Program Promises Real World Experience and Credit in D.C.
President Joe Bertolino paid the interns a visit while he was in Washington, D.C., in March. (L-R): Aidan Doyle; Jared Keane; Giana Sulpizio; Bertolino; Courtney Bono; Matthew West; Raneen Rehani; and Michael Rodriguez, professor of Political Science.
Galloway, N.J. – The Washington Internship Program has enabled over 1,000 Stockton University students to earn real-world experience and college credit in Washington, D.C., which is one of the largest groups of alumni in the Washington Center.
“The Washington Internship Program significantly enhances a student's marketability through the para-professional experience, career development workshops, and a network of contacts that are part of the internship semester,” said Michael Rodriguez, professor of Political Science and coordinator of the Washington Internship Program for Stockton. “Many intern alums describe their semester in Washington as a transformative experience that opened up countless opportunities for professional and personal growth.”
The Washington Center provides immersive internships and academic seminars to students from hundreds of colleges and universities and young professionals from across the U.S. and more than 25 countries. Eight Stockton students are currently living and interning in Washington, D.C. – check out their experiences below.
Courtney Bono of Hamilton – Communication Studies
CommCore Consulting Group
Why did you decide to apply for the TWC program?
I decided to apply for The Washington Center program to expand my personal and networking skills, and to gain experience working with professionals in my desired industry. I am currently interning for CommCore Consulting Group, a public relations and communications firm with locations in D.Cc, Texas and New York.
What type of work do you do in your internship?
In my internship, I've undertaken a diverse range of responsibilities, including client research, participation in media and presentation workshops, social media assistance, weekly blog writing and content creation.
What have you learned from the experience?
These experiences have collectively enhanced my skills in client relations, communication, digital marketing, writing and creative content development.
Would you recommend this program to others? Why?
I would recommend this program to those looking to gain professional experience before they graduate. Those skills, mixed with city living, create an incredible dynamic and a fun story to tell years from now.
Aidan Doyle of Galloway – Political Science
Same Day Process
Why did you decide to apply for the TWC program?
During my time at Stockton, I have been provided with tons of materials for learning about my desired field (the legal field), as well as the world around me. However, one of the major things I have found is that many of these classes lack hands-on experience, and I much prefer to be out in the world and working rather than being bogged down by schoolwork. I find that when it comes to most things, I am a more hands-on learner, although I do see the merits in traditional schoolwork.
Regarding TWC specifically, I have never personally lived away from home on my own, and what better place than the nation’s capital to live for a little while? I also strongly believe that being in D.C. can provide me with the useful skills I will almost certainly need in my future career. Since I want to work in the legal field, why not work in a place where much of the United States’s legal world revolves?
What type of work do you do in your internship?
My work tasks here almost entirely revolve around serving court documents, whether to corporations, government agencies, or even personal residences.
What have you learned from the experience?
With my time at Same Day, I have certainly learned a lot about the world of process servers, which I was completely unaware of before this internship. I’ve picked up a lot of the “tricks of the trade” of the process serving world and also about the legal documents I am entrusted with serving. Probably the most interesting is the certain specifications required for serving documents from certain states like Florida and New York.
Would you recommend this program to others? Why?
Although I’m only around halfway through the semester, I have found my experience to be one I will never forget. If you are someone who knows what path they’re going on, I think TWC is a good program to enroll in. It may not suit everyone, but if you plan to work in a field that is impacted by D.C. at all, it is a great experience!
Kiana Skyers of Moneague, St. Ann, Jamaica – Psychology
New Futures
Why did you decide to apply for the TWC program?
I decided to apply for the TWC program because I have always been interested in the District of Colombia, and I wanted to see what opportunities I could gain from networking in the capital.
Where are you currently interning?
(New Futures) is a nonprofit organization located in D.C. that creates opportunities for people pursuing associate degrees and certificate programs. In addition to providing scholarships, they also provide academic advising and guide their students to a brighter future.
What type of work do you do in your internship?
My internship is primarily centered around assisting with recruitment and selection. My aim is to educate people who are eligible for the program on the qualifications and relevant information. I also assisted with various workshops. Recently, I participated in a Mental Health Workshop focused on taking care of yourself while pursuing your academics.
What have you learned from the experience?
From this experience, I have learned how to maximize my degree and how psychology is applicable to various aspects.
Would you recommend this program to others? Why?
I would recommend this program to anyone attempting to gain more experience in the professional realm. It is a good opportunity to expand your connections and form meaningful connections with people who are interested in what you are interested in.
Matthew West of Blackwood – History
Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, Foreign Service Institute
Why did you decide to apply for the TWC program?
I became interested in the TWC program after someone from the TWC came in and presented the program back in the fall semester. I always figured I would want to do an internship at some point during my college career, so I figured, why not do it now? I had financial aid to help cover some of the costs, so the timing worked great.
What type of work do you do in your internship?
My day-to-day work includes developing transcripts for interviews of current or ex-diplomats, compiling these lengthy oral histories into smaller and more digestible snippets of the larger text, and lastly, we are working on a special project that is focusing on celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Foreign Service.
What have you learned from the experience?
So far, I have learned a lot about how the Foreign Service operates and the impact our diplomats have on our domestic and international affairs.
Would you recommend this program to others? Why?
I would recommend this program to anyone who has an interest in political science, history and diplomacy. The Washington Center has a huge number of programs for all majors and all interests, as well as being located in our capital. It has been a very interesting experience so far, and I am excited about what I will do next.
Giana Sulpizio of Pitman – Communication Studies
Bramer Group
Why did you decide to apply for the TWC program?
I knew I wanted to do the TWC program since I was a sophomore at Stockton, and I am now a senior. I always viewed it as a way to gain more experience and get away for a little bit while being able to explore a new city and meet new friends.
Where are you currently interning? What type of work do you do in your internship?
I am currently interning at Bramer Group as their BG Digital and Communications intern. As an intern, I get to do a variety of things that have helped me expand my knowledge in the Defense and National Intelligence industries. Some exciting things that I have been able to do include helping Mr. Bramer prepare and set up his news segments on live TV in their studio and attending committee hearings on Capitol Hill that pertain to the defense industry.
What have you learned from the experience?
This experience has taught me that it is OK to explore internships outside of what you thought you wanted to do because you may end up loving it or, at the very least, be able to broaden your knowledge and skill set. Prior to interning with Bramer Group, I could not have envisioned myself working in the defense industry, but I ended up loving it so much and could picture a better place to be interning this semester.
Would you recommend this program to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend this program to other students. The experience you get in the “real world” and in the city is something that you cannot get in Stockton or anywhere else.
Eric Inestroza of Trenton – Psychology
Federation of Associations in Brain and Behavioral Sciences (FABBS)
Why did you decide to apply for the TWC program?
I wanted to explore a bit while still earning credits for my undergraduate degree. TWC seemed convenient and also allowed me to earn valuable work experience.
What type of work do you do in your internship?
My responsibilities involve reviewing research articles for the FABBS Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences Journal, attending hearings about the behavioral sciences and writing news articles for the FABBS website.
What have you learned from the experience?
I've learned plenty! One is that people want to see other people succeed in their field; everyone here loves to help interns find their feet in the world.
Would you recommend this program to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend this program! There are plenty of things to enjoy and people to meet. My favorite part is the diversity. From languages and music to food – D.C. has it all!
Raneen Rehani of Egg Harbor Township – Political Science
US Marshals Office, Asset Forfeiture Division
Why did you decide to apply for the TWC program?
I decided to do the TWC program to gain more experience in a real-life work setting and submerge myself in a new environment.
What type of work do you do in your internship?
I help out with administrative tasks, attend meetings and write proposals for any ideas that I would like to present to leadership.
What have you learned from the experience?
Throughout this experience, I have learned how to work in a team and listen to others. Change is very important, and although it takes one person to listen, it takes a team to make that change.
Jared Keane of Manahawkin – Communication Studies
American Legion
Why did you decide to apply for the TWC program?
I decided to apply for the TWC program to advance my career and find something far outside my experience to challenge myself and build a stronger connection with others.
Where are you currently interning? What type of work do you do in your internship?
I intern at the American Legion. It’s a nonprofit organization that assists veterans. I review bills from Congress, read legal documents and attend House hearings and events on Capitol Hill.
What have you learned from the experience?
I learned that there are many opportunities to meet others in D.C. Even when I’m not trying to network, people always ask what I do, which starts a natural conversation that leads to further opportunities.
Would you recommend this program to others? Why?
Yes! There is so much happening in D.C. It is the perfect place to focus your area of interest and take the next step forward. Your roommates, friends, co-workers and co-interns can point you in any direction you want to go in.
Students Build Experience, Earn Credit in Washington, D.C.
Galloway, N.J. ― Every year, dozens of Stockton students earn real-world experience and college credit through The Washington Internship Program.
“The Washington Internship Program offers Stockton students across all majors unique opportunities to explore a broad array of career possibilities through intensive pre-professional experience in the nation's capital,” said Michael Rodriguez, professor of political science and coordinator of the Washington Internship Program for Stockton. “Internships are available in government, the for-profit and non-profit sectors, community-based organizations, cultural institutions, the media and public relations, among others.”
More than 1,300 Stockton students have completed the program, which is available year-round to undergraduate and post-graduate students.
– Story by Loukaia Taylor
