Internship
LB International Solutions, LLC

Where are you from?  Why did you choose JMU?
I'm from Northern Virginia, specifically Dumfries, VA, new Woodbridge. I chose JMU becuase of its strong sense of community and the many opportunities for student involvement and leadership.  The Political Science Department stood out to me when I was a prospective student because I wanted a well-rounded educationthat would allow me to explore global issues while gaining practical skills. JMU provided the perfect environment to grow academically and personally while preparing for a career in international affairs and policy. 

Why did you decide to participate in Washington Semester?
I decided to participate in Washington Semester because I wanted to immerse myself in a fast-paced, professional environment where I could apply my academic knowledge to real-world challenges.  Being in D.C. provided unparalleled access to networking opportunities, policy discussions, and hands-on experience in government and international affairs. I saw this program as an opportunity to go out of the usual classroom setting and develop practical skills that would help me prepare for my career. In addition, I wanted to push myself by working on important projects, connecting with professionals in my area, and developing a better grasp of how policy decisions affect communities both nationally and worldwide. 

What were the highlights of your internship?
I interned for LB International Solutions LLC, a political consulting firm, where I had the incredible opportunity to be immersed in the world of politics and policymaking. One of the most memorable aspects was simply being in the same room as politicians I had only ever seen on TB or social media. I'll never forget the day we casually ran into Chuck Schumer in the elevator-I'm still not sure if we were using the wrong elevator, but it was such a wholesome and unexpected moment. Experiences liek that made my time in D.C. even more exciting and reinforced my passion for working in government and policy. 

What advice would you offer to future Washington Semester students?
Take the initiative to make actual connections-rather than merely collecting business cards, engage in real-world conversations wiht experts whose job interests you. Request informational interviews, ask questions, and follow up with those you meet. Also, don't wait to be assigned work during your internship; instead, volunteer for projects that will challenge you, require greater responsibility, and demonstrate curiosity about the broader scope of your organization's operations. D.C. has much more to offer that just internships, so take advantage of policy briefings, think tank events, and congressional hearings. Some of the most useful learning experiences occur outside of work, so get out of your comfort zone and see everything the city has to offer. 

What are your long-term career plans?
I am passionate about national security, international affairs, and immigration policy because these fields play a critical role in global stability and cooperation. My long-term goal is to work in government, potentially, with the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or an international organization focused on security and diplomacy. I want to contribute to policies and initiatives that promote stability, strengthen international partnerships, and enhance global security efforts.