University of Wisconsin–Madison

United States: Emily Kane

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

Emily’s Majors: Political Science, Legal Studies

Emily standing indoors next to a wall-mounted sign that reads "WASHINGTON LAWYERS COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND URBAN AFFAIRS".
At my internship, the Washington Lawyers’ Committee. Taken when WiW Program Coordinator Lucas Young did a site visit to WLC to meet my supervisors.

Describe your internship, research, or fieldwork and how the experience helped advance your career or studies.

I interned with the Washington Lawyers’ Committee (WLC), a nonprofit law firm focused on civil rights. I was part of their Prisoners’ Rights team, where I supported the Prisoners’ Letter Project and provided information and resources to incarcerated individuals and their families. My internship reinforced my plan to attend law school, provided me so many connections with individuals working in my career field of interest, and helped grow my confidence as an intern and employee.

There is an internship for every interest in DC – it’s not just a city of politics!

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

One of my most memorable experiences from my time in DC was seeing the cherry blossoms in peak bloom. WiW had organized a group tour of the White House early on Saturday morning, and after finishing the tour my roommate and I walked over to the Tidal Basin and walked along the water, surrounded by cherry blossoms. In the evening, we went to watch fireworks in honor of the cherry blossoms at The Wharf (DC’s waterfront neighborhood). Though the city was extra busy, the cherry blossoms were well worth the crowds.

Emily standing along a large waterway, with the Washington Monument in the distance directly behind her.
At the Tidal Basin during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?

The classes through WiW complement the skills and interests of student interns. Semester classes are held in the evenings and Friday mornings so students can intern nearly full-time. The instructors are engaging and prioritize helping students build skills most valued in the professional world. Assignments are designed to be applicable to the working world, including drafting memos, congressional letters, and writing event summaries.

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

I would highly encourage anyone considering WiW to apply! The program provides the opportunity to be a working professional with support from UW staff and taking classes that complement your work. There is an internship for every interest in DC – it’s not just a city of politics! There are opportunities for all majors, including public health, the arts, law, and agriculture (just to name a few).