By Jillianne Zweiacker

Washington, D.C. is a city full of history, politics, people and interns. During the summer months, the city is bombarded by thousands of college undergraduates who travel to our nation’s capitol to complete internships. During the months of June and July, agricultural communications juniors, Whitney Danker, Sara Jane Smallwood and Jillianne Zweiacker, from Oklahoma State University were among these students.

Danker, a native of Wellston, Okla., and Zweiacker, a native of Pawnee, Okla., interned for U.S. Rep. Frank D. Lucas for seven and four weeks respectively; and Smallwood, a native of Clayton, Okla., interned for USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection Quarantine and Commodity Imports Analysis Operations for six weeks, and U.S. Rep. Dan Boren for four weeks.

Internships allow students the opportunity to add knowledge and skills to those already learned in the classroom, as well as network with people. Danker feels her internship experience was extremely beneficial.

“The experience was more than I could have ever hoped for in an internship,” Danker said. “I learned the daily operations of a U.S. representative’s office, as well as the daily functions of government. I gained a greater appreciation for the work that takes place to create American policy and was humbled by an overwhelming sense of pride to be living and working in Washington, D.C. Above all, this internship allowed me to determine which job opportunities I want to pursue upon graduating from OSU. ”

A typical day in a congressman’s office consisted of correspondence through phone messages, e-mail, faxes and letters with businesses and constituents. Interns also find themselves conducting legislative research, writing constituent letters, giving constituent Capitol tours and attending House and Senate forums, debates and committee hearings.

“I loved attending committee hearings,” Zweiacker said. “It was a valuable experience to be able to see our lawmakers in action. During the committee hearings, a person can truly see the passion a member of Congress has for a certain issue.”

Not only do students gain invaluable job experience, but students are also able to learn about life in Washington, D.C., which is an experience in itself.

“Riding the metro rail, dressed in my suit on the first day of work, is something I’ll never forget,” Smallwood said. “It made me realize I sure was far from Okla., but I was excited to be part of the workforce in our nation’s capital.”

A city filled with tourists from every part of the world, Washington, D.C. is filled with plenty of action and is people friendly.

“There is always something to do,” Zweiacker said, “and it is usually free! I was never bored! Washington, D.C. is filled with culture and history. I just wanted to absorb every piece of it I could.”

“ Washington) D.C. life is great,” Smallwood said. “There are a lot of free things to do, which is great for an intern’s salary. Movies on the mall and concerts on the Capitol steps are a lot of fun in the evenings. Students can also get discount tickets to shows at the Kennedy Center.”

Of course, internships are not handed out. Many students find internship opportunities through the internet. An application process follows, as well as a possible interview. However, take it from these three girls, it is an experience that is once in a lifetime and well worth it. Their best advice is to apply for any and all internships available, take advantage of everything and do something different to set yourself apart from others in your career field.