After a long two-year hiatus, UW–Madison policy students returned to Washington, D.C. this summer as part of the Wisconsin in Washington program. Wisconsin in Washington integrates academics with an internship opportunity to equip UW–Madison undergraduate students of all majors with the knowledge and professional skills to excel in a globally connected workforce. The program helps shape the goals and ambitions of students who wish to jump start their career with an internship in our nation’s capital. This summer, 10 La Follette School certificate students had the chance to live in Washington, D.C. and represent UW–Madison in their internships as part of the Wisconsin in Washington program.
Mia Wolfe is a senior majoring in political science and sociology with Certificates in Public Policy, Data Science, and Gender and Women’s Studies. This summer, she worked as a network intern with Narrative Initiative in D.C. Wolfe’s work reinforced her sociology background as she was tasked to review and examine communication materials of public health organizations. Additionally, Wolfe’s work with Narrative Initiative has reshaped her future pursuits and helped her realize her passion for research. Wolfe hopes to gain employment in a field related to her internship and has ambitions to pursue graduate or law school to focus on equity and changing the structures within our society. She believes that “policy is a vehicle that can be used to create important change in the future and an impactful tool” within our society to help those who are marginalized.
A senior majoring in political science and history with Certificates in Public Policy and Education Policy Studies, Andrea Corro worked as a domestic policy, advocacy, and campaigns intern for Save the Children this summer as part of the Wisconsin in Washington program. She created communication materials and observed many meetings and coalitions that took place at the Capitol. One memorable experience for Corro was her work with the Keep Kids Fed Act. She was part of the team that influenced this legislation that was crucial in extending important funding and flexibility for communities to provide children with healthy meals throughout the 2022-2023 school year. Corro’s internship has shaped her future ambitions, as she hopes to be a part of a government relations team. “Internships help you understand the workforce and help you realize what you want to do,” which simply cannot be done within a classroom, says Corro.
For students who are interested in the Wisconsin in Washington program, there are many ways to find out more information or connect with an advisor. If you are interested in connecting with an advisor, you can reach out to Joanna Poinsatte (joanna.poinsatte@wisc.edu), who serves as the assistant director for study abroad enrollment, or Marie Koko (marie.koko@wisc.edu), director of career and employer services for the La Follette School. The deadline to apply to the Wisconsin in Washington’s Summer 2023 cohort is November 18.
– Story by Carlos Puga, current MPA student