Internship Location: Madison WI
Organization Type: Local Government
Policy Areas: Local government: Housing, transportation, public safety, environmental sustainability, and community development
This summer I interned as the Policy and Community Engagement intern in the Madison Common Council office, where I drafted public materials, conducted policy research, and helped develop resources to connect residents with city services. I learned how local government functions both in public settings and behind the scenes, and how local issues are shaped and solved within larger systems. The skills I’ve been developing at La Follette, such as policy analysis, effective writing, and understanding how to engage stakeholders, were essential in this role and helped me approach my work with a critical and informed perspective. I was surprised by how complex the balance is between serving constituents’ immediate needs and planning for long-term community goals, as well as how many areas of life are impacted by local government. The most valuable part was working closely with alders and staff, which strengthened my professionalism, time management, and confidence in navigating political spaces. I would recommend this internship to future students because it provides an opportunity to learn how local government functions from the inside and to contribute meaningfully to the work of elected officials. It’s a hands-on experience that builds skills while deepening your understanding of how policy impacts people’s lives. This experience confirmed my interest in pursuing a master’s in public policy or public affairs and a career at the intersection of policy and community engagement.