Political Science Alum Recommends Interning in DC

   

The day after she graduated from UVU with a degree in political science, Megan Stookey moved to Washington, D.C. — fulfilling a lifelong dream. “I’ve had a fascination with Washington, D.C. since I was young,” Stookey said. “It’s been my goal to live there for years.” After interning in the House of Representatives for 10 months, she received a job offer with the House Natural Resources Committee where she addresses energy and water issues and National Parks legislation. 

Although she originally decided to attend UVU because of its proximity to her family and low tuition costs, she said she stayed through graduation because of the opportunities for student engagement around campus, the amazing political science program, and the dedicated staff and faculty who really got to know her. “I really appreciated the time professors would take out of their schedule to help any of their students,” Stookey said. “I constantly heard from friends at other schools about giant class sizes and having to go to the teacher's aide for any assistance; I could always go to my professors personally and receive studying tips or career advice. My advisor, Angela Chavez, [was] also phenomenal. She was flexible with meeting times, was always patient while explaining my different schedule options, and was a constant source of encouragement.”

Stookey values her academic experiences and cautions future political science graduates, “It is nearly impossible to get a job in this field without a degree. There were countless interviews during my job hunt in which I was asked about my degree and school. A Bachelor of Science can be the deciding factor for so many offices looking to fill a position.”

She’s especially enthusiastic about the internship programs UVU offers. “The Government and High Impact Internship Office at UVU was extremely helpful to me when I was applying for internships as both an undergrad and recent graduate. It wasn’t until after I graduated and became acquainted with more interns in D.C. that I realized that not all schools have intern programs. That is always one of the first things I mention when talking to others about my UVU experience.” 

To future political science students, Stookey recommends, “Intern in D.C.! Meet with as many people as possible and stay in contact with them, even after you go back to Utah to finish your degree. Networking is the name of the game! Plus, an internship can show you what specifically you're interested in and what you don't care to pursue. You will have the time of your life here!”

 

 

 

 

Intern in D.C.! Meet with as many people as possible and stay in contact with them, even after you go back to Utah to finish your degree. Networking is the name of the game! Plus, an internship can show you what specifically you're interested in and what you don't care to pursue. You will have the time of your life here!