University of Wisconsin–Madison

USA: Samantha Sheanin

Samantha leans up against a railing overlooking buildings, including the Washington Monument in the distance.
This photo was taken at the Department of the Interior’s Fourth of July party! The Wisconsin in Washington cohort was invited to join the Department and watch the fireworks from their rooftop.

Program: UW Wisconsin in Washington, DC Internship Program, Summer

Samantha’s Major: Honors in the Liberal Arts, International Studies, Political Science, Public Policy Certificate, History Certificate

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

Make the most of every opportunity! It is a period of time that will go by extremely quickly, so make sure you are getting all that you can out of it. Network with people and ask people to grab coffee, even if you are initially nervous. Take initiative and take on as much work as you can in your internship to make a good impression. Go out of your way to meet fellow students on the program and talk about current events and politics, even if that could lead to a disagreement or controversial discussion. Make sure you get to see as many cool museums, historical sites, restaurants, and important features of the city as you can.

Overall, this experience helped clarify that I do want to attend law school, and I learned a lot of new legal and administrative skills that I will bring to my studies and future jobs.

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

The most memorable experience from my program this summer was being able to live and learn with a cohort of UW peers! It was really nice for all of us to come home every day after our internships and discuss what we learned and did that day, as well as the state of current politics. A lot of us shared the same interests, so it was great to talk to people who had things in common and could relate to being an intern!

Four people wearing business casual pose for a photo in front of the white, domed US Capitol building.
My cohort peers Anna L., Libby O., Leah T., and I in front of the United States Capitol.

How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?

Being able to live and learn at the center of the United States government enabled me to network and form connections with people who will be able to support me in the future. This program helped solidify that I want to attend law school and live in the city after I graduate from college, and so being able to “test drive” that experience made me more confident in being able to achieve that goal.