George Mason The Pulse

Veettil, who is slated to graduate in 2026, is determined to make the most of her college career, and she wasted no time in becoming involved in the university’s opportunities. The Honors College member is a residence hall assistant and vice president of the Democrats at Mason club and previously was a student senator and chair of the University Life Committee. It was at a Democrats club meeting where she discovered her first internship possibility. “That’s where I met Congressman Gerry Connolly’s campaign manager at the time,” she said. Connolly, a Democrat, has represented the district where the university’s Fairfax Campus is located since 2009. “I spent my first semester at George Mason as a campaign intern for my district’s congressman,” Veettil said. “I met multiple impressive candidates and current representatives at large-scale events and campaign launches and these connections brought me to my first office internship last spring semester [2024] during my sophomore year.” It was a thrill to land a position in a congressman’s office and bear the official title of District Office Intern, she said. “I never imagined that I’d meet or even have the opportunity to work for a congressman at all, let alone during my first couple of months in the United States,” she said. The work was compelling and important to the function of the office. “I had regular conversations with constituents about federal services and issues that they cared about, while also keeping up with casework for many individuals,” she said. “I learned so much about constituent services and casework throughout my time as an intern, as I dealt with cases regarding Social Security, immigration, healthcare,” and other issues. FINDING THE BEST FIT Many students find their internships by networking with friends who have had experience with interning, or through family with connections, or like Veettil, having direct contact with those in a position to hire. Some students find their internship positions by exploring websites of agencies they have an interest in working with. Schar School students are likely to find intriguing internship possibilities via the USAJOBS website, the federal government’s official Pathways portal for students and recent graduates. Schar School senior Jake Kornfeld found his summer 2024 position at the Department of the Treasury via USAJOBS, applying for the internship despite not having a background in economics. “I didn’t think I was going to get it, so when I did, I was really excited about it,” the Seattle native said about the position. His duties included handling travel logistics for Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and her delegation as well as helping advance events in the Washington area.

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INTERNSHIPS! WHERE, WHEN, HOW—AND WHY T he tradition of internships dates to the Middle Ages, when young workers learned a trade under the supervision of a master of the craft. The relationship could last for years, depending on the complexity of the skill and the agreement with the student’s family. No doubt, the master valued the assistance as much as the apprentice appreciated the experience. Fast forward 1,500 years and the medieval concept of apprenticeships has morphed into the institution of college internships. Opportunities abound for students to spend significant time in professional settings, learning vital proficiencies and gaining experienced insights firsthand, as well as making contributions to the goals of the organization. Given George Mason University’s proximity to Washington, D.C., students in degree programs at the Schar School of Policy and Government have an unusually vast number of potential internships in fields that are relevant to their academic interests. Some of those opportunities become future livelihoods. No promises, but it happens. The Schar School has forged productive relationships with those in key positions in important institutions over decades, from the White House and Congress to nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, and private firms. Each semester, those organizations and the people running them count on Schar School students to assist them in successfully fulfilling their missions by performing tasks large and small. In fact, George Mason ranks No. 1 in Virginia for internships, according to U.S. News & World Report . After graduating in 2022 from the Schar School’s bachelor of arts program in government and international politics, Helena Somerday enrolled in the Schar School’s highly ranked international security master’s program. As a master’s student she landed a competitive internship at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), a unit in the Department of Transportation. As a communications intern at FRA, she gathered information from key personnel, including senior executives and subject experts, and wrote stories about various developments that included sophisticated data analysis. The position also required

her to learn other skills that proved valuable in her master’s degree studies. “I gained a comprehensive understanding of federal workings, solidified my commitment to a federal career, and advanced several skills crucial for success in this dynamic professional sphere,” she said. “Working in a federal agency for the first time helped me gain perspective on what I want from a federal position, while understanding each department and each office within it have varying goals and visions. I could not think of a better way to grow during the semester.” Inspired to continue working in a federal capacity, she now works in the human relations department of the FRA. The internship led to the full-time job. WHEN TO APPLY It used to be accepted practice to intern off campus in your last year as an undergraduate, said Ann Ludwick, who, as assistant dean of undergraduate academic affairs since 2014, has helped countless students navigate internships. That delay makes sense because by your senior year you have, with hope, successfully balanced your schoolwork and extracurricular activities. “Nowadays, I encourage students to intern as early as sophomore year,” she said. “That way, an internship can lead to another internship—and why not build your professional portfolio earlier rather than later?” The Schar School and George Mason are ideally situated for multiple internships, she said. The Fairfax and Arlington Campuses are mere miles away from the White House, Capitol Hill, and the innumerable nonprofits, associations, and advocacy agencies located in Washington, D.C. The most distant Northern Virginia campus, located in Manassas, is only 30 miles from Washington. “We have so many opportunities,” Ludwick said. “I tell students to take advantage of these experiences for their own career readiness.” But some students can’t wait. Sreelakshmi Veettil, a junior government and international politics major, is one of those. She came to the United States from her home in India to attend college, settling on George Mason “after looking at about 20 universities on the East Coast,” she said, “because it was so close to D.C. and seemed to be the perfect fit for my future aspirations.”

• It is highly recommended for future interns to attend George Mason’s career fair hosted by University Career Services each fall and spring. Hundreds of recruiters and representatives from regional institutions and agencies attend the campuswide, two-day event, each of them eager to connect with motivated students. • University Career Services also hosts the website Handshake , which is the university’s job search portal. Information is at careers.gmu.edu. • The Schar School’s extensive alumni network plays a pivotal role in connecting current students with internship opportunities. Alumni working in influential positions are often eager to mentor and support new interns, creating a supportive and dynamic environment for professional growth. • While some internships are not paid positions, the Schar School and the Partnership for Public Service offer internship opportunities with various federal agencies for qualified students through the Federal Workforce Initiative . Details are at schar.gmu.edu/faculty-research/research-centers institutes-and-initiatives/federal-workforce initiative. • Students may earn academic credit by interning. The courses GOVT 480 for undergraduates and POGO 794 for graduate students automatically count toward all of Schar School majors. Students may intern any time during spring, summer, and fall semesters. Details at schar.gmu.edu/current students/academic-advising-student-services/ undergraduate-student-services/undergraduate-11.

“I provided briefing materials for the secretary and escort her to in-town events,” he said. “I also escorted stakeholders who come to meet with her. I’ve escorted economists, ambassadors, and prime ministers as well as facilitated Treasury events with these stakeholders.” Nearly a quarter of students find internships by means of faculty and staff referrals, a reflection of the Schar School’s presence

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