For many, Election Day is a time to vote, watch results and reflect on the nation's future. But for one intern at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), it was an unforgettable opportunity to play an active role in shaping history. From tracking critical races across the country to witnessing Vice President Kamala Harris energize volunteers at a phone-banking event, Jorge Avila’s journey was a masterclass in resilience, adaptability and the power of civic engagement during a pivotal moment in American politics. Balancing the high-stakes atmosphere of election season with the opportunity to directly contribute to political strategy, they not only developed vital communication and organizational skills but also deepened their passion for a career in politics.
Where are you interning and what are some of your responsibilities there?
This semester, I interned for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in Washington D.C., specifically for the States Department. Since my contract with the DNC ended midway through the program, following the election, I also had the opportunity to work with the CHC BOLD PAC to close out my time in D.C.
My main responsibilities at the DNC included tracking hundreds of federal and local down-ballot races across the country, writing memos to be sent to the White House, canvassing and much more. While the election results were not ideal for Democrats, these experiences enriched my working experience and motivated me to further pursue a career in politics.
Tell us about a project or experience you worked on during your internship that stood out to you, and how it helped build your confidence or passion for a future job or career.
On election day, I joined a team of other interns to help prepare the DNC for Kamala Harris’ surprise visit to a phone-banking event, where I was able to see the Vice-President up-close and ensure the event continued to run smoothly. On the same day, we were tasked with reporting election results live to government officials.
Election day was chaotic yet exhilarating; I am proud I was able to efficiently contribute to the DNC during one of the busiest days imaginable. This experience has increased my confidence moving forward thanks to my ability to remain dependable in high-pressure situations.
What are some of the specific skills and networking opportunities you have gained during this experience that you’ll take with you into a future job?
Communication has been a key component of my time at the DNC. I asked questions whenever I was confused on a given assignment and scheduled coffee chats with my co-workers to facilitate workplace communication. I have also volunteered in phone-banking and door-knocking events, which allowed me to talk to voters and listen to their political opinions. Taking on these new challenges and communicating with prospective voters has emboldened me to take advantage of networking opportunities and always maintain a healthy workplace relationship with future co-workers.
What was the most exciting, rewarding or unexpected (in a positive way) experience while at TWC or in D.C. – your “only in D.C.” moment?
I was able to take a tour of the U.S. Capitol thanks to the CHC BOLD PAC and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and her staff. As a political nerd, this experience was mesmerizing. I walked the halls of Congress and even entered the House Floor, which was a lot smaller than I originally thought, but nevertheless, it was one of my most unforgettable moments in D.C.
What were things that you were concerned about when applying for the program, and what did you do to overcome those concerns? This could include finances, living in a new city, uncertainty about your internship, etc.
Living in a moderately sized city in Tennessee, I was anxious about living in a big city such as Washington D.C. Everyday necessities such as the metro were fairly new to me, yet with some preparation, I was fortunate to get the hang of the city life fairly quickly. The hustle-and-bustle of the city was intimidating at first, but once I got in the routine of navigating the city, I felt comfortable enough to feel like a D.C. native.
What’s the number one piece of advice you would give to a student considering joining the TWC program?
Do it! Opportunities like these are not common for many students; I consider myself privileged to have been accepted by Middle Tennessee State University for this program. Living in a new environment and meeting new people can be scary at first, but I assure you, this opportunity is too enriching to pass up. I encourage you to ask yourself what my mother asked me when I almost denied applying for TWC: “If not now, when?”
How did the support of the Tennessee State Scholarship help you in your TWC experience?
The Tennessee State Scholarship has allowed me take advantage of my time in D.C., from touring law schools like Georgetown Law, visiting historical venues such as the Arlington National Cemetery or the White House and joining think-tank lectures. Thanks to the Tennessee State Scholarship, I was able to make the most of my time in D.C. and solidify my career goals.
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