Madeleine Buchholz
Internship:
US Policy Intern, ONE Campaign
Major:
Political Science
“My internship with ONE shaped my career goals more than I ever expected it to.”
Getting Here
I got my internship through starting a branch of their organization at the university. I already knew a lot of the people there, had shown an interest in the group, and had proven to have a good work ethic, so they were excited to take me on for the summer. If you’re part of a club on campus, see if they have a headquarters that you can intern at. The more passionate you are about the organization, the better!
The Work
My internship with ONE shaped my career goals more than I ever expected it to. Prior to my internship, my goal was programming in the non-profit sector for an NGO in Washington, D.C. Working for ONE made me realize that a lot of these sorts of NGO's are reliant upon the movements of Congress, and in large part are reactionary. As someone who thrives in a predictably fast paced environment, I feel as though I would be much better served working in a congressional office, driving and creating policy rather than responding to it or trying to influence it.
Tip for Success
- Get as much resume feedback as possible and make sure your cover letter is top notch. That’s where you really show a lot of yourself, so make sure you stand out and have individuality, but maintain a professional appearance. It’s a tough balance!
Core Career Competency Developed
- Career Management