Our nationally recognized internship program affords students the opportunity to experience politics firsthand and apply what they have learned in the classroom to the real world of politics. Student interns make valuable networking contacts that assist them in the remainder of their formal education and their chosen careers.
Becca Dyer, Intern, Ohio House Republican Organizational Committee
I interned with OHROC-- The Ohio House Republican Organizational Committee. I worked on projects for different campaigns across the state. My work included writing, research, data entry, and grassroots campaigning. The experience was more enlightening than I had anticipated-- not only did it give me the opportunity to explore a practical application of what I learn in the classroom, but I also made several professional contacts.
Michele Kaiser, Intern State Representative Tracy Maxwell Heard Minority Whip
Internships give you a sense of how it is in the real world, and help you grow professionally. They give you insight into the job field of your choice and then you decide if it is the right career choice for you. Multiple internships, in my opinion, are better to gain more professional experience. Not only does the Bliss Institute of Applied Politics help all the Political Science majors but also Political Science/Criminal Justice students find appropriate internship placements. An out of town internship is worth considering, because it can help you grow personally and professionally. In my experience it was like having the job I could get once I graduated. Also living with others that were doing the same thing, gave me more support.
Matt Phister, Intern at the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
Through the Columbus Success Internship Program, the Bliss Institute connected me with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office where I was hired as a Summer Intern in the Health and Human Services Section. Through this opportunity, I was able to work with over thirty different attorneys, some that had been practicing in their field for decades and others that were just out of law school. I was able to engage with them during trials, meetings, hearings, witness preparation, and interviews to ask questions and learn their approaches to different situations. Through my internship, the Bliss Institute provided me the opportunity to take the knowledge I’ve gained in the classroom and apply it to real-life legal scenario’s to gain a greater understanding of the trials, tribulations, and successes of the American legal system. After my experience with the Ohio Attorney General I now have a specific focus for my future career path, high-quality connections within the field that could help me pursue that path, and a better understanding of what it takes to be successful as a lawyer and a judge. I can’t thank the Bliss Institute enough for supporting me in pursuing my dreams and helping me to accomplish them.
