I liked that Public Citizen pushed me to step outside of myself to help in the push to "Get Out The Vote," during a time of fear andincertainty. I liked the way my coaches focused on my strentghs and help me build upon the skills I already had, that was enouraging and inthe process while building I was able to gain many more talents through the process. My eyes were opened to the background and process is takes to get people to vote.
What I wish was different
Honestly, I wish I had of done an internship earlier on maybe in my sphmore year, becasue this internship was so rewarding on many different levels.
Advice
I want people to know that regardless of how the government has barriers set in place in the attempt to pull votes in a certain direction, your vote does counts. I saw firsthand that the numbers do matter, and we people decide that they want change and showup in to the polls, the number of votes do make a difference. Change is possible.
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Communication and Advocacy Intern
May - August 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
The work environment, the focus on climate change, working closely with the other interns, opportunities to attend congressional hearings, lunch and learns with the different departments, and I really just enjoyed the work I was doing.
What I wish was different
I ended up enjoying my metro commute, but it was very expensive. It would have been nice to have been paid especially since I basically worked full time when it was originally supposed to be part-time. Most of the lunch and learns take place at the Dupont Circle office, so expect to lose a lot of time traveling there and back.
Advice
Keep yourself informed about the issues you are focused on and things going on in D.C. and in Congress.
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One person found this helpful
Policy Intern
June - August 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Public Citizen has an incredible reach for an advocacy organization. They really care about their interns, and you’ll be doing real work.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Field Intern
June - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Ability to see behind the scenes work of non-profit policy work and attend Congressional briefings.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Access to Medicines Intern
May - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I loved the people that I met at this job and the exposure I got to the inner workings of policy and lobbying. During my internship, I participated in several protests, attended meetings on the Hill with legislators who drafted bills to lower drug prices, and organized a three-day conference that brought together people from all over the world who are passionate about lowering the cost of prescription drugs. All of these events gave me a great appreciation for the work of non-profit groups!
What I wish was different
I wish that I had been paid. I am fortunate enough to have parents who can support me financially, but living in a big and bustling city is expensive. I feel like I would have had a much more meaningful and well-rounded experience if I were able to have a bit of personal money while in D.C.
Advice
Do not get disheartened by the formalities of politics and policy! It is very easy to feel like the work you are doing will have no impact when up against large corporate lobby firms. However, every small achievement counts, and the fact that you are working to make the country/world a better place shows your importance.
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Communications Intern
June - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I was given countless opportunities to innovate and make my intern experience into something unique to my interests and skills. For example, I was able to practice photography by documenting the press conferences and rallies we held throughout D.C. I helped the Communications office choose a DSLR camera, and trained the staff on how to use it.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had had more previous experience with AP style, since a lot of time went into adjusting my writing style to fit AP standards.
Advice
You have to push yourself to do things that make you potentially uncomfortable -- like informal interviews and attending optional events -- because they always pay off and teach you something new about yourself.
