Internship
Capitol Associates, Inc. (CAI)

Where are you from? Why did you choose JMU?Lynchburg, VA. I chose JMU because from the moment I stepped on campus as a prospective student, it felt like home. My mom is an alum, so I spent a lot of time on campus growing up, and when it came time to tour colleges, I found myself comparing everything to JMU. There was no denying how special JMU is!

Why did you decide to participate in Washington Semester?
I decided to participate in the JMU Washington Semester to gain a sense of what it would be like to work in the field of political science. My experience affirmed that I am pursuing the right career path and gave me some insight as to what might come after graduation.

What were the highlights of your internship?
I worked for a healthcare lobbying firm in Alexandria called Capitol Associates, Inc. (CAI). Highlights from my internship experience include writing the "Top News Stories" section of our weekly newsletter, writing articles about current healthcare stories of importance to our clients, and attending meetings and hearings on the Hill. Everyone at CAI helped deepen my passion for healthcare policy, and I feel excited and empowered to join the field after graduation.

What advice would you offer to future Washington Semester students?
If I had to offer any piece of advice to future Washington Semester students, it would be to meet as many people as possible! Take advantage of your time in the city to meet new people and expand your network. Schedule a coffee meeting or a Zoom chat to talk to people in the field that interests you. We have a very strong alumni network, so I recommend starting there but don't be afraid to ask them to connect you with more people outside of the JMU sphere.

What are your long-term career plans?
After diving headfirst into the world of healthcare policy at my internship, I have decided to pursue a master's in public health. After that, I hope to spend some time in DC working for a lobbying firm dedicated to healthcare policymaking. Eventually, I would like to work at the state level, perhaps in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina.