Summer at the MI House of Representatives
Kara
Experience Information
Employer: MI State House of Representatives
Job Title: Intern for State Representative Winnie Brinks
Major: Political Science
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Over the past three months I worked in the Cora Anderson House of Representatives building in downtown Lansing, Michigan. I interned for State Representative Winnie Brinks. Representative Brinks represents the 76th district in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is on the House education and health policy committees.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I had a variety of tasks as an intern for a state representative. My duties included responding to constituent contacts and inquiries, maintaining contact lists, helping organizing mailings, going door to door in-district to meet constituents, keeping track of precincts covered on legislative walks and researching issues such as, infant mortality disparities, breast density and common core, to name a few. I also assisted the legislative assistants and did general office work when needed.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Over this internship I learned so much. I strengthen my skills using Microsoft office and MIcasework but the two skills that I most improved during this experience would be professional writing and research. A lot of my duties included communicating with constituents and in that time, I learned how to write a quick, personal, knowledgeable and professional response to each person. The research aspect of the job scared me at first but once I was shown what to look for and how to find the information, I quickly completed my research tasks.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this experience was working in an office with a wonderful staff. If you work under the right politician and with the right people, any task can be made fun and exciting. I also loved the opportunities to see committee meetings, go to presentations put on by people in the community, and meet so many influential people and make connections with them. Making connections is very important and I feel this internship allowed me to expand my knowledge and my social group.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has affected my career goals by allowing me to see many of the different aspects of the political field, whether that is the assistant, the politician or a lobbying group/organization. Now that I have seen the different jobs and what they entail, I have a better understanding of what I want to do with my future career. Also, after reading passionate letters from constituents and organizations, I have decided that I would like to be on the policy side of the field rather than doing campaign work.