American Enterprise Institute, Washington, DC
This summer, I interned at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), a think tank doing research with individual scholars on specific issues. Working in the Government Relations Department, I had the opportunity—and was required—to interact with all research done by AEI scholars. When new AEI reports, articles, opinion pieces, and blog posts were published, I read them, helped determine which government employees would be most interested in the subject, and composed summaries or “round-ups” to send out. I was additionally required to stay up to date with Congressional floor proceedings, committee hearings, and the most recent legislation. I also did research for the Government Relations team. Before big meetings with scholars and Congressional staffers and members, I researched and wrote memos on their history, voting record, and public statements. Finally, I had the opportunity to meet with these staffers and members, as I accompanied my supervisors to these meetings and Hill events.
Events on the Hill were a highlight specific to my government relations internship. We accompanied scholars when they testified or gave briefings to Congress, which allowed me to see how research is put to use, as well as its real impact on policy. The most impactful hearing I attended was with Dr. Kagan on Russian disinformation. As a Russian Studies minor, hearing testimonies from the world’s top experts on Russian fake news was an incredible learning opportunity.
One of my favorite projects at AEI was composing a guest list of 100 private sector conservative women in national security. As one of my earliest projects at AEI, it helped me familiarize myself with databases such as LeadershipConnect and Salesforce. Later in the summer, these women were invited to a cocktail party which I was able to attend. This was such a valuable experience, because I am very interested in national security, and it also helped me to envision the many career paths available to someone with this interest.
I was very nervous on my first day at AEI, but I was instantly surprised how warm and welcoming everyone—from junior research assistants to top scholars—was. I felt that everyone took the time to introduce themselves to the interns, and all my supervisors were very interested in me, my interests, helping me with my future career.
The AEI internship program features an intern lecture series from its top scholars, as well as luncheons, tours of government buildings, résumé reviews, and mock interviews with its Talent Development team. For me, the intern lecture series was very impactful, as it gave me a better idea about the people behind important research, and why each scholar is passionate about the work they do. My favorite lecture was given by Nicholas Eberstadt on North Korea. Hearing from an expert who has been to North Korea and who has interacted with North Korean officials is such a rare experience. I am really grateful that he was so eager to share his knowledge with AEI interns and to have met someone who is a lead expert in his area of study.
All AEI employees truly fostered personal development and cared about our success. Perhaps the most poignant example of this was my work on the AEI Events podcast. On a particularly busy day, one of my supervisors asked me to help her out with editing podcasts. I already had some exposure to the software, but discovered that I am truly interested in editing and producing podcasts. Seeing my interest, my supervisor asked me to accompany her to podcast recordings, and I continued editing podcasts throughout my internship. At the end of my internship, I was asked to continue editing the AEI Events podcast as a freelance editor after my internship ended. I am so proud to continue with this work, and I am grateful that they saw merit and potential in my work.
The other topic I discovered I am truly passionate about is international trade. While interacting with all new research, I often encountered unfamiliar topics, such as patent reform or surprise medical billing. International trade regulations, and specifically the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA or NAFTA 2.0) was initially something I assumed would be boring. However, after accompanying Claude Barfield, a trade scholar at AEI, to a briefing on the Hill, I gained interest. From there, I was required to summarize all AEI scholars’ writings on USMCA, as well as those of all Representatives on the House Committee on Ways and Means. I am now deeply interested in international trade, and very invested in USMCA. This new interest has broadened my horizons and added to the issues in which I can be conversant. I am so grateful for having been pushed to fully learn about a broad range of issues that America is facing, allowing me to gain new and important knowledge.
I believe that my internship will be deeply impactful to me during my last year at Williams. I often had to balance long-term and short-term projects, which is similar to work at school. I believe I improved my time management, as well as my efficiency. Writing memos and summaries everyday improved my ability to decisively decide the key elements of a report or article and clearly convey it. My supervisors’ confidence and trust in my competence greatly improved my confidence in my professional and analytical abilities, which will prove invaluable in my academic work and in my future career. Finally, the Government Relations team expressed their desire for me to return as a full time employee after graduation, which is a very appealing option to me.
I particularly would like to thank Dr. Marver for his generous support. I am truly grateful to have been able to intern at the American Enterprise Institute. This internship was one of the most valuable and rewarding work experiences I’ve had. Not only did it help me learn more about the issues facing America and potential solutions, but it pushed me to learn more about my own passions and interests.
Megamenu Social