D.C. Internship Experience Helps Grand Valley State University Student Build Stronger Connections to Western Michigan Home

It may sound counterintuitive but the experience as an intern for Congresswoman Hillary Scholten's office in Washington, D.C., through The Washington Center's (TWC) Academic Internship Program, helped Nancy Hoogwerf, a student at Grand Valley State University build a stronger understanding of how to serve her home community through government, while also building professional experience skills and networks.

Can you share where you interned and highlight some of your responsibilities there?

I had the honor of interning in Congresswoman Hillary Scholten’s office, who represents Michigan’s Third Congressional District—my home district! My daily tasks included compiling news clips, answering phone calls, fulfilling tour inquiries submitted by constituents, maintaining and updating office records and welcoming guests to the office. In addition, I frequently assisted the legislative staff in researching and summarizing bills, drafting correspondence and attending briefings.

Describe a project from your internship that stood out to you – whether it was your favorite, the most challenging, or the most exciting.

My favorite part of my internship wasn’t necessarily a single project, but rather the continued opportunity to foster a deeper appreciation of Michigan’s Third District. I learned a myriad of new facts about my community and the district as a whole. I conceptualized how policies, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act, impact West Michiganders and the ways they bolster the district’s infrastructure.

I also discovered some rather niche facts about West Michigan. For example, West Michigan is home to one of four Luge tracks in the nation—cool! Beyond interesting facts, I enjoyed meeting fellow West Michiganders while at work. The Congresswoman’s Office hosted an open house which welcomed residents of the Third District to her D.C. office. Though visits from West Michiganders were common, this event helped remind me of home while I was away. It was amazing to work alongside a team who shared my love for West Michigan. My internship was a perfect way to combine my admiration for my community with my passion for politics and policy and I’m tremendously grateful for the entire experience.

In what ways have you expanded your professional network during your time with TWC?

I had an abundance of opportunities to expand my network while in D.C. Events facilitated by TWC, such as The Distinguished Lecture Series and the Politics, Policy and Advocacy Networking Event, afforded me the ability to connect with my peers and D.C. professionals. These events helped me cultivate a well-rounded network outside of my internship.

On the Hill, I was exposed to an extensive network of people who share a passion for politics and policy. I learned about various roles across offices and committees and gained a deeper understanding of all that comprises a Congressional office. Importantly, working on the Hill has allowed me to connect and work with accomplished women in politics, such an opportunity would have been impossible without participating in this program. I am grateful to have met an uplifting network of women during my internship and excited to return to my campus where I can share the encouragement and wisdom they gave me.

How has this experience influenced your career goals?

My semester in D.C. has affirmed my passion for politics and my long-term goal of running for office. Interning on Capitol Hill allowed me to experience American politics in its purest form. I was captivated by my proximity to the critical decisions being made and the power they held to shape lives across the country. With each new piece of legislation I learned about, whether it was a bill or a procedure, I wanted to learn more. My endless curiosity has proven that I am ready for a future in politics.

Also, throughout my internship, I witnessed the broader impact of the courage, dedication, and authenticity demonstrated by various Congresswomen. Their leadership has positively impacted me and my understanding of what it means to be a woman in politics. Observing their work has instilled a sense of capability within me and has made my dream of running for office feel attainable. With a record number of women serving in the 118th Congress, I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and draw inspiration from them during my time in D.C. Overall, this experience has assured me that I am on the right path and I’m very excited to see what the future holds!

What advice do you have for students contemplating an internship with TWC?

Go for it—I do not regret a single moment of my semester in D.C.! TWC’s Residential and Academic Facility (RAF) is situated in a great neighborhood and close to a metro station for endless opportunities to explore the city (and for easy transportation to work too)! TWC also hosts many events aimed at creating relationships with fellow students, so you can find a great group of friends to experience D.C. with, just like I did.

My friends and I loved attending a National’s baseball game and spending days at the National Mall, but we enjoyed visiting coffee shops in the area too. Overall, TWC helped me have an amazing experience in D.C. both in and outside of work. Moving to D.C. may feel like a big step, but is totally worth it. It’s a great experience and I’m sure you’ll love it!

How has the support of the John Dingell Scholars Award in terms of enhancing your opportunities through TWC and your career exploration?

The John Dingell Scholars Award relieved the financial burden of interning in D.C., which helped me make the most of my experience. I am immensely grateful for the Ford Motor Company Fund’s generosity and willingness to help students like me complete a semester with TWC.

About the Author

The Washington Center is the largest and most established student internship program in Washington, D.C. Since our founding, we've helped more than 60,000 individuals from across the U.S. and around the globe expand their academic pursuits into rewarding jobs and careers. We use our scale and expertise to deliver solutions that open career pathways for learners, solve recruitment challenges for employers, while helping create greater access, equity, advancement and representation.

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