2016 Intern Fund Recipients

Abby Barnes '17

Abby Barnes, an International Relations major and French & Francophone Studies minor, interned at the State Department's Bureau for International Organization Affairs. The Intern Fund was very helpful because most DC internships are unpaid and living in DC is expensive.

Her advice for future students is to get involved at your internship and in the city; get toknow your colleagues. Also, establish a homework routine and set manageable work hoursearly in the semester; you should set boundaries for working too much, especially as anunpaid intern. Quality over quantity.

Brendan Boylan '19

Brendan Boylan is a public policy and economics major, from the Class of 2019.  He was a finance intern at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee during the Summer of 2016, working on party fundraising and accounts for the 2016 Election. 

His advice to interns would be to make yourself needed and showcase your skills in as many instances you can as to avoid being "expendable." Also don't be afraid to capitalize on making connections within different departments and levels of your organization, if those individuals' work pique your interest.

Brenna Cowardin '19

Brenna is majoring in American Studies and Hispanic Studies, but came to DC under Professor Chitralekha Zutshi's semesternprogram focused on nation-state and conflict resolution in South Asia. The transition to DC life would not have been nearly as smooth without her scholarship from the W&M Washington Intern Fund.

She advises future students to take advantage of any opportunity they find exciting because through that passion learning becomes so much more than simply sitting in the classroom and taking notes.

Lidia Kovacevic '17

Lidia Kovacevic, a 2017 International Relations major, spent a semester of her senior year in the DC Program and was a recipient of the Washington Intern Fund. The fund allowed her to take on the semester and help compensate the higher living expenses in D.C. 

"The best thing you can do while interning in DC is to take full advantage of all the opportunities it allows you, from think tank discussions, to free museums, and especially meeting as many people as you can. Getting to explore Washington D.C. as a student is invaluable and W&M provides such a good way to incorporate it into your time in college with minimal disruption."

Michael Lopez '18

Michael Lopez interned with the research department of a major party campaign committee. It served as an invaluable experience and allowed him to make great connections. Additionally, he was able to learn a lot; while classroom instruction is useful, it does not provide the depth and experience that an internship can provide.

Michael advises future students to get to know your supervisor and the other people you will be working with. They can not only serve as references, but also as mentors who can answer your tough questions and help guide you in your career.