Jamie was a second-year student studying History through the College with a minor in Public Policy and Leadership through the Batten School when she completed this internship.

Why did you choose to intern with the Cooper Center, Sorensen Institute?

I decided to intern for the Weldon Cooper Center Sorensen Institute because I have a strong interest in politics and public policy. I wanted to work in an environment like the Sorensen Institute that interacts with people of and around Virginia government and strives to create a more bipartisan, ethical governing force.

What were some of the projects you worked on as part of your internship?

During my internship, I collected and updated 3,873 people’s emails for the Sorensen recruitment database. I then helped in sending emails to those contacts requesting them to recruit students at various high schools across Virginia for the High School Leader’s Program. I also helped put together a slide deck on Sorensen’s recruitment efforts and goals for board members and advisors.

What did you learn as a result of this internship?

As a result of this internship, I gained a lot of new, interesting professional relationships. I also learned immensely about Virginia government, its quirks, and the people who are involved in it. Most importantly, I learned how to independently manage my work and how to enthusiastically participate in a work environment, even online. 

Has your experience helped you in your academic studies, given you skills you can use in a future career or helped you to think differently about your academic and/or career path? If so, how?

My experience at the Sorensen Institute enlightened me about possible career opportunities for myself. Before my internship, I was naive about the vastly different and numerous opportunities there were to get involved in government and politics. I now am more comfortable and secure in the fact that there are various ways I too can get involved after college.

What was your favorite part of the internship?

My favorite part of the internship was getting the opportunity to listen and speak to important people involved in Virginia and federal government, such as lobbyists, activists, and State department employees each week as a part of our “speaker series.”

Would you recommend working at the Cooper Center to future students?

I would definitely recommend working at the Sorensen Institute to other students, not only because the experience was great, but also because the people there were so welcoming and I am so glad to have met them.