Major: Political Science
Minor: Communications
Hometown: Stone Harbor, New Jersey
Chapel Executive Intern

How did you learn about this opportunity?

I learned about the Washington Program through the weekly newsletter that is sent out through the Career Enrichment Network. Once I attended an information session, applied, and had been accepted, I began working with Katie Sullivan to look for a position. Throughout the spring and summer, she and I worked on finding different positions in public policy through a number of different sources, including Network Symplicity. About halfway through the summer, she reached out to me with this position. I applied, got an interview, and eventually got the position. I accepted almost immediately because this firm was above all others the one I wanted to work with.

Tell us a little bit about your experience.

The Normandy Group is a lobbying group for a number of different organizations across a number of different fields. These fields include corporations, airlines, higher-education institutions, municipalities, among many others. Their website has a much more detailed list of their practice areas and clients. One of my favorite parts of this internship is that because they represent such a wide variety of clients, I was able to network and gain insight into many of these different fields. I also covered hearings and performed research in these different fields. So while I would have gained a much more specified experience if I were to have worked a firm that represented pharmaceutical or defense interests, I was able to get a more expansive learning experience with the Normandy Group. As far as daily tasks, I have done whatever is needed of me to help the people I work with best advocate for our clients. This has included creating memoranda on hearings, finding grants through the federal government, attending meetings with congressmen or government officials, among many other tasks. Each day has presented a new problem and an opportunity for me to use what I already know to solve the problem. The partners and the rest of the Normandy Group team have prioritized making this an educational experience for me, and I couldn’t be happier with where I have ended up.

"A position in public policy has given me insight into politics, networking opportunities across a number of fields, and experience that can be easily transferable to whatever career I choose."

How did this experience impact you academically?

Every day that I am in the office, I am given the opportunity to apply what I have learned at Penn State to whatever crosses my desk. Whether it is a lesson in writing, researching, or problem solving, what I have learned in my classes is constantly being reinforced here. In my opinion, one the biggest assets I have to give to any group I am involved with is the ability to handle anything that is thrown at me. Academically, I have viewed every day as an opportunity to use what I have learned while simultaneously building upon that foundation established at Penn State. My plan for after graduation has always been to get my law degree. After this internship, I am still determined to one day achieve that. This experience has only motivated me more so to do that. Regardless of whether or not I end up in lobbying, the lawyers I have met during my time here have testified to the value of a law degree and the opportunities it opens up. So this upcoming fall, I plan on applying to law schools and attending the following year.

What are your career goals and plans?  How did this experience impact them?

Like I mentioned above, one of the reasons I chose the Normandy Group to intern with was that their clients came from a variety of fields. So while I have been determined to get a law degree, the type of law I’d like to practice and the issues I’d like to be involved with haven’t been as clear. This internship has given me experience in a number of areas, from international NGOs to corporate business to municipalities and more. So while I still haven’t made a decision on what area of law to enter, I’ve gained a perspective and experience that will help me make that decision when the time comes.

Would you recommend this experience to other Liberal Arts students?

I would recommend this experience to any student. A position in public policy has given me insight into politics, networking opportunities across a number of fields, and experience that can be easily transferable to whatever career I choose. After my time with the Normandy Group, I have emerged a more qualified and confident candidate for any position I pursue.