Six Students Participate in The Washington Center’s Academic Internship Program
JONESBORO – Six Arkansas State University students are in Washington, D.C., this spring participating in The Washington Center’s (TWC) Academic Internship Program.“TWC works with them on creating a cover letter and resume, that are more aligned with different organizations, and they choose where they apply. Some students only apply to certain companies,” said Dr. Jordan Butcher, assistant professor of political science.This is the third cohort of students to participate in the internship program through TWC. To qualify, students must be a political science major or minor.
Butcher said this is a great opportunity for students work in what they think will be their dream career, while still working towards a degree. “They are getting course credit so it’s not going to set their college career back at all. It gives them a taste of what a career might look like,” she added.As part of the semester-long internship, students receive six credit hours for the internship. They also earn credit hours for courses offered by TWC, which includes a professional development course. This course includes mock interviews as well as guest speakers.“I am excited that we have this opportunity for students on campus. It has already impacted about 20 students and it has only been up and running for a year,” continued Butcher.Upon returning, some students have shifted their focus, while others have solidified their career trajectory thanks to this internship opportunity.“One student is getting ready to graduate, and this semester is going to help him figure out if he wants to pursue a graduate degree doing research, or if he wants to do research in this capacity for a year or two before moving forward. The internship allows them opportunities and to explore in another way,” said Butcher. Students participating this semester include:Elizabeth England, a junior political science and economics major from Piedmont, Mo., is interning at The Potomac Advocates.Ann Marie Long, a senior political science and history major from Jackson, Mo., is interning at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies.William Partain, a senior political science major from Lepanto, is interning at 50 State.Lauren Rush, a junior political science major from Manila, is interning at Tzedek D.C.Tori Simmons, a master of public administration student from Jonesboro, is interning at Inclusive America.Cailee Williams, a political science major from Trumann, is interning at Voice of America.
Applications are currently open for the summer and fall. Butcher said they have more spots for internships than students to fill them.
This program is only available to political science majors and minors. A-State has partnered with TWC since 2022.
