Name: Isabel Oalican
Class Year: 2023
Major: Biology
Hometown: Boston, MA
Internship Organization: Massachusetts State House
Job Title: Summer Intern
Location: Boston, MA
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
I am a summer intern for my Massachusetts state Senator Michael Rush.
Why did you apply for this internship?
I applied for this internship because I am on a pre-law track! I am interested in how pursuing a law career could translate into a future in public policy or public service work.
Was there anything special about how you found this internship?
There was a page on the Massachusetts State House website for people interested in becoming interns. It said to email your local representatives with a cover letter and resume and await on their response. There is a summer internship program every year, so if the office you applied to has an intern position open they should respond with an interview offer. I sent a cover letter and resume to the Office of Senator Michael Rush, and shortly thereafter I got an interview. The interview was over the phone.
What has been your favorite part of this internship?
My favorite part of this internship is getting to visit the State House in person! Although the internship is remote, we had three days in person. Those three days were the best part of my internship because I got to do all the tasks I usually do in person. For example, I normally take notes on important committee meetings and senate sessions. When I worked in person, I was able to watch the senate session in person and see the debate in real time.
Another favorite day in person was a visit to Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo. Senator Rush helped the zoo secure funding over the years and in the new budget. As a thank you, the zoo invited the Office of Senator Rush (and other offices) to a tour. We got to feed one of the giraffes.
What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn’t expect?
I learned that the work of a public servant varies dramatically day to day. Since the staffers in Senator Michael Rush’s office are responding to the constantly changing needs of the public there are a lot of different tasks. For example, one day could be super quiet. You could deliver a couple letters to different offices and watch senate session and that is it. At other times, it is super busy. For example, at the end of July it is the end of the legislative session. That means that all the legislators meet to decide on legislation they are going to sign into effect.
Working remotely for the first time? What has that experience been like for you?
This is not my first time working remotely, however, the experience has been as expected. I prefer to work in person because I tend to thrive in social settings. The experience has its benefits and losses. In terms of benefits, the Massachusetts legislature is very accommodating with online working. They have livestreams of every committee and session online and Zoom intern seminars. In terms of cons, I am always more motivated to work in person; being alone can be distracting when I am trying to get a task done!
Can you talk about the skills you are learning and why they are important to you?
From my time at Senator Michael Rush’s office, I have learned skills in professional networking, office skills, and general knowledge on the legislature. In terms of professional networking, the state house is about creating connections. It is important that you follow up and remind people who you are. While in the State House I learned the importance of shaking hands and introducing yourself, visiting other offices, and being an enthusiastic representative of the Office. Professional networking is a skill that will assist me in a future career in the law because you have to meet with many clients or other lawyers and make a good impression. Some office skills I have gained are writing letters of support for legislation and note taking for the Office. Both the office skills and general knowledge of the legislative process will be insightful if I ever decide to enter a career in public policy or public service because I will know how to advocate for legislation and follow it through the legislature.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship?
The biggest challenge I have faced at my internship was not being in person. It is difficult for me to feel involved online, especially when being in person at the State House is so important to getting the inside scoop on legislation and networking. I have tried to bridge this challenge by creating many online modes of communication with the interns, like a group chat with constant communication.
Can you give us three adjectives and three nouns that describe your internship experience?
My three adjectives are: versatile, insightful, and inspiring
My three nouns are: communication, socialization, and public service
What is most rewarding about your internship?
The most rewarding thing about my internship is the connections I have gained from working at the State House. I am sure that the Office of Senator Michael Rush will support me with a letter of recommendation or a future connection if I ever decided to return to the State House or public service. Plus, if I ever want to return to the State House many of the current people who work at the State House were once interns themselves.
Was this internship what you expected it to be?
I thought that this internship would be much more fast-paced than the reality. In reality, the tasks vary day to day and can be very slow until the end of the legislative session in July.
Visit the Summer Internship Stories page to read more about student internship experiences.
Biology
