of about $100,000 in various equities. I chose a value strategy (rather than a growth-oriented one) because I believed the market would eventually be too optimistic and that Bernanke would raise interest rates again, which were up by 2 percent when I left. In order to choose these stocks, I used various platforms available to me to do stock screens for large cap. I selected stocks with reasonable P/E ratios and low price to book ratios to ensure I was getting companies with good fundamentals that were undervalued. Toward the end of my internship, another intern from India was hired, and this guy was also part of the Washington Internship Program. Since I was the senior intern, my job was to show him how the office was managed and teach him all programs and software.”
Read moreErin Statler
Another wonderful intern this past summer from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania), Erin Statler also attended Oxford University in England. In the past, Erin was an intern with America’s Promise: Alliance for Youth (the organization formed by Colin Powel to help disadvantaged children). A student athlete trainer on campus who was previously a political intern for Peter Delenick in McLean, Virginia, Erin had also been a volunteer at the Potomac Overlook Nature Center of the Virginia Regional Park Service where she helped with tree maintenance. In addition, she worked with underprivileged youngsters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania at Nilangro House. Erin speaks Spanish and in December of 2006 following her internship, Erin visited Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. As part of the varsity women’s golf team at her college, Erin traveled to Puerto Rico, Canada, Egypt, Wales, Bahamas, Belize, and the Philippines. She belonged to the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship and the Executive Board of the Environmental Action Alliance. When Erin applied to the Washington Internship Program in early February, she requested a placement in environmental conservation, community building, health, education, magazine journalism, or women’s issues, gender equality, arts and entertainment, or possibly museum work. Undaunted by Erin’s multidisciplinary interests, WIP placed her three months later at the Student Conservation Association where she worked from May 3 through August 11 while living at home in Arlington, Virginia. Five months after an internship that Erin claimed – along with Edna Kallon at the National Peace Corps – was the “best internship of all,” Erin went to Mississippi (not far from Biloxi) to participate in a Gulf-Coast Rebuilding project under the auspices of Franklin and Marshall College where she constructed drywall and otherwise reclaimed homes destroyed in disastrously destructive hurricanes.
Erin did a great deal of writing for the Student Conservation Association where she contributed articles under her own byline to SCA’s Urban Update, a quarterly publication. For example, she drafted pieces on Mount Ranier in Washington state, Yellowstone National Park, and an intern from Saint Lawrence University who was doing a joint internship with Congressman Rothman and the National Park Service. In conjunction with the media relations officer at SCA, Erin helped conduct a survey and wrote an article on diversity in the conservation field for Pick up and Go! – a publication of Earthwise Productions. Erin also helped plan an SCA alumni event at Rock Creek Park that included a nature walk, a lunch, and a workshop on leadership and peer education. From invitations to transportations and thank-you notes, Erin handled various aspects of public-relations work. In the field, Erin helped teach courses offered by the Conservation Leadership Corps. This outdoor six-week service project involved tree-planting, building bridges in forests to make them more pedestrian-friendly, and working with high-school students in the D.C area. Similarly, Erin took part in four-day urban environment education project in mid July where she taught seminars on the Student Conservation Association as well as pollution, conservation, the watershed / water cycle system, and the predator/prey relationship in nature. This hands-on experience was offered in connection with Americorps, whose post-graduate leaders came to the Washington, D.C. area for a jobs-related convention.
Erin attended meetings at Haynes Point at the Capital Region Headquarters for the National P{ark Service. She assisted in planning the upcoming sixtieth anniversary of the Student Conservation Association, which was founded in 1947. In October of next year, a series of events will take place, including an essay contest for college students and a year-long celebration of SCA, whose largest office is located in Charlestown, New Hampshire where five-days of commemoration will begin with ceremonies culminating in Washington, D.C. Among other odd jobs Erin did were posting job openings on the SCA alumni Internet, answering phones, and working with a staff of around eleven individuals. Erin reported that her supervisor informed her that she was “the best intern he ever had” during a long association with the Washington Internship Program. Erin worked five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. She most enjoyed the development of “professional skills like networking, oral and written communication, publishing, and handling situations over the phone and in meetings.”
Read moreSu-Jin Baek
One of five female students from Kyungpook National University, in Daegu, South Korea, who came to the Washington Internship Program in the fall / winter term of 2005, Su-Jin applied to WIP and then spent time in Los Angeles during July and August. Su-Jin studied at L.I.K.E. English Institute, and she worked in the past as a tutor of English, math, and science. Su-Jin had taken a course in announcer training at the MBC Academy, and her major was in English literature and languages with a minor in computer science. She received a scholarship from KNU and took CNN and screen classes at the Pagoda Institute. Su-Jin had a phone interview and was accepted by Atlantic Video on September 29, 2005 for an internship to meet two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) starting in early November.
Initially, Su-Jin was doing well at her internship, but in late November her supervisors asked her to work on Tuesdays (which suggests that she was not doing so) because her assistance was needed. However, as indicated by excerpts from Su-Jin’s final paper, an internship in television – unlike watching TV – requires considerable work and is not “entertaining” at every moment. Because the Washington Internship Program thought Su-Jin’s problems might be related to English deficiencies and since Su-Jin wanted experience as a television announcer that would help her after returning to Korea, WIP placed her at a second internship three days a week with WKTV – a Korean cable station located in Fairfax, Virginia. Although Su-Jin did get an opportunity to practice there as an announcer, she had similar difficulties with the serious work ethic in America and either quit or was fired a second time. Absenteeism and tardiness seem to have been problems at all her internships, and Su-Jin admitted that frequent complaining at work was a strategy of hers that generally led to dismissal. Su-Jin begged for a third internship, so the Washington Internship Program finally placed her in mid February of 2006 at Mobilizing America’s Youth, a nonprofit organization in downtown D.C., but MAY reported that Su-Jin’s English-language skills were poor, and she quit her third placement almost immediately. Although Su-Jin was only minimally successful at any of her internships, she enjoyed her time in the United States and learned some important lessons on the job and in classes about the relationship between attitude and professional achievement. Whether in home-making or running a TV studio, completing what Su-Jin calls “chores” constitutes the hard work that leads to productivity. Many students fantasize that working in television will be glamorous, but interns who do well generally realize that concentration, endurance, and attention to detail are three skeleton keys that open most doors. Better for Su-Jin to have made mistakes on the internship level rather than failing in the workplace following graduation. She learned much about American culture, made close friends, and took full advantage of the cultural and historic sites throughout Washington. Below are selections from Su-Jin’s insightful paper.
“A First Step toward the Rest of the World: Washington, D.C.”
“The Washington Internship Program was a great chance for me to learn English and American culture while working for companies that are involved in my major. It seemed more attractive to me than the student-exchange program. I tried my best to meet the qualifications for a WIP intern, and eventually I got accepted. I remember that one day KNU’s Associate Dean for International Studies Lorne Hwang told me that working as an intern in the United States would be much harder than any other challenges I faced in life so far.”
“I waited for phone interviews with some American companies after my resume and cover letter were revised a few times. However, arranging interviews took time, and the date on which I was supposed to go to the United States was delayed from August to November. I consistently studied English and had mock interviews with Ms. Hwang before going to the United States. I was required to attend every session regarding the internship program supported by KNU. I prepared everything our university recommends for interns.”
“In Washington, I worked at Atlantic Video, which involves broadcasting production. Thirty employees worked in several departments, mostly on ESPN shows. The main program was called HORN, in which sports-casters in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago analyzed athletic games and presented their opinions. I monitored the process for the first couple of weeks, and then I learned more by assisting staff who invested lots of time and effort into a single program until it was shown on television. Checking mail every morning was one of my tasks.”
WKTV CABLE TELEVISION
“I told my supervisor about what I would like to do. I thought it was really important to keep reminding my boss that I was eager to work in the field where I would be involved in areas that interest me. The picture to the left is the control room at Atlantic Video where I worked twice a week, so I tried to find another internship.”
“My second internship was at WKTV, a cable broadcasting station providing service in the greater Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia area with local news from the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS). I conducted research to help producers and monitored information from other channels. I tried to get news by surfing the Internet, translating materials, and reading news in front of the cameras. Standing before the camera was significant because my dream is to be an announcer.”
“I really enjoyed some of the attractions in Washington, D.C. I learned a lot of world history by visiting museums on weekends. One of the most impressive facts was that there were no entrance fees; for example, all the Smithsonian Museums are free because Mr. Smithson, the British man who donated the seed money for these institutions, made the absence of entry fees a condition for the United States accepting his donation. In addition, I loved to go to free performances held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts every day at 6 P.M., and I was fond of visiting political places like Capitol Hill.”
“One lesson I learned was the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and showing initiative in all the challenges I face outside my home country even though doing so is very difficult. For example, when I was living in a dormitory, many of the other interns were working on Capitol Hill. I couldn’t even talk to the others there at first, and I felt so lonely, but I approached these interns first and then got much closer with them. We shared information, and I made friends with a girl who was deeply interested in Korean television and films that are now exerting an influence throughout the world. I was invited to stay at her home during the Christmas season.”
“I really appreciate all the classes provided by Washington Internship Program, like Dr. Bayer’s classes and Andrew Kolb’s English seminars for Korean students and others from non-English-speaking nations. I tried to participate in all activities, and they helped improve my English.”
Play Shear Madness at the Kennedy Center
“My internships in Washington, D.C., which is in the center of the world, broadened my point of view by introducing me to a diversity of people from different countries and cultures. I will always remember Washington, which is populated not only by Americans but also people from all around the globe, as the city that provided me with the most precious experiences.”
Read moreAugustin Tudor Paul Dragan
A student from Nicolae Titulescu University in Bucharest, Romania, Augustin Tudor Paul Dragan was working on a Masters degree in international and community law, and he had also attended the Diplomatic Academy for post-graduate studies in international relations as well as the Romanian-American University, both in Bucharest, where he concentrated on European economic integration. Previously, Paul studied in the United States at Inland Lakes High School in Indian River, Michigan. The son of a Romanian diplomat, Paul and his girlfriend Liana Matei had been working at the European Union where they were helping to integrate veterinarian standards and related agricultural legislation throughout the continent. The couple applied to the Washington Internship Program in early October of 2005, and in December Paul was accepted by Congressman Bart Stupak, a Democrat who represented Michigan’s District #1 where Paul lived and went to school as an adolescent. Paul began this unpaid internship within the Rayburn House Office Building in March of 2006, and he and Liana lived at International House where Paul later became a resident assistant (RA). By the end of the summer, Paul was honored with an award and a plaque recognizing his extraordinary contribution to the United States Congress. In addition, an article about Paul’s achievements abroad was published in the winter of 2006 within the Romanian periodical Global Journal, which also requested that Paul write some subsequent pieces about his experiences in America. The European Institute was interested in Paul being an intern there, but he and Liana subsequently received paid internships at the Washington Internship Program where Paul became director of housing. Below is a picture of Paul at the U.S. Capitol where one of his many duties was leading guided tours for visitors.
Paul Dragan (from Romania, who also studied in Michigan) at U.S. Capitol where he was an intern with the United States House of Representatives
Among other duties, Congressman Stupak sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Subcommittee for Telecommunications, the Committee on Environment, and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Paul’s experience was relevant to these areas in addition to his regular intern assignments. Paul described his work in this congressional office as follows: “This week I helped my supervisor by adding around three-hundred names to a letter on suicide prevention, I updated the appropriation Excel sheet with new requests we made for fiscal year 2007, assisted with a Capitol tour, sorted mail that came from constituents, and helped with birthday and congratulations letters. By the end of the week, I clarified the state of a request made by the Honorable Thomas Tancredo to the NTSB regarding an MU2 plane in order to establish what needs to be done next on this issue. During my second week of the internship, I wrote three letters in the name of the Congressman, conducted my first tour of the Capitol, and began exploring Michigan programs that have been classified as ‘government waste spending.’” The following week, Paul worked on assigning names to the letter on HR 752. In May, he began working on energy-related bills, a calendar of events for the Forth of July and Memorial Day, and international child adoption from Romania. “I also corrected the appropriations spreadsheet for FY 2006 and FY 2007, drafted more letters, and helped with Olympic Scholarship Appropriations. In addition to data entry, I conducted research on federally recognized tribes of native Americans.” Paul enjoyed learning about the balance of power in America between state and federal government, an issue he faced at home where each country is negotiating how it will retain sovereignty while participating in the European Union.
In early summer the Washington Internship Program purchased a second residence, called Logan House, located on 11th Street, N.W. in the historic U-Street corridor so that students working on Capitol Hill or other parts of Washington would have a downtown housing choice (in addition to International House uptown as well as Summit Hills in Silver Spring, Maryland). Paul and Liana were instrumental in furnishing both Logan House and a few new apartments at Summit Hills. In addition, Paul and Liana made an enormous contribution to WIP’s retreat in July at Wintergreen Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains along with receptions following classes. After long days at work, Paul assisted WIP staff in welcoming incoming interns and families along with the logistics of providing a range of comfortable home environments for all WIP interns. When Congress went out of session, Paul started to assist Bayer Productions – whose website he created – in filming a documentary television program about WIP. As the fall recruiting season began, Paul planned visits to different campuses where he himself was among the speakers. He and Liana applied for extensions to their visas, and Paul became WIP’s director of housing.
Read moreDong-Hee Lee
Another intern from Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea, Dong-Hee Lee also studied in Vancouver, Canada and was majoring in economics and accounting. He traveled to Hiroshima in Japan and worked in the past at a private trading company, a computer store, a restaurant; and in the Korean Army with the military police. Dong-Hee won a New Regional Initiative Scholarship (NURI) from the Korean government, and he applied to the Washington Internship Program in late December 2005. WIP placed him at Federal Development, a private company in downtown Washington, D.C., where Dong-Hee worked for six months starting in the spring (after going to England in January). Below is Dong-Hee’s translated paper.
Paul Dragan (from Romania, who also studied in Michigan) at U.S. Capitol where he was an intern with the United States House of Representatives
“I really wanted to do an internship before graduating from college, so I applied but was rejected due to my poor English. In response, I decided to improve my language skills by studying in Canada for seven months. After doing so, I applied to the Washington Internship Program and was accepted. I wanted a position at a financial agency or institution, which is difficult to obtain, and I felt impatient because my departure date was delayed, and most other interns flew to the U.S. before me. However, WIP finally placed me at Federal Development, and I flew to Washington on April 23, 2006.”
“First, I faced hardships trying to find accommodations, which were hard to acquire for just six months. I would advise future interns that living with other students at WIP housing is most important in the beginning. After a week, I started working at Federal Development – a company that handles development, real-estate, and pensions for old people, among other economic projects. Both co-workers and supervisors were kind to me, and my confidence grew. I reviewed the company introduction book, which was very thick, and I felt swamped because it contained lots of technical terms used in professional fields, so I read it repeatedly after work. I attended a meeting on my first day where coworkers discussed a new project, and I was impressed by their attitudes because they expressed opinions freely – even in front of the boss.”
“During that meeting, my supervisor gave me an assignment. We were working on Governors Island in New York City, and he asked if I could come up with a good idea for remodeling it. I worked on this project after work for several days and then proposed designing the island as a small version of the whole United States, which could serve as a tourist attraction as well as a symbol of America. My boss asked about the most efficient forms of transportation given economic and environmental considerations. I did research on ten of the biggest projects similar to ours elsewhere in the U.S. I devoted much time to such tasks, and colleagues started to recognize me as a good intern, and we became close friends.”
“Nevertheless, I was somewhat depressed due to my poor English, which remained an obstacle and limited the tasks I was given. I promised myself to keep asking questions whenever I didn’t understand what was said. However, sometimes I couldn’t grasp the meaning even after asking two or three times, so I pretended to work. This approach was never helpful.”
“I was soon assigned to handle inventory for Senior Housing in Baltimore’s Fort Howard, which was the biggest job I had during the internship, and I corresponded directly with the applicant for this project. Moreover, my boss assigned me a translation to be used for business with Korean investors. I was enthusiastic about this challenging work and did my best. When the task was completed, I felt wonderful.”
“I worked part-time to earn living expenses at a mini-market that was open twenty-three hours a week in Dupont Circle. On one hand, I don’t think that such employment is good because it can distract students from concentrating on internships. On the other hand, a part-time job is okay as long as time allows. I was able to make friends with Americans while working, and my English improved through talking with customers – albeit on a superficial level.”
“D.C. is a well-designed city. It has beautiful landscapes, fresh air, and kind people – unlike New York City with its forest of buildings, traffic jams, and rude people. By comparison, Washington is clean and peaceful, and it has an economically stable structure.”
Read moreKimberly T. Sawchuk
A student from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant who also attended Eastern Michigan University and American Intercontinental University in London, England during the of summer 2005, Kimberly Sawchuk won first place in the Debate Tournament at the University of Michigan in the fall of 2004, first place at Creighton University, third-place at Ohio State University, and was a finalist at the United States Air Force Academy in the winter of 2004 after participating for six years in high-school and college debating teams with which she spoke all across the United States. A member of CMU’s Model United Nations, Kimberly also belonged to the Public Relations Student Society of America, Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol, and Campus to Congress where she conducted research on higher education issues with senators, congressmen, and all levels of government officials while attending House and Senate sessions. Kimberly worked at Morgan Allen Moore Public Affairs Consulting in London, England (in the summer of 2005), served as public-relations chair of the Student Government Association; was employed at PR Central as well as Flagstar Bank Corporate Headquarters in Troy, Michigan, did volunteer work as public-relations director of Michigan Disability Sports Alliance, and was PR chair of the Pan-Hellenic Council. In mid April of 2006, Kimberly applied to the Washington Internship Program in hopes of finding a summer position on Capitol Hill. Even though she didn’t allow much time to secure such a prestigious internship, WIP was able to place Kimberly with Congressman David Camp (Republican from Michigan’s forth District) by May for an internship that lasted from June through August. During this time, Kimberly lived at Summit Hills – apartments in Silver Spring, Maryland that are furnished and operated for students by the Washington Internship Program. Kim was given as a roommate an intern from Jamaica, Lisa Andrade, who also had public-relations background and attended Franklin and Marshall University in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; WIP placed this student in a paid internship at Women’s Business Network / Public Affairs Group, and the two women shared the apartment with an intern from NAFEO (National Association for Equality in Higher Education) who was placed at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Kimberly worked in the Cannon House Office Building. Below is a list compiled by Kimberly Sawchuk of the work she did in the House of Representatives:
Kimberly Sawchuk (left)
RESPONSIBILITIES:
I sorted constituent mail, provided correct response within letters signed by the Congressman on issues like gun control, and used a computer program called Internet Quorum (IQ).
BRIEFINGS:
I attended congressional briefings once a week, took notes, and highlighted information that the Congressman Camp might need to see. I heard Newt Gingrich speak along with other famous government leaders.
COMMITTEE HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS:
Representative Camp sat on the Ways and Means Committee so I attended several hearings on different topics ranging from health and information technology to welfare reform. The mark-ups were great because I could see members of Congress revising bills and amending them to their liking.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
I was picked from among four interns to attend a joint session of Congress at which the Iraqi prime minister spoke.
TOURS OF THE CAPITOL:
Every day I led a guided tour of the Capitol to visiting constituents. First I learned about relevant U.S. history in order to present informative talks. I took guests through the old House and Senate buildings, the old Supreme Court, the rotunda within the Capitol, the crypt, and the House gallery. I met many people from the Congressman's district, which I knew quite well, and constituents were very appreciative of my tours.:
CONSTITUENT LETTERS:
Toward the end of the internship, I actually wrote responses to constituent mail. Supervisors reviewed and corrected what I drafted, after which I made all necessary changes before the correspondence was sent out to the public under the Congressman’s name.
MEETINGS:
I attended staff meetings every Monday, and at these sessions we reviewed the Congressman's weekly agenda as well as upcoming legislation.
RESEARCH:
I conducted research on new bills as did congressional staffers. Doing this work taught me a great deal about a wide range of topics, including health.
INTERN LECTURE SERIES:
I attended about three speeches a week presented by the Congressional Intern Program. Some were specifically for Republicans or Democrats, but others were open to everyone. I heard almost all of the Republican talks, many of which were followed by receptions after work. Therefore, I had the opportunity to learn about important issues first-hand from members of Congress. For example, I heard lectures by John McCain, Senate Majority Whip, and Supreme Court Justice Roberts. I still cannot believe how many great talks I heard.”
Read moreJi-Hoon Jeong
An economics and trade major from Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea, Ji-Hoon traveled to Australia (Brisbane and Queensland) in the past to improve his English and learn about other cultures. The winner of a college scholarship, Ji-Hoon also studied English at the KNU Language Institute and its Language Club. He completed his military service; worked as a cashier at McDonalds; and was a tutor in English, math, science before applying to the Washington Internship Program in the middle of August 2005. Ji-Hoon was first placed at Trade Links, LLC where he worked for six months. Ji-Hoon’s next internship was at the North Korea Freedom Coalition (NKFC) where he worked on behalf of people living under a dictatorship in North Korea and for the unification of his country under democratic auspices. Ji-Hoon translated articles and websites. In September of 2006, Ji-Hoon was placed by the Washington Internship Program at the Korean Economic Institute, and WIP helped Ji-Hoon obtain a six-month extension of his J1 visa in order to get the most out of this extremely competitive internship. Throughout Ji-Hoon’s eighteen-months in the Washington, D.C. area, he lived at Summit Hills Apartments in Silver Spring, Maryland where his English improved enormously not only because of the English classes offered every week by WIP but also due to the influence of other English-speaking interns, including an American suite-mate who is a grammar-school teacher and another Korean intern, Taesu Kim from Korea University in Seoul, whose internship was at Primus Telecommunications and who spoke English perfectly. Ji-Hoon was wise to realize that his choice to live in WIP housing insured an intensive English-immersion experience that helped him improve linguistically at a rate that exceeded even fellow students from KNU whose English was initially better than his. In December of 2006, Ji-Hoon’s English was so strong that WIP hired him to translate into English some Korean papers. Ji-Hoon also assisted with a local political campaign in the fall of 2006 and was a volunteer for a while at Earth-Day Network. A description of Ji-Hoon’s American odyssey is reproduced below.
“I had three internships while in Washington. The first was at Trade Links, LLC, where I worked from November 2005 to April 2006. This international trade company was the Washington office of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMSA). It mainly helped African nations export products and raw materials into the United States. I performed research on trade statistics, assisted with office administration, and helped organize a workshop at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). I had two supervisors: a woman from Ethiopia, and her assistant, a man from Kenya. These sweethearts never hesitated to assist me.”
NORTH KOREA FREEDOM COALITION (NKFC)
“My second internship was at the North Korea Freedom Coalition, a nonprofit organization working to help North Koreans resist a dictatorship. I sometimes participated in volunteer programs, and I felt appreciative toward the American people because they worked so hard to help in this regard even though North Korean freedom had nothing to do with them. I mainly worked on translations of publications or web-pages on North Korean issues; I translated from English into Korean and from Korean into English.”
KOREA ECONOMIC INSTITUTE
“I am currently working at my last internship, which is with the Korea Economic Institute – an educational think-tank that provides the American people with information on Korea; it also gives the Korean government and other institutions facts about current events in the Unites States. I work mostly on reports, which I write after attending conferences or programs on U.S.-Korean topics. I learned a lot from this internship. I really appreciate every KEI staff member. I have one more month left until my internship Ji-Hoon Jeong, who used the nickname “Michael,” in ends in late January. (I had applied for an Hollywood beside star of pop singer Michael Jackson extension of my J1 visa in order to work longer at KEI and take full advantage of this challenging internship.)”
“I had both good times and bad times in D.C., but I believe that everything I experienced made me a stronger, better person, and I never doubt that my work in the United States will be a catalyst for creating a brighter future. I appreciate every staff member at the Washington Internship Program, especially Dr. Bayer, who helped me in many ways with these great opportunities and showed me hospitality. I will never forget everything here in D.C.”
Read moreDevansh Patel
A student majoring in computer science and business at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, Devansh Patel also attended Middlesex Community College. In the past, Devansh worked as a computer tutor and at Sears, Lawrence General Hospital, Famous Footware, Best Buy, and Market Basket. He won DECA’s second place in retail marketing and belonged to the 600/700 SAT Club (for students who earned 600+ on math section of SAT. Devansh knows programming in Visual Basic and speaks Gujarati. He visited India in both 1997 and 2006. Devansh applied to the Washington Internship Program on March 12, 2006 in search of a summer internship in information technology, and within a month WIP placed him in the IT Department at the American Red Cross where he worked from early June through August. Devansh lived at Summit Hills, a complex run by the Washington Internship Program, where WIP placed this young man of Indian heritage with roommate Lokesh Todi from Nepal (who attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine and did an internship at Merrill Lynch) and suitemate Jeremy Soana who lived in Spain, France, and Asia before attending Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (and whom WIP placed at Linsco Private Ledger). Below is the paper Devansh wrote describing his internship and a picture of Devansh in his apartment with other WIP interns.
Devansh Patel (far left) with WIP interns and Summit Hills suitemates
Lokesh Todi (center) and Jeremy Soana
“I was an IT and network intern at the American Red Cross. During the summer, I worked in several ARC locations, including Silver Spring and Hyattsville, Maryland; Fairfax, Virginia; and Washington, D.C. One of my jobs was installing network and phone equipment in the offices. I personally ran wiring throughout an entire office building, and I set up a voice-over IP system by programming everything from the main control down to each individual telephone. Other assignments I was given included data entry and setting up workstations. I installed software, connected these programs to the network, and controlled the content that employees could access according to the department to which the workstation belonged.”
“The biggest job I had at the internship was during the June floods. I played a major part in setting up the ARC disaster-relief command center for the entire D.C. area. During the flooding, I had to set up fifteen workstations as quickly as possible. Each station had a laptop, monitor, mouse, keyboard, and telephone, and I had to maintain this system and answer any questions. This responsibility was a exciting and educational.”
“I recommend this internship to any student looking for networking experience. I learned a lot that I would not have understood from a book. In this hands-on internship, I was surrounded by knowledgeable people who were willing to teach but not hold my hand all the time. They let interns learn from their errors.”
Read moreSeul-Mi Kim
A junior majoring in atmospheric science with a minor in English language and literature at Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea, Seul-Mi Kim also attended California State University in Long Beach. Seul-Mi’s study of weather was augmented by her direct experience of climate in the upper atmosphere: Seul-Mi received a U.S. FAA aircraft dispatcher license after studying at Bill Phelps Airline Ground School in Kentucky, and she also attended the U.S. Fullerton Language Institute in 2004. Seul-Mi’s hobbies included building miniature airplanes, and she worked as a tutor of English, math, and science to high-school students in Korea. On campus in Korea Suel-Mi belonged to the Weather Forecast Study Group and the FAA Dispatcher Association. She applied to the Washington Internship Program on July 8, and by fall the Washington Internship Program had placed her in the Weather Department of WTTG Television at Fox News where she worked from October through February. Her second internship was a paid position at the ITRI Corporation where she conducted research on weather data from March through the summer. Below are Seul-Mi’s descriptions of both internships.
“I wanted to have as many experiences as I could before graduation because I believe that I could learn more on a first-hand basis. That’s why I applied to the Washington Internship Program. Since my major was not a usual field, it was hard to find a position involved in astronomy and atmosphere. I was amazed when WIP informed me that FOX5 – which is one of the major broadcasting stations in the United States – had an interest in me. I still remember how nervous I was before the interview with FOX. I prepared for questions I expected and had two phone interviews, both of which went well. I was soon accepted at the Weather Forecast Department and flew to Washington D.C. with my dream.”
“At first, everything was new, and I had hard times – even when opening my bank account. One of the most difficult challenges I faced was finding proper accommodations. The average rent in D.C. was far higher than I expected. I even lost weight while looking for a place to stay. However, within three weeks I got a part-time job at a restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine.”
“I wondered if I could do well at FOX. I met the intern coordinator at the front desk, and he introduced me to the producer of the Weather Forecast Department. I was surprised as people working there said hello to me each day. They were all anchors whom I have seen on TV. Everyone was so kind to me, and they really tried to help me learn more and more. I worked with staff on the weather forecast for the morning news. I was in charge of making my own weather stories by finding weather information at the designated website. I also practiced making computer-graphic backgrounds that were used for weather forecasting. I discovered that Korean and American weather forecasts are very different. In Korea, weather was forecast at the end of the morning news, but in America the weather is announced every fifteen minutes within the news. Moreover, the U.S. weather-forecast technology is much better than in Korea.”
“I went to New York City at New Year’s time with friends. We waited for the New Year countdown at Times Square along with thousands of people, and it was freezing outside. However, being there was like a dream because I was at a place I had always seen in movies and television. I had a great time.” (See below.)
“Living in D.C required a lot of money due to the high cost of living expenses, but the part-time job helped. I recognized that making money is hard, and occupations like being a waitress are important even though they are not respected by many people. However, this job was one of the most precious experiences I had in D.C. because it gave me independence and time to look over my past.”
ITRI CORPORATION
“Writing this report about my internship reminds me of good times I had in Washington. One semester had passed since I came to Washington with my heart beating. I finished the first internship at FOX5 and felt so honored and proud of myself. I enjoyed many unforgettable moments. I felt a bit wistful when finishing, but FOX stipulated that internship cannot be extended by more than six months. Therefore, I needed to find another internship. I was excited, but getting a new internship was extremely difficult. I started looking on my own even though Dr. Bayer at WIP was trying to help me as well. I was eager to work for another American company in order to improve my English, but at Fox I understood only about ten percent of what was said. For this reason, I think that working at Korean firms might be better professionally.”
“I contacted two big Korean air companies: Asiana Airlines and Korean Airlines in New York City. However, neither of them accepted me, so I tried without success for various American companies and organizations in Washington. One day Dr. Bayer called me and said that the Weather Bureau in D.C. was interested in me and had requested an interview. I went to this in-person interview, and thanks to the kindness of people at the Weather Bureau I was offered a paid position at ITRI Corporation – a small weather company. People there were very kind to me, and they tried to help me in many ways. I was required to work remotely from home, but I made up mind to do my best. ITRI provides weather information that is requested by customers. We had a huge project that might take about five years to complete. I helped by conducting research. However, working at home became harder because I was alone with no one to assist me with problems. I had to get help from staff on the phone or by e-mail, and my not being fluent in English made the situation worse. I had time with my supervisor at least once a week, and he explained what I needed to do. He was very nice and treated me like his daughter, so I felt comfortable.”
Seul-Mi Kim with supervisor from ITRI Corporation
“I really wanted to travel around the United States where I had never been before, but I couldn’t afford to do so. Therefore, I went to Niagara Falls. It was wonderful but not as impressive as the Grand Canyon, which is enormous.”
Seul-Mi Kim at Niagara Falls
Seul-Mi atop Empire State Building in Manhattan
“The name of the Japanese restaurant where I worked was Murasaki. My job there was one of the hardest experiences I ever had in my life – after the internships. At first, I was eager to quit, but I came to think of this work as another challenge in my life. I adjusted and succeeded. I will not forget moments I shared with the nice people at Murasaki.”
Makiko, Kim, and Seul-Mi at Murasaki Restaurant
“The internships, part-time job, and other experiences in the United States – which I could not have had in Korea – made me mature both mentally and physically. I will never regret my decision, and I consider these experiences as precious moments in my life. I will continue to pursue my future based on the achievements I had in Washington.”
Read moreVivek Kumar
A student from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India, Vivek Kumar also attended the National College of Aligarh in India where he was pursuing a Masters of business administration as well as a bachelors degree in law. In addition, Vivek studied at the College of Aligarh, which is affiliated with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University in Agra, India. He and his sister Swati Saxena applied to the Washington Internship Program in late February of 2006. Vivek had been running a family business, Gaillard Textiles and Securities, for which he handled negotiations, strategic planning, mortgages and banking, real estate, legal and investment management, and a portfolio of more than two million rupees. Vivek requested an internship in security analysis and investment management. Within a month, the Washington Internship Program placed Vivek in a paid internship at Linsco Private Ledger where he started work in the summer, but Vivek had difficulty adjusting to the American work ethic and advanced computer skills while he was struggling to find housing on his own. Although Vivek lost this internship, he learned there what was required for success in the U.S. workplace. In early September WIP placed Vivek in an unpaid internship at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to economic justice for minorities and under-served populations. Here Vivek excelled.
Swati was placed in an unpaid internship at the Wildlife Society where she worked for six months, after which she found a paid position at U.S. Kids. Vivek and Swati were so pleased with the Washington Internship Program that they encouraged Vivek’s sister-in-law, Richa Saxena, to apply to WIP as well. Richa was placed at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services where she will start an unpaid internship in March of 2007. As with all international interns, WIP helped these three siblings obtain J1 visas, and Vivek and Swati arranged to participate in the Washington Internship Program for sixteen months. On the very day that Swati arrived from India, she and her brother boarded WIP’s bus for a weekend retreat on “Ethnic Identity amid Globalization” held at Wintergreen Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where this brother and sister actively participated in all lectures and discussions as well as boating, swimming, hiking, group meals, and other activities. Throughout most of their time in the Washington, D.C. area, they lived in Springfield, Virginia.
Located on Fifteenth Street, N.W., the National Community Reinvestment Coalition has a staff of over forty people working on three floors. Vivek first reported to the vice president of the Research and National Policy Department. He conducted data analysis related to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act for minorities like blacks and Hispanics. Using Excel spreadsheets, Vivek performed mathematical calculations. Later he was assigned to the Global Fair Lending Department where he reported to the assistant secretary for the chief executive officer. Vivek was given a central banking project that involved 175 foreign countries, and Vivek’s research was used by the Information Technology Department to create a website on this topic. He also worked on ramifications of the Freedom of Information Act and processes analogous to FIMA in thirty-five democracies around the world. Vivek considered organizations similar to NCRC in England and Eastern Europe. When Wal-Mart applied for a banking license, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition studied its policies toward minority groups to prevent patterns of discrimination from spreading into the economic sphere. NCRC studies credit, interest rates, loans, and other policies used by particular banks with minority groups. Vivek described NCRC as an “amazing organization” where he learned an enormous amount and made a significant contribution to the important work being done there. He dealt with three budgets and the development of revolving funds.
Read moreJi-Hye Park
A student from Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea, Ji-Hye Park majored in English language and literature as well as business administration. With a grade point average of 4.5 (on a scale of 4.3), Ji-Hye worked in Korea as a student assistant at KNU’s Office of International Affairs and in the Philippines at the university’s overseas volunteer program. Ji-Hye was a reporter for the KNU Times and an assistant English teacher at a private language institute. She speaks Korean, English, and Chinese. Ji-Hye applied in early July for a year-long internship lasting from September 2005 through August 2006, during which time she completed three placements: the first at the Korean American Trade Association (KOTRA Center), the second at the Asian-Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies where Ji-Hye did so well that APAICS requested more Korean interns from KNU in the future, and the third at a public-relations firm called Devillier Communications. Ji-Hye’s description of her internships – complete with photographs – is represented below.
“America is not Disneyland!” said Lorne Hwang, associate dean for international programs at my university, when speaking to participants in the Washington Internship Program at the orientation before we left South Korea. When I thought about the United States, I pictured beautiful beaches with palm trees and Hollywood movie-stars. In my imagination, that dreamland predominated, but Ms. Hwang’s words woke me. I had to realize that I would be living and working in America, not coming as a tourist. On September 14, 2005 I finally arrived in the U.S. capital. Culturally, Washington, D.C. is totally different from Korea. Initially I thought: “What have I done like a fool rushing in where angels fear to tread?”
“On my second day in Washington, I started working at KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) located near Farragut Square. KOTRA is a government-based trade agency that helps small and medium-sized Korean companies to export goods on the U.S. market. I was thrilled to be at a Korean organization in America.”
“My first mission there was to check KOTRA’s CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. I leaned to access this database daily and add or modify client information. Mr. Lim, my supervisor, explained: “Customer satisfaction is our first priority.” I had learned this principle in business-administration classes, but at KOTRA I had the chance to apply it. I was responsible for arranging meetings between American buyers and Korean sellers at the Export Plaza held in Korea in October. Six buyer teams from U.S. were chosen to attend so they could meet Korean manufacturers, sample their products, and sign import contracts. This event was a great opportunity for Korean companies that were eager to export goods. Over a hundred Korean companies applied for the Export Plaza, but only thirty would be selected. To pick the best entries, I searched for their website, brochures, and catalogues and gathered information about commodities ranging from hair ornaments, wigs, bulbs, and nail clippers to LCD, DVR, and Bluetooth products. In the past I learned about big conglomerate like Samsung and LG, but this experience introduced me to smaller establishments. I treasured this opportunity to take part in trade because the international market has great potential as industry globalizes.”
“My next research project involved North Korea because Six-Part Talks were taking place at that time. Politics and economics are like two sides of the same coin. They are inseparable. I read many articles and obtained materials from NGOs in U.S. When I was in the middle of my research, one of my foreign friends remarked that living in my country must be very dangerous because the Korean peninsula is split, and DPRK in the north always threatens South Korea. This comment was a big shock for me. I’d never thought that I lived in a dangerous place. Perhaps Americans are influenced by propaganda that exaggerates the situation in North Korea. In discussions of North and South Korea that took place in my college classes, I was the person who expressed concern, but now in D.C. I gained perspective and could think about North Korea in a more detached, objective way.”
“I also worked on an industry information study about the market for surveillance equipment (SE) in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. My analysis included micro-economics and a review of customer/competition trends as well as a marketing strategy based on 4P (product, price, place, and promotion). I also researched export requirements and business practices for Korean manufacturers in this field who wished to approach the U.S. market. For this report, I gathered statistics from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and databases produced by the International Trade Center; I also read articles from the Economist magazine and the Wall Street Journal. This work was very difficult.”
“I still remember my supervisor saying on my first day of work KOTRA: ‘There is not a big difference between your work as an intern and mine as a manager. Both are very important for this organization. I’m just a little more accustomed to this work because I’ve spent more time here. Don’t underestimate what you do, and be proud of your achievements.’ He asked me to think of my efforts as valuable rather than trivial.”
ASIAN-PACIFIC AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR CONGRESSIONAL STUDIES
“After finishing three months at KOTRA, I started an internship at the Asian-Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. On my first day at APAICS, I was a little scared because I was working for the first time at a foreign organization. However, the staff members were really kind and treated me like a daughter. They always gave me detailed explanations of my duties and good advice regarding life in the United States.”
“The Asian-Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that helps educate Asian- Pacific Americans. It offers internships and fellowships for Asian-Pacific Americans to work in the U.S. Congress and federal agencies like the Department of Commerce, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Justice. First I assisted with office work like clipping newspaper articles, copying, and sending out faxes and E-mails on behalf of APAICS. I was also responsible for computer work.”
“My work at APAICS was particularly meaningful because I was able to help minorities in the United States. The U.S. tries to accept everyone in the spirit of a democratic system that is free of racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination, but in reality life is not always fair for all Americans. Even though Asian-Pacific Americans are a minority here, I saw that many are quite successful. Thanks to the consideration of my supervisor, I was able to participate in some events sponsored by the Korean-American Coalition. One Korean American, Wan J. Kim, was appointed by the Bush Administration as an assistant attorney general in the Justice Department. I heard this person speak about racial and financial difficulties he encountered as a result of his heritage.”
“In January and February, I worked on the summer internship and fellowship programs that APAICS holds every year. About a hundred Asian-Pacific American students applied for these programs, and I organized all materials for the selection committee.”
“The most impressive work I did was for the 2006 12th Annual Gala Dinner – APAICS’ biggest event. This year the dinner was held at the JW Marriot Hotel. Starting in March, our staff concentrated on preparing for it. I added names to our rolodex list and database of people to be invited; I sent out about 1,500 invitations; and I wrote to U.S. senators, representatives, and secretaries. In drafting more than a hundred formal letters, I learned much about formal correspondence.”
“On May 16, 2006, APAICS Gala Dinner was held. I assisted with the VIP reception, sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, which was attended by many celebrities. I heard speeches by Labor Secretary Elain Chao and Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, both of whom are Asian Americans. In Korea I never participated in any event where I could meet government secretaries. This experience was amazing! U.S. Representative Mike Honda, Robert Scott, and Grace Napolitano along with Senators Daniel Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye took part. That evening was the most precious experience I had in the United States. There were so many Asian-Pacific Americans doing their best in finance and politics. On my last day at APAICS, the office manager told me to return to Washington, D.C. next May to attend the 13th Gala Dinner. I was glad to become the first person invited to the 2007 dinner.”
“The most impressive work I did was for the 2006 12th Annual Gala Dinner – APAICS’ biggest event. This year the dinner was held at the JW Marriot Hotel. Starting in March, our staff concentrated on preparing for it. I added names to our rolodex list and database of people to be invited; I sent out about 1,500 invitations; and I wrote to U.S. senators, representatives, and secretaries. In drafting more than a hundred formal letters, I learned much about formal correspondence.”
DEVILLIER COMMUNICATIONS
“I worked at APAICS three days a week, and the Washington Internship Program arranged another placement for me on the other two days. On Mondays and Thursdays beginning in January, I had a third internship at Devillier Communications, which is a marketing and public-relations firm. Before starting there, I was interviewed by the vice president and human-resource manager. After passing that test, I was so glad to hear that I had been selected as a receptionist.”
“It was not easy to get many calls and transfer them to the proper staff members. At the reception desk, I worked a complicated computer-based telephone. Because I’d never used such a system before, I found it confusing at first. I controlled all incoming calls, received several calls at once, found extensions and availability through my screen, transferred calls, paged the staff, sent messages to voicemail, and retrieved calls. I was also put in charge of mail, guests, and packages from Federal Express or United Parcel Service. All the work at Devillier was new and hard for me, but as time passed I became accustomed to my duties and formed deep relationships with colleagues and supervisors.”
“After I excelled at being a receptionist, I was given more projects. For example, I conducted research for Amvets – one of the firm’s clients. Every day I read articles about American veterans through the Lexis Nexis system, which provides access to articles from all around the world. In the course of this work, I learned a great deal about American veterans: their place in U.S. society, and the problems they face after military service. As the number of veterans increases, they have growing health-care needs like the difficulties associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Through this internship I learned once again about the importance of customer satisfaction.”
KOREA INTERNATIONAL TRADE ASSOCIATION
“I finished three internships: in government, the nonprofit sphere, and the private sector. I also did volunteer work at the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), in connection with which I attended a conference and heard a speech by Tae-Sik Lee, the Korean ambassador to the United States. Most of all, I gained confidence through my internships and life within the U.S. It isn’t easy to live in a foreign country with different languages, foods, and cultures. I learned to understand and appreciate people despite their differences. All my experience in America will become precious assets for my future.”
Read moreSwati Saxena
A student from India who attended the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts as well as the National College of Aligarh in her country, Swati Saxena was pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the Women’s College of Aligarh Muslim University where she also earned a Masters degree in English in 2004 after obtaining her Bachelors degree with honors in 2002. In addition, Swati completed a teaching certificate from the Indian Association for Pre-School Education. Swati worked as a teacher at the Children’s Academy in India, and she participated in the College Debating Society where she won second-place on behalf of her university. In addition, Swati was affiliated with Help Age India, College Tour Club, and the Student Activity Fund. She and her brother Vivek Kumar applied to the Washington Internship Program in late February of 2006, and Swati requested an internship in marketing, advertising, and communications – preferably at a nonprofit organization. On April 21 Swati was accepted for an unpaid marketing internship at the Wildlife Federation. Her brother Vivek was placed at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, and WIP helped these two siblings get J1 visas. Swati arrived shortly after her brother on the Friday in July when the Washington Internship Program was holding its annual retreat – this summer at Wintergreen Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Without waiting to recover from jetlag, Swati insisted that she and Vivek board the bus immediately and attend the retreat where the two young people quickly made friends with other WIP interns from across the United States and around the world. This “can-do” attitude served Swati well whenever she needed it.
After working six-months at a full-time internship with the Wildlife Society, Swati accepted a paid internship in her secondary field: education. She earned $12 an hour at U.S. Kids beginning in mid December and working with youngsters who ranged in age from four to six. Swati and her brother lived together first in Hyattesville, Maryland and later Falls Church, Virginia. Swati’s sister, Richa Saxena, also applied to the Washington Internship Program and was placed at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services where she will begin an unpaid internship in March 2007. Richa will join Vivek and Swati so that all three members of this Indian family will be participating at once in the Washington Internship Program.
Founded in 1965, the Wildlife Society is devoted to conservation and the preservation of nature. The office in Bethesda, Maryland where Swati worked has a staff of about fourteen people. Swati reported to the director of publishing and information resources. In keeping with assignments she was given, Swati developed a marketing plan to increase revenue to cover the costs of maintaining a scientific library that entailed inventory and management costs, and she advised that schools be involved in use of this collection. The Wildlife Society also publishes an academic magazine, and Swati wrote a plan to popularize and promote the publication while covering the cost of advertising. She also wrote a memo about direct marketing through the Internet. Swati assisted with administrative aspects of maintaining the library, ranging from drafting correspondence to laminating magazine copies. She also explored the possibility of the Wildlife Society applying for government grants and increasing membership. From September 26 to 29, the Wildlife Society sponsored a major conference in Alaska. In preparation for a talk that her supervisor was to deliver, Swati edited a PowerPoint presentation, assisted with invitations and promotion, and prepared files and folders to be brought to the event. Swati was invited to attend the conference at her own expense, but in that she was working in an unpaid capacity, the cost of flying to Alaska was too high for Swati to absorb.
U.S. KIDS
At the conclusion of Swati’s internship at the Wildlife Society, she followed a lead offered by the Washington Internship and accepted a paid position at U.S. Kids. Starting in mid December, Swati began working there ten hours a day in a probationary capacity for four months, after which her childcare and teaching will be evaluated. The school is located in Washington, D.C. near New York Avenue and 14th Street. Swati joined a team of teachers, and there are usually two adults supervising each group of eight children. Swati works with preschool and kindergarten children. Swati was also accepted for a paid internship at Duplain Enterprises, Inc. – a public-relations firm and speakers’ bureau. However, remuneration was better at U.S. Kids, and Swati decided to apply her training in education this time.
WIP interns Vivek Kumar (left) and Swati Saxena (brother and sister from India)
at Wintergreen Resortfor WIP annual retreat, overlooking Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia