Internship Location: Remote
Organization Type: Nonprofit
Policy Areas: Social Justice policy
During my internship at ACCESS RJ, I served as a Policy/Advocacy and Outreach intern, focusing on advancing reproductive justice and healthcare access. This role involved developing resources, conducting policy analysis, and engaging in community outreach to support marginalized groups. One of my key projects was creating a reproductive justice roadmap for California high schoolers and developing a healthcare access guide for immigrants. I also conducted a comparative policy analysis for California and Wisconsin, culminating in an advocacy briefing paper. The skills I developed at La Follette, particularly in policy analysis and effective communication, were invaluable in this role. The coursework equipped me with the tools to analyze complex policy landscapes, craft precise and culturally sensitive messages, and understand the critical role of community engagement. I was surprised by how much my academic training aligned with real-world challenges, especially in tailoring communication to diverse audiences and leveraging data to support advocacy efforts. The most valuable aspect of the internship was learning the importance of grounding policy work in the lived experiences of those most affected. This experience has deepened my commitment to advocacy and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in family law, focusing on women’s and children’s rights. I highly recommend this internship to future students, as it offers a unique blend of policy work and community engagement, providing a comprehensive understanding of how advocacy can drive meaningful social change. The internship has shaped my career goals profoundly, solidifying my interest in legal advocacy and social justice. This concise response covers all aspects of your internship experience, connecting your learnings with your future career aspirations.