Bennett takes in students for internship
Two Utah State University graduates have been selected to work in Sen. Bob Bennett’s Washington, D.C., office as interns for the fall semester.
Abby Evans, a recent political science graduate from USU, and Will Hains, who graduated cum laude from USU studying political science and history, moved to Washington, D.C., at the beginning of the semester.
Evans and Hains were two of four students selected from hundreds of applicants from Utah universities to fulfill internship positions within the Utah Republican Senator’s office.
Cindy Nielsen, political science program administrator at USU, said the selection process is fairly rigorous.
Nielsen said besides the personal interviews conducted with representatives from the offices, applicants are also given a letter from an actual constituent that they must respond to that same day in the office, without time to prepare or research.
“This process is very helpful because it helps [the interviewers] understand the applicants writing capabilities and knowledge of current events,” Nielsen said. “It’s difficult, but that’s how you pick out the people who will be best suited for the job.”
Besides going through the interviewing process, individuals must also meet several other requirements, Nielsen said.
Individuals interested in applying for an internship must be at least a junior and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
“Internships are a great opportunity,” Nielsen said. “It is competitive, but it’s definitely a worthwhile position and stepping stone.
“Internships make people more competitive for entering the work force, or when applying to graduate school.”
Evans said she has found that an internship will make her more competitive, and said she has plans to take the LSAT within the next several weeks and begin law school in the fall 2005.
For the Bennett internship, Evans said she applied in October 2003, and was interviewed in April 2004.
Two weeks later Evans said she received the news that she had been selected.
Evans said she was selected because she had built the resume necessary to be qualified. She said her past experience includes working on the Karras’ for governor campaign and working in Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch’s Washington, D.C. office.
“I worked hard in my classes, I had supportive teachers, good grades … when I sat down with members of Sen. Bennett’s staff I had a clear understanding of Utah politics and current events,” Evans said.
According to Evans, as an intern, her responsibilities include correspondence, taking notes at Senate hearings, writing, and assisting with office duties. She said she works specifically with staff members who deal with agriculture, energy, environment, tax law, social security and appropriations.
“I want USU students to know that your education doesn’t end when you leave campus,” Evans said. “Your education is enriched when you leave campus through an internship or other work/study program.”
Hains, the other USU graduate working in Bennett’s office, said he spent the summer interning as a research assistant with the International Technology and Trade Associates (ITTA), an international business consulting firm in Washington, D.C.
He said he had also been accepted to The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) summer program, which allowed him to take summer classes at Georgetown University while he completed his internship with ITTA.
Another experience he had which helped him secure the internship with Sen. Bennett was an internship he completed in Gov. Mike Leavitt’s press office in the summer 2003.
Hains said he works specifically in the press office of Sen. Bennett’s office, where he helps prepare the daily press clips for the senator and his staff.
Hains said he also works with a legislative consultant on foreign policy and defense issues, doing research and answering constituent mail.
“Although I’ve only been with Sen. Bennett’s office for a few weeks, I’ve really enjoyed it,” Hains said. “I have been able to see how the Legislative process works, and with everything going on right now, this is such an exciting time to be in D.C.,” he said.
Hains said for USU students looking for internships, it’s important to take advantage of all of the available resources.
He said students should let their teachers know they are looking for internships and work with their department’s internship coordinator.
“I would recommend an internship to any student,” Hains said. “It really is a great way to gain experience, network, and find out what you enjoy – or don’t enjoy doing.”
Hains also said he stresses the importance of learning how to write well.
“One skill that people look for in interns and employees is the ability to write well,” he said. “Take the time to learn to write well. It’s worth it.”
-amberem@cc.usu.edu