Liberal Arts Major(s): English
Minor: Media Studies
Hometown: Chatham, New Jersey
Experience Time: Summer 2021
Give us a brief summary of your experience?
This summer, I served as a press intern for United States Senator Robert Menendez, working virtually and occasionally in the Jersey City, NJ office. My responsibilities included drafting press releases, compiling editorials for the senator to read, completing weekly communications team reports, writing social media captions and planning post dates, researching NJ journalists and elected officials, and formatting daily news clips about the senator for our staff email list.
How did this experience impact you academically?
This experience allowed me to explore a connection between my major and minor: English and Media Studies, because it was a heavily communications-based job, and involved some professional writing as well. It also taught me the ins and outs of Microsoft Word and Excel, allowing me to use those programs more efficiently in the future for academics.
"I am grateful to have experienced working in a lawmaker's office to further explore my interest in pursuing law."
How will this experience impact your career goals?
I was interested in a political internship because I have an interest in a legal career. While working in politics is not my first choice in a career path, I am grateful to have experienced working in a lawmaker's office to further explore my interest in pursuing law.
How has the College of the Liberal Arts helped you to find and/or succeed in this experience (e.g., adviser, faculty, staff, enrichment funds, etc.)?
I applied for and was granted this position during the semester where I was enrolled in English 202B with Dr. Heather Holleman, who wrote me a wonderful letter of recommendation. I also improved my writing skills immensely in her course, and part of why I was hired was from submitting writing samples I completed during her class. She also taught me how to perfect my resume and cover letter.
How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?
Without Paterno Fellows, I never would have been enrolled in a Schreyer English course, and I likely would not have met Dr. Holleman. I am very happy I was able to take all honors English courses throughout my time in the program so far.