U of M goes to Washington
By: Martina Ballard
Issue date: 4/22/09 Section: Other Stories
|
But Shannon Hayes, senior international studies, political science and foreign languages triple major, has enjoyed such experiences this semester.
Hayes was one of four U of M students who interned at The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars in Washington, D.C. Unlike some interns, her job has been more than just getting coffee, filing papers and answering phones, she said.
"I'm not getting anyone coffee, and no one would ask me to get coffee," she said. "At my job we are treated just like staff. We have jobs, and it is very professional, and I think with that, I get a certain amount of respect."
Hayes was placed with a non-governmental, nonprofit organization called the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, where she did "think tank work," she said.
TWC has worked with The U of M since 2007 to provide students with internships in Washington, D.C. The independent, nonprofit organization is affiliated with about 500 colleges and universities around the world and has about 1,700 students participate in the program each year.
Interns receive a stipend of nearly $6,000 from TWC, can keep all of their pre-existing U of M financial aid arrangements and can receive 12 to 15 credit hours from The U of M.
Ryan Klang, director of development for TWC, said the 2-year-old internship is one of the best-kept secrets at The University. One of the program's benefits, he said, is that many of the interns are offered jobs after graduating.
"We have many students who go on to receive job placement and job offers from the company they interned at after they graduate," Klang said.
TWC also offers courses in 12 disciplines, including advocacy, service and arts, business and information technology, mass communications, law, international affairs and more.
The courses and programs at TWC are tailored to meet the needs of each intern. By doing this, students are able to learn more about their specific field, Klang said.
They also learn job seeking skills.
"I've learned how to apply for jobs, how to interview and how to perfect my resume," Hayes said.
While there, students work eight hours a day, Monday through Friday. Aside from that, they are required to attend one evening course a week, and another evening of programming as well.
Living around "business-minded" people has given her the opportunity to meet and learn from many people in high positions, she said. While interning, networking has been key.