Eric Priest attended the Washington Center from January 24 to May 4, 2018 and interned with Representative Adam Kinzinger’s congressional office.
U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger, (second from left), with interns including Eric Priest (far right)
I attended the Washington Center from January 24 to May 4, 2018, and interned with Representative Adam Kinzinger’s congressional office. He represents Illinois’ 16th district, is a member of the Republican Party, a former member of the Air Force, and currently a major in the Air National Guard.
The Washington Center (TWC) has had a tremendous impact on jumpstarting my professional career as well as improving my skills and myself as a person. Before this semester I didn’t think I’d be able to work in a congressional office in D.C. away from my friends and family but TWC made that possible. I was able to get a taste of what it is like on the inside of the political stream where I was able to live it as opposed to just reading about it. This semester has changed my mindset by molding me into a professional that’s eager to join the workforce and work to better our society. By working for a congressman I have a new understanding about the inner workings of the office and how legislation is created and how many organizations are in contact with different offices. It has been an eye-opening experience that has made me a more responsible and communicative person by being engaged and having important responsibilities.
From my internship, I gained networking and communication skills, and strengthened my knowledge on policy subjects, especially in foreign affairs. Early on, I worked on projects for the foreign affairs staffer and scribed hearings for him and others in the office. This correlated well with my evening class on U.S. foreign policy because I was able to use information learned in class in my internship and vice versa. By conducting this research I realized I wanted to do something similar to being a staffer back home and possibly come back to Washington D.C. in the future.
For further information, please contact:
Department of Political Science
Blodgett Hall Room 202
p – 516.877.4590