For the Spring Semester of 2022, I participated in the Washington Academic Internship Program through The John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Through this program, I interned at a federal grants consulting and government relations firm for 32 hours a week, and I earned 12 hours of academic credit as well.

This experience was extremely eye-opening for me because I learned a lot about the world and myself in the process. Before this experience, I had never worked a corporate nine-to-five job, so it was a new and exciting experience doing so. On top of this, it was my first time ever living outside of Columbus, so I was able to experience a brand-new city and, in turn, learn more about myself.

There were many different things that allowed me to transform and grow in all of these ways. Firstly, my job taught me so much. Through my internship at this firm, I was able to interact with multiple nonprofits across the United States. This gave me a new perspective on the unique struggles happening all over the country. From domestic violence shelters to education centers, I was able to gain insight into the needs of people all over and expand my understanding of the world.

The professional development this program provided also allowed me to grow. I met with individuals in so many different fields including federal government, international affairs, and campaigns. By meeting with these people, I learned a lot about the kind of career I may be looking for. For example, in speaking with people working in the federal government, and specifically, US Congress, I realized that really is not a field I want to get into. The hours and work did not appeal to me, so I now know it is not something I will pursue further.

Finally, just living in a new city with new people taught me so much. As aforementioned, it was my first time living someplace new. Being submerged in a new city with different cultures, infrastructure, and experiences allowed me to grow in ways unimaginable. I learned a new sense of independence through this which gave me a new sense of confidence in myself and my abilities. I also made sure I explored something new in the city each week, and in doing that, I learned a lot more about a new place and made the most of my semester away.

This experience genuinely changed my life in more ways than one. To begin, while I enjoyed the work and the people at my internship, I learned that federal grants consulting is not for me. Fiscal government is not something I find extremely interesting, and although I know the things I learned are going to be invaluable in the future, I will likely work in a different field after I graduate from Ohio State.

I also just finally figured out what I am capable of. I think moving someplace new on my own was something I needed to do. I now understand that I can be successful outside of my little Columbus bubble. With this, after graduation, I won’t only be looking at jobs in Columbus because I know I am capable of making the most out of wherever I end up.

Here is a professional development moment with President Biden’s campaign manager, Greg Schultz!

This is a fellow intern and I at the White House because a WH Staffer asked people from our firm to help out at the Easter Egg Roll!