Interns making connections

KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 2, 2020

KSU students share benefits of working at Georgia Capitol

Several Kennesaw State University students are interning this semester in the fast-paced environment of state government as part of the Georgia Legislative Internship Program (GLIP).

The students are serving full-time as interns to legislators, legislative committees or legislative staffers in and around the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Their wide range of roles includes responding to constituent phone calls and emails, attending legislative sessions and committee meetings, tracking specific pieces of legislation and providing research related to certain bills. Along the way, they are making connections and gaining experience for their career paths.

About their experience, most of the interns said that “every day is different” or “there is no such thing as a typical day at the Capitol.” Below, they share the benefits they are gaining from their legislative internships.

Daniel Coley

Daniel Coley

Junior from Augusta, Political Science major

“This position is an amazing way for me not only to learn about the legislative process, but to be an integral part of it. I believe that this role fits into my career aspirations perfectly because I want to work for the government at the state or federal level in some capacity, and this is the best way to start that route. Public service has always been my goal after I graduate from Kennesaw State.”

Kristina Contreras

Senior from Fresno, California, Political Science major

“I’m learning of new possibilities to venture into with a degree in political science. Ultimately, I’d like to work on education policy. Being able to witness first-hand how proposed policy is debated by the state legislature has been informative and definitely is knowledge I can take with me into my career goals.”

Deb Couey

Deb Couey

Junior from Atlanta, Political Science major

“The tasks are varied, which allows me to learn how each is a part of the bigger picture. Through this internship, I’ve narrowed down my career aspirations to either policy-making on the state level or through an independent organization, or policy implementation on the local level.”

Austin Headrick

Austin Headrick

Senior from Ringgold, Political Science major

“I love getting the opportunity to hear impassioned, informed debates about policy from the legislators. Getting to learn from members of the House and Senate about a field I am passionate about is by far my favorite aspect of the job. I hope to leave this internship with more informed opinions, a clearer idea of how government operates and how policy is decided, and, ultimately, a clear path and the tools I need to begin my career.”

Joseph King

Senior from Dacula, Political Science major

“I am often running from place to place interacting with all sorts of people, from lobbyists or senators to the governor himself. This type of work is much more exciting than I anticipated. I hope to make important connections in the fields of politics and business that will last a lifetime and serve as a great launchpad for my future career as a campaign lawyer.”

Khizr Masalawala

Khizr Masalawala

Senior from Lawrenceville, Political Science major

“My favorite aspect of the job is the environment. It is oftentimes fast-paced, and I get to work with people who make a real difference. I hope to work in politics one day, and this job has shown me a glimpse of what a career in politics looks like.”

Madeleine Moghimi

Senior from Marietta, Political Science major, Honors student

“I hope one day to be an elected official, and this role as a temporary session administrative aide will allow me to be a more well-rounded official. Fully understanding the legislative process is fundamental to being a good legislator.”

Brandon Orozco

Senior from Lawrenceville, International Affairs major

“My favorite aspect of the job is meeting different people each day and witnessing first-hand what goes on at the Capitol during session. I hope to get a better understanding of how state government operates and take advantage of the networking opportunities that exist here at the Capitol.”

Lesley Solis

Senior from Kennesaw, Political Science major, Latin American Studies minor

“I saw this internship as a great opportunity to learn and grow, as well as an important experience to finding a life-long career. I hope to work with non-governmental/nonprofit organizations in the future. This internship has given me the opportunity to see how outside groups are working to persuade the government to either implement or abandon certain legislation.”

Rebecca Stachnik

Rebecca Stachnik

Senior from Marietta, Political Science major

“Throughout my time at Kennesaw State, I have been a non-traditional student and worked full-time in an entirely different field. I never thought that I would be able to do an internship, but I have been able to make it work with the right balance of advising, financial aid and budgeting. It has been such a great opportunity. Each day, I try to be open to learning something important from every task or every person I meet.”

Cami Vlasin

Cami Vlasin

Senior from Lawrenceville, International Affairs major

“What I am already learning from this experience is the importance of networking and of internships, to be able to apply information learned in class outside of the classroom. Prior to this internship, I had an interest in the legislative process, but I was not sure I would enjoy it. Now I can say that it is definitely something I am interested in after graduation.”

Nyaijah Waller

Nyaijah Waller

Junior from Hampton, Political Science major, Legal Studies minor

“I did not expect to be so involved in the process, but I have been able to really see what it takes for legislation to get passed. My goal is to become an immigration lawyer, and I believe that this internship coincides well with this dream because being able to understand our law and government brings me one step closer to being able to help prosecute those who go against it, defend those with it, and help others understand it.”