Lobbying D.C.
Zachary
Experience Information
Employer: The Chwat Group
Job Title: Research Assistant
Major: Political Science
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
The Chwat Group is a government relations firm in Alexandria, VA. The company is ran by President, John Chwat, who was my immediate supervisor. Mr. Chwat is a professionally trained lobbyist with over 30 years of experience on Capitol Hill. The Chwat Group is a small firm but it offers great experience for those who want to get personal training in public policy.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Everyday was different during my experience. I worked on locating and analyzing national legislation, researching federal funding programs, such as FEMA, contacting federal agencies for information regarding regulation reform, and lobbying congress. Overall, I worked on comprehensive research projects that would persuade or impact federal legislation.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained extensive research skills on how to maneuver the federal legislature, how to do complex policy research, developed communication skills, and expanded my personal network. The most valuable experience I gained was discovering my own personal career path and what I should be working for in the future.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of my internship was walking the hall of the six congressional office building and delivering a legislative position to a congressional office. I would work for weeks on a legislative packet and being able to deliver them to 60+ congressional offices was very rewarding.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
My summer internship working in Washington D.C. has really laid out my career path and goals for me. It is very relaxing knowing what I want to do going into my senior year. With out this experience I would be lost and uncertain to what to do after college. My internship with The Chwat Group will be something that I use to network for many years and it will help be set my roots in D.C. after graduation.