Internship Location: Madison WI
Organization Type: State government
Policy Areas: Economic/Community Development, Education, Health policy
During my time as a staffing intern with Sarah Godlewski, the Secretary of State for Wisconsin, I was able to attend various political events, network with people important to Wisconsin State Government, and develop a professional and personal relationship with the Secretary herself. My main responsibilities were aiding in planning and executing trips, transporting the Secretary, seeing who she interacted with at events and writing down the questions she got. I was able to gain hands on experience with how an elected official interacts with her stakeholders and learn what policy issues are important to those who count on her. This work showed me the importance of engaging with the public and how solving issues through policy is a team effort between officials and stakeholders. Working with Sec. Godlewski’s team was an enjoyable experience that I learned a lot from and will always remember as I continue my educational career in public policy. I would recommend an internship with Sec. Godlewski to any student in the public policy certificate. Her staff are extremely kind and flexible, understanding that we are students and are still learning about the policy sector. Sec. Godlewski taught me so much about how to keep your head up as a woman in politics and be an example of grace, intelligence, and strength wherever she goes, no matter if it was on official business or stopping at a Starbucks on the way home from an event. Overall, I am really grateful for the time I spent working for her campaign and grateful for all of the opportunities I got this summer!