UW Students in Washington: Learning the Art of Politics

Feb. 8, 2005 -- As University of Wyoming students step inside the beltway of Washington D.C. for internship positions, they quickly realize the experience goes beyond politics when life lessons peak and opportunities abound.

The Washington D.C. Legislative Semester Program, offered through the Department of Political Science in the College of Arts and Sciences, is an opportunity for undergraduate students in any major to work alongside Wyoming congressional representatives and their staffs as they tackle day-to-day issues and events. Tracy Skopek, UW's Washington D.C. Program director and assistant professor of political science, coordinates the application process, but the congressional offices, based on their needs, choose the interns.

Sarah Shellhart of Cheyenne and Peter Schneider of Rawlins are currently enrolled in the program. Both serve as interns for U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi.

"This experience matures the students quite a bit," says Skopek. "They are not in a classroom or seminar, this is the real world. They wear professional attire and have a commitment to their assigned office. It is an excellent marketing tool for any student. You can theorize and discuss policy-making all you want, but until you see it in action, it doesn't hit home."

She explains the program is a good way for students to network; show individual talent; experience the diversity of the nation's capitol and all its offerings; make job connections; and see the world and gain new perspectives. Skopek says most UW students who want to experience Washington are given the opportunity. There are limited positions elsewhere, she adds, because of the high number of students vying for internships and numerous institutions competing in one state.

"I have always wanted to come to D.C. because I am interested in politics," says Shellhart, a junior political science major and criminal justice minor who works with Enzi's press staff. "This was also an inauguration year, which made it more exciting because I was right there participating. This is a valuable experience that will be with me the rest of my life. So far, I've met other senators and attended various events, such as the Wyoming State Society Ball where Vice President Dick Cheney spoke. The staff has made me feel at home."

Schneider, a senior in political science who is pursuing a psychology minor, says, "Understanding our government is important for every citizen. This is a lifetime experience to see Congress and the legislative process first hand. It's an excellent tool for anyone who wants to be a public servant."


He adds he was in the Senate Gallery during the confirmation hearing of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

After graduation, Shellhart plans to attend law school then enter the political arena, while Schneider plans to work in politics and perhaps enter law school later. Both students received scholarship assistance from the Milward Simpson Fund in Political Science for travel expenditures.

"The UW students who have interned in my office have proven to be smart, enthusiastic and eager to work in the legislative process," says Enzi. "It is beneficial for us to have Wyoming interns because they have knowledge about our state and the issues. We encourage the students to attend guest lectures, legislative briefings, and social events, as well as site-see.

"It's a big city experience with a small town atmosphere," Enzi says. "The large tight-knit Wyoming community makes the students feel at home. They are surrounded with pieces of Wyoming every day."

Skopek says interested students need to think ahead and plan this program into their college schedule because it is a semester commitment that requires an orientation and travel, among other things. The application process is lengthy but the long-term benefits are immeasurable, Skopek notes. Components of the course include congressional office work, journal entries, a final paper, and book review.

The Washington Program is open to students in their junior or senior year who have a 3.0 grade point average and at least nine hours of political science course work. The internship, worth 15 credit hours, is offered every spring semester and there is potential for a future summer program. Call Skopek at (307) 766-2260 or e-mail her at tskopek@uwyo.edu for more information.

Posted on Tuesday, February 08, 2005