Zachary Blair-Andrews traded in his final months at the University of South Florida for a semester in Washington, D.C. to get a jumpstart on a career in public service. Interning with a member of Congress, he took in the sights and sounds of the hallowed halls of the Capitol building while forging connections and experiences that will bolster his career.
Why did you choose TWC over other options for internships or study abroad?
I chose to spend the final semester of my undergraduate journey with The Washington Center (TWC) to round out the experiences I’d already gotten in state and local government. Living and interning in Washington, D.C. was the perfect way to do that. Additionally, I knew that TWC had a respected reputation in D.C. and that the program’s infrastructure would support and supplement my internship experience.
Describe what it is like to intern at your organization. What are your typical responsibilities, and what does a typical day look like?
I’m interning in the United States House of Representatives in the Office of Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL). I can honestly say that there is no typical day on Capitol Hill! Congress goes in and out of session each week, so the atmosphere fluctuates between fast-paced and calm.
I start each day by compiling press clips of the day’s news, which get sent to Representative Frankel and the entire staff. I answer phone calls throughout the day, sort mail and constituent messages and write letters to respond to various constituent requests and concerns. I attend a plethora of committee meetings, Congressional staff briefings and think tank seminars, in which I take detailed notes that I send to the legislative staff. I also have the opportunity to sit in on meetings between Representative Frankel and high-profile leaders, such as the Secretary of Labor, the Executive Director of UN Women and scientific researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What is the single greatest benefit TWC provides to students like yourself?
TWC has an abundant alumni network as well as alumni mentors on staff who are happy to talk to current students. Throughout the semester, I reached out to the alumni mentors and to other TWC alumni to chat and had valuable conversations with them. It was great to talk to people that were far enough down the road in their careers to be able to offer advice, but close enough to my age that they remember what it was like to graduate from college and face the decisions that all new graduates must make.
What’s been your proudest accomplishment during your time here?
One of my proudest accomplishments during my time interning on Capitol Hill was my acceptance to the Stennis Program for Congressional Interns. This program is run by the Stennis Center for Public Service and is only available to students interning in Congress. Each Friday for six weeks, I met government officials, learned about the work that they do and asked them questions. I also met other interns from across the aisle and collaborated with them on a group policy proposal project. Lastly, I had the opportunity to write an article about my internship experience for the Public Service Review. It was an enriching experience!
What has been the most impactful experience or memorable encounter during your time in Washington, D.C.?
One of my most memorable experiences was walking through the halls of the U.S. Capitol for the first time and into the Rotunda. It’s a magnificent space, with statues of presidents and other American leaders, enormous historic paintings that are in every history textbook across the country and the breathtaking dome with the “Apotheosis of Washington” painting at the top. I was amazed every time I stepped into the Rotunda, and I loved giving tours to constituents and teaching them about the history of the place we were standing in, all while members of Congress walked by and waved hello.
How has TWC impacted your future plans and professional goals?
I have learned a lot and grown professionally throughout my time at TWC. I made valuable connections that will undoubtedly help me in my future endeavors. Regardless of where my career takes me, I am certain that I will make use of all the skills and knowledge that I acquired during my time here.
Regardless of where my career takes me, I am certain that I will make use of all the skills and knowledge that I acquired during my time here.
What advice do you have for other students who are considering an internship with TWC?
Talk to your campus liaison about TWC and apply! Washington, D.C. is a dynamic and diverse place. You will undoubtedly learn a lot during your time here. As Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama said, “put yourself in the path of lightning.” I did and it was the perfect capstone to my undergraduate experience.
Let The Washington Center Help
Internships are one of the best ways to learn more about your industry, get hands-on experience under your belt and build a well-rounded skill set. Many of our offerings now have remote work options, meaning you can take advantage of even more opportunities and you’ll add a whole new set of “working from home” skills to your resume.
As part of our Academic Internship Program, we partner with hundreds of internship sites around the country, and will work closely with you to find the internship that best aligns with your career goals and interests.
Learn more about the Academic Internship Program.
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