Learning in the Nation’s Capitol
Senior Aaron Gentry took his political science education beyond the Clemson classrooms to the nation’s capital in 2006. While interning in Washington, D.C., Gentry gained first-hand knowledge of his future profession by working for two Congressmen and a lobbying group. His eight months away proved to be invaluable to him. Here, in his own words, Gentry explains his experience:
Last year I had the distinct privilege of living and working in our nation’s capital, Washington, D. C. While there, I immersed myself in the political process, and I am thankful for every opportunity that I was given.
For the first five months, I worked for Congressman J. Gresham Barrett (R-SC). To say that I learned a lot in this office would be a huge understatement. Being constantly surrounded by the political process is something that is impossible to explain. Beyond learning the intricacies of the political process, I learned the basics of running an office as well as holding public office.
Though my time in the office was exciting, my favorite parts of the job took my out of the office for Capitol tours and committee hearings. A few times a day, I would take families or small groups on a tour around the United States Capitol. Just knowing that I was walking in the place where eloquent speakers such as Abraham Lincoln debated politics and the future of our young nation with their fellow delegates gave me chills. With the committee hearings, I was able to listen in on the debates that decided what issues make it to the House floor for consideration. It was fascinating to know that history was happening only a few feet in front of me.
After working with the public sector of politics, I decided to also see the private side of the process. I obtained an internship with Cornerstone Governmental Affairs, a lobbying group located right on Capitol Hill. At this office, I was in charge of small projects for different companies that had issues to be presented in front of the House of Representatives or Senate. It was a great learning experience. In this position, I learned more about networking as my colleagues at Cornerstone were connected throughout the city and the nation.
During my final months in the nation’s capital, I worked with Congressman Henry Brown’s (R-SC) office. The office was in the middle of a transition, and I was given the responsibility of constituent communication through mail. It was extremely exciting to have the opportunity to speak with the Congressman and with the Chief-of-Staff to discuss the Congressman’s stance on certain issues. This internship was time-intensive, but I still found time to lead a few tours of the Capitol building each week.
Thanks to different connections and friends I made during eight months in Washington, D.C., I was able to take part in many opportunities that I might not otherwise been afforded. All of these experiences will stay with me for the rest of my life; I am truly grateful for the many people that afforded me these opportunities.
To learn more about the political science program at Clemson, go online to business.clemson.edu/polisci.
Published February 2008