Jill Schwab says she is ready for a full dose of Michigan politics as an intern in Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus’ office.
Schwab, an international relations sophomore, is still in her first week on the job, but she’s sure she’ll find out if government work will be in her future after taste-testing political life while helping in the office for about 10 hours per week.
“I’m interested in politics and it will be a good chance for me to get my feet wet, so that I will have more experience for a future career,” she said. “It’ll be a good experience to help me plan ahead.”
Schwab is among many MSU students who take advantage of the work opportunities in the Capitol. There are many opportunities for student work, including jobs in communications and as legislative assistants.
Denise O’Neal, a political theory and constitutional democracy senior, was involved with MSU Democrats before working for the Michigan Democratic Party.
“It is fantastic,” she said. “It is a grass-roots experience where I get the chance to work with people my age all across the state and at different schools. I’m learning the basics of politics and running a successful party.”
O’Neal said she has been working as a youth organizer for the party the past six months, and she is making connections that will help her after college.
But some students have already put their internship experience to work.
Jason Moon previously interned for the Michigan Democratic Party. He graduated from MSU with a political science degree in December and now has a full-time job with the party.
“It is fun to see behind the scenes,” he said. “It is interesting to hear what the chairman is going to say and to see how they’ll react to different topics that come up.”
Bill Denner, a political theory and constitutional democracy senior, started working for U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, when he was running for the office last year. Denner is responsible for driving Rogers to meetings when he is in town and helping to take notes during discussions.
Denner said MSU’s proximity to the state Capitol opened up the opportunity for him to work with Rogers.
“If we weren’t so close to the Capitol, then I wouldn’t have gotten hooked-up with a previous member of state government,” he said.
