Politics in Practice
This past summer, several political science majors received a stipend to support a summer internship funded by the College of Arts and Sciences’ REAL Program, The William Stover Memorial Fund, and generous donations received from our benefactors.
Experiential learning is a key component to a successful undergraduate experience at SCU and provides hands-on experience that helps students explore their passions and shape their career path. We met with some of our majors to learn more about their internships and how SCU prepared them for their roles.
About the ‘Real Experience, Applied Learning’ (REAL) Program
The College of Arts and Sciences developed the REAL Program to allow students to discover their interests, gain a rich understanding of a particular field, discern their career goals, and explore future employment fields. We believe financial means should not determine whether or not a student can participate in internships, research, projects or creative works opportunities. Committed to providing paid experiential learning opportunities for students, the REAL Program provides stipends up to $5,000 for undergraduate opportunities lasting up to 10 weeks over the summer. Since its inception, the program has distributed nearly $1.3 million to more than 300 students.
About the The William Stover Memorial Fund
William (Bill) Stover taught political science at Santa Clara for forty years. The author of three books and more than thirty journal articles and book chapters, he studied international conflict resolution, the role of the military in politics, and the role of technology in international relations. He brought international relations to life for generations of students with his simulations of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Middle East Conflict. The William Stover Memorial Fund commemorates Professor Stover’s founding of the Political Science Department’s Public Service Internship Program by supporting student internships in the public and non-profit sectors.
Blair Huxman ‘21
Intern for Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, District 4, Santa Clara County
Over the past four years, senior political science and economics double major Blair Huxman has been involved on campus as a French and economics tutor, a community assistant in the summer residence halls, and a student assistant in the Office of Student Life. During the summer of her junior year, she interned at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group where she gained experience working in tax policy legislation. This past summer, she interned in Supervisor Susan Ellenberg’s office where she explored her passion for public policy and economics.
Can you tell us about your internship with Supervisor Ellenberg?
My work is project-based and is focused on gathering and collecting useful information in different policy areas. My primary tasks include collecting data and creating a report that examines the economic impacts of COVID-19 on small business owners in District 4. I also compiled information from various higher ed institutions within the county to help identify areas of concern that could be supported by the county’s resources. The information from my projects will be used to help shape policy initiatives and plan the scope of the county’s efforts going forward.
A lot of your work was centered around Covid-19. Did the pandemic shift your view on the role local government plays in our political system?
The pandemic highlighted the high level of responsiveness that local government is expected to maintain. With the complex hierarchy of federal, state, and local governments, the role that the county plays within the system is easily overlooked. I was surprised at the wide variety of concerns raised by diverse constituent voices and the high level of accountability that is put on the county to deliver timely, efficient solutions to these issues. The county serves as a first resource for many struggling individuals yet its day-to-day efforts to serve constituents typically goes unnoticed.
Your internship was a perfect intersection of your studies. How did SCU prepare you for this internship?
My background in political science and economics at SCU has equipped me well with the skills and resources needed to succeed in any public sector role. Economics has provided a strong foundational understanding of topics that can be applied to real-world challenges. While studying economics has provided me with a strong background to understand many county operations and objectives, my studies in political science have helped me develop critical thinking and analytical skills. The course work I completed in my political science courses has helped develop my ability to analyze and process large amounts of data and draw conclusions in a timely manner. Both departments have prepared me in different ways; my internship with Supervisor Ellenberg’s office was an excellent venue to apply my studies in both areas.
What have you learned most through this internship?
My internship gave me a better understanding of the county government’s role and its ability to influence policy at the federal, state, and local level. I have a greater understanding of how communication between the different levels of government can become muddled or strained, which can burden the system with inefficiencies. My understanding of these incredibly complex networks and the way initiatives can be delayed or expedited has expanded tremendously through this internship.
Any advice for current students?
My biggest advice for current students would be to utilize your resources. SCU has countless opportunities and resources for anything you are interested in and a strong network of faculty, staff, and alumni who are excited to connect with you. I recommend making an effort to stay aware and up to date on these resources and to reach out or ask questions. I also advise students to apply this mindset beyond SCU, to other networks within the Bay Area. There are countless individuals and/or companies that are happy to help you in your efforts. The hardest part is making that connection. There is no downside to inquiring about opportunities through cold calls or emails especially when the potential for something great is so high - the worst they can do is say “no!”
Abby Roubal ‘21
Campaign intern for Congressman Jason Crow, District 6, Colorado
Political science major Abby Roubal has developed a keen interest in healthcare related policy and legislative work. While at SCU, she was a program coordinator for Santa Clara’s Community Action Program; worked for a non-profit doing patient advocacy work; performed legislative work for Senator Michael Bennet; and most recently, she worked as an intern in Congressman Jason Crow’s district office in Aurora, CO.
Can you tell us a little more about your work on Congressman Crow’s campaign?
Working on a re-election campaign in Colorado's only swing district has been a really unique experience. In 2018, Rep. Crow flipped this seat for the first time in the history of the district, so it's been a really fast-paced and high-energy campaign cycle to ensure that we keep the district blue.
I have mostly been working on the finance side of the campaign, which involves a lot of donor prospecting, research, and outreach. Some of my other tasks include drafting press releases, helping secure endorsements, and writing policy summaries about Rep. Crow's work in Congress. One of my favorite parts of this internship has been attending and helping to set up our virtual events and fundraisers with other politicians, such as Rep. Ami Bera, Rep. Adam Schiff, Sen. Michael Bennet, and former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper.
How has your internship shaped your career path?
Working on the campaign side of politics this summer has given me a much more well-rounded view of government. Since I've worked on the more legislative side of politics in the past, learning more about elections and how campaigns operate has allowed me to better understand the relationship between elections and governing. I am still hoping to work in the legislative/public policy domain after college, but I can definitely see myself working on more campaigns in the future!
How have your studies at SCU prepared you for this internship?
Having some baseline knowledge of campaigns, elections, and campaign finance was really helpful when I started my internship. My political science classes at SCU definitely helped me understand a lot of the more basic aspects of campaigning and elections that I am now able to put into practice. Being able to apply the writing and research skills that I learned at SCU has also been really beneficial.
What's next after SCU?
I am hoping to spend a year working in Washington, D.C., on the Hill or in a policy-focused job while I apply to graduate school. After spending last fall in D.C. through the Washington Semester Program, I am really excited to go back and continue to work there in the public policy sector!
Any advice for current students?
Getting first hand experience in as many areas of politics as possible can be really helpful in narrowing down what your main interest is. There are so many different careers that you can have with a political science degree; it's important to figure out what part of politics you're most passionate about.
Maya Worden ‘21
Advocacy Intern, YWCA Silicon Valley
Fueled by her passion to promote social justice, political science and communication double major Maya Worden has always been drawn to serving individuals from marginalized communities. This past summer, she interned at YWCA Silicon Valley where she provided women and children with educational programming focused on domestic violence and systemic racism.
Can you tell us a little more about the work you are doing at the YWCA and why you chose to work for this organization?
I wanted to work at the YWCA because when I was abroad in Geneva, Switzerland, I spent time researching the World YWCA. I was inspired by the women working there to look into the YWCA near SCU, which focuses on empowering women and eliminating racism. I have always wanted to focus my career on promoting social justice, specifically addressing issues of intersectionality, and so working at the YWCA was a great way for me to advance my professional and personal goals.
What is the greatest need for the communities that you served?
Universal access to the internet. Though my internship focused on programming and events to eliminate racism and empower women, I worked during the Covid-19 shelter-in-place. Since a good amount of the work we do targets at-risk communities, there is the potential that many of the people we are trying to reach do not have access to the internet or a computer. In order for us to help those women virtually and promote anti-racism, they would need to be able to access YWCA resources online.
How has this internship shifted your perspective?
This internship has made me realize the importance of nonprofit work and the hardworking folks that spend so much time trying to make the world a better place. I also realized how well-connected nonprofits are with each other and government entities. I have made so many connections during this internship, working with Alliance for Girls, Planned Parenthood, and the Santa Clara County Office of Women’s Policy, to name a few.
How have SCU’s Jesuit values prepared you for this internship?
My Jesuit education has prepared me to serve my community, which is now Silicon Valley, by giving me the analytical skills to better understand complex social problems and greater empathy for the many different people who must deal with these problems on a daily basis. After three years at SCU, I have become much more passionate about service for others which is what nonprofit work is all about.
What’s next after SCU?
I’m not exactly sure where I want to work after SCU, but I know I want to continue working towards social justice, equality, and empowerment, preferably in California.
Do you have any advice for current students?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to current employees or board members! I didn’t apply for this job; I just emailed the head of the Social Justice Team with my resume, set up a meeting, and she created a position for me! There is nothing to lose by reaching out, and it shows that you have passion and are willing to personally connect with someone.