Government Relations Internship Expands Stockton University Student’s Professional Network and Fuels Passion to be a Human Rights Lawyer

Detty-Maidanove Exantus, a Political Science major attending Stockton University interned at Bramer Group during Fall 2023. At Bramer Group, Detty took on the role of a Government Relations specialist, focusing on Capitol Hill developments. Duties included compiling news articles for weekly client newsletters, summarizing congressional hearings, and conducting in-depth research on various projects. The position provided a unique glimpse into the intricacies of government operations.

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

I interned at Bramer Group, a government relations agency supporting clients in the field of national security, as the Government Relations intern. As the GR intern, my responsibilities mainly centered around what was happening on Capitol Hill. This included compiling news articles for a weekly newsletter for clients to keep them up to date on developments on the Hill, as well as writing summaries of congressional hearings to help inform Bramer Group staff. A major part of my responsibilities also included research on different projects the staff was working on.

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

The most challenging and exciting project, and also the biggest project, from my internship was a synopsis of The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) three-day conference that we had to compile and put out for clients and others who could not be there in person. With my fellow interns and staff, we attended various sessions throughout the event and take detailed notes that would later be condensed into a summary of the issues and new developments. It was an amazing experience to attend the conference and learn about the different working parts of the Army as well as see how allies all over the world contribute to the work that they do. I was also tasked with ensuring the format of the project was good to go and I am proud to say that it came out great!

"At Bramer Group, we're passionate about partnering with TWC because they offer more than just internships. They provide a transformative experience that equips you with the essential tools and resources to build a fulfilling career. Working with TWC opens doors to a world of incredible networking opportunities. Connecting you with influential professionals, industry leaders, and fellow interns who share your passion and drive.

Detty embraced every opportunity TWC offered. Not only did she contribute to impactful client deliverables, but she also actively cultivated her professional network, positioning herself for success beyond the internship." said Kelly Gordon, International Programs Associate & Intern Supervisor, Bramer Group.

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

I made the best of my time with TWC especially in terms of my professional network. By taking advantage of the different events TWC advertised such as the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) Breakfast with Graduate Schools, I was able to meet different professionals who were able to guide me in areas I felt uncertain about as well as to meet people I did not expect to during this period.

How has this experience influenced your career goals?

After this experience, my passion to become a Human Rights lawyer has remained steadfast. This experience has solidified my passion for helping people and has shown me that even though I have a plan in place to achieve my goals, unexpected journeys can open doors about options that would not even be on the table.

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

Take the leap of faith. I live by the motto that “Regret lies in what is left until tomorrow.” You never know what the future holds so take grasp of the opportunities you are presented with, so you don’t regret never taking them. To truly fail is to never try in the first place. My TWC experience was a great one as it was what I made of it. No one else.

How has the support of the Samuel G Rose scholarship in terms of enhancing your opportunities through TWC and your career exploration?

Without the support of the Samuel G Rose scholarship, I am not sure that I would have had the same great experiences that I had while in D.C. The scholarship allowed me to focus on making the most of my time with TWC without having to constantly focus and worry about a looming personal financial crisis. Finding out that I would have the support of the scholarship in the beginning of this journey really lifted a burden off me that helped me to breathe better.

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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