Andrea Braham, '05
Major:  Communication Studies
Placement:  National Organization on Disabilities (NOD)

This internship experience has broadened my horizons.  Not only am I more aware of the challenges of being a professional, but I am convinced that I can succeed as one.  Having the opportunity to do an internship has been so beneficial for me.  It has allowed me to strengthen my resume by proving that I have professional experience and that I am serious about evolving as an individual.

I was excited   about the hands-on experience that this internship offered, as well as the possibility of developing a second internship to gain more understanding of the political process. My experience included learning the names of many of the Congressmen and women that work on committees of importance to our clients, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Association for Songwriters, Composers, and Producers (ASCAP) and attending mark-up sessions and hearings on issues important to our clients, mainly the issues of AIDS in Africa and Darfur and copyright infringement on satellite radio.  Other opportunities included sitting in on hearings with celebrities like Mira Sorvino and Ricky Martin, who are trying to raise awareness for their causes, and conducting research by attending think tanks where scholars would present books or new ideas on how to fix some of the problems of concern to our clients.

Students should take the opportunity to take part in The Washington Center.  No other program will offer the extensive array of internships in so many fields plus complete academic credit. I would advocate for everyone to take this opportunity to make friends with people from all walks of life and to enjoy what a city like D.C. has to offer.  

Francis Duggan '09
Major:  Accounting & Finance
Placement:  Oppenheimer & Co. and Merrill Lynch 

The work that I did at both companies allowed me to work toward many of my professional goals.  One of my high priority goals was to improve my networking skills.  What better way to learn networking than to call random people all day!  My skills in this area were also enhanced through one of the classes I took at The Washington Center focused on "selling yourself".

I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to study and work in Washington, D.C.  It allowed me to apply my classroom knowledge that I attained at Bridgewater State College and get real experience in my field of interest.  My site supervisor served as a great mentor and provided me with invaluable advice and knowledge of the business.          

Rachel Sonia '09
Major: Criminal Justice
Placement:  United States Marshals Service

Before I was accepted into The Washington Center Program, I questioned whether I could spend an entire semester away from home in our nation's capital. I took the risk with support and encouragement from my family. This experience helped me with my future goals and gave me insight into what I may or may not want to do with my career. Interning with the United States Marshals Service was life-changing, and I am very grateful I was given the opportunity.

Each week I attended a night class on Forensic Psychology. In this class I learned how forensic psychologists and other psychologists make valuable contributions to law enforcement and to expert testimony. The class showed how psychologists can play an integral role in the application of the law.

Matthew Moreau '08
Major: Biology/Chemistry
Placement: George Washington University Lipid Research Facility

Through the hard work of The Washington Center, I was placed at one of the few research positions available to students in my field.  The program is entitled "Science and Policy" and is geared more towards the policy making side of science. I was fortunate enough to receive hands on experience of what life will be like when I go to medical and graduate school in the pursuit of a dual degree.  I not only learned things in order to complete my project, but also expanded upon my Scientific Resume in areas unrelated to my field.

 Even though my internship was invaluable in itself, Washington D.C. also had many opportunities to be experienced.  I attended the Congressional Baseball game, experienced the prestigious Smithsonian Museums, attended political meetings and events, walked in the nations 4^th of July parade, met with a variety of politicians and officials, attended open forum seminars, and visited some of the nation's most well known sites; such as the Pentagon.  I didn't forget to take some time to enjoy simple pleasures, like walking along the Mall in the evening and kayaking on the Potomac River.  My experiences will be an asset as I pursue an M.D.-PhD to become a future researcher and educator.

Alyson Skok '06
Major: Social Work
Placement: The DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Besides the internship, the best part about this experience was the actual feeling of living and working in the D.C. area. I had my worries about what everything would be like - the new area, the housing, the roommates.  The apartments that we were housed in were astounding and in a safe and beautiful neighborhood in Northern Virginia.  I was fortunate enough to have roommates from all over including California, Illinois and Mexico. It was great to see how we all engaged each other, and to also get a feel of their internships - something new and completely different from your own.

The hardest part about my experience would have to be the return back to the norm.  Coming back to school and attending classes after working full time is such a change, especially when that work was so meaningful and fitting. 

Audrey Warren '11
Major: Anthropology
Placement: National Library of Medicine

The Washington Center experience presented me with may opportunities to expand my career skills.  Today, more than ever, employers and career advisors stress networking as a necessary skill to obtain a job. In Washington DC I met anthropologists and museum professionals who were able to give me insights into their education and career paths.  I used these opportunities to make myself known and to emphasize my strengths as a young professional.  Additionally, I attended several workshops and seminars which addressed topics such as resume writing, effective communication and tips for successful interviews.

When I decided to participate in The Washington Center, I did not know what to expect.  I can now confidently say that it was not only the most exceptional experience of my college career but also it was one of the best times of my life.  Each day was exciting and new and I walked away with the specific knowledge and skills to set me apart in today's competitive job market.  Moreover I was challenged to create new goals for myself and to excel to my fullest potential.

Monica Freedland, '11
Major:  Political Science
Placement:  U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining

During my time at OSM, I worked in tandem with a fellow intern to collect data about states in the Appalachia region, Colorado and New Mexico; conducted research on civic engagement in impoverished regions of Appalachia, as well as provided support to VISTAs.  The internship far exceeded my expectations.  Before my internship with OSM I  was unaware of the travesties of environmental degradation, and I was unaware of the grassroots efforts in these regions to revitalize communities and the environment.  Besides giving me a new avenue to explore after I graduate, my internship at OSM helped reiterate my desire to be a public servant.

My internship was only one part of my whole DC experience.  The class I took while there and the lecture series and activities provided by The Washington Center program gave me a unique and once in a lifetime opportunity to explore and learn in our nation's capital.

Alex Scott, '11
Major:  Political Science
Minor:  Management
Placement:  Financial Executives International

My internship provided me with many learning opportunities and I am now more knowledgeable in areas of government affairs, financial policy and taxes.  Through my internship with FEI, I was able to meet and professionally network with senior-level executives from several of the leading financial institutions in my field.  As part of TWC's Leadership Forum I attended many congressional committee hearings and was present at the House Ways and Means Committee hearing when Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner presented the President's 2012 Budget.  I also attended the National Governors Association 2011 Winter Meeting where I met Rick Perry, Governor of Texas and Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland.

The Washington Center is open to all majors.  One of my roommates was a business major who interned at the Treasury Department and the other was an education major who interned at the National Defense University.  Other students I met were interning at hospitals, ecological non-profits, and law firms.  I encourage everyone to take advantage of The Washington Center program.  It  provides exceptional opportunities to explore careers, meet valuable contacts and broaden your horizons.