Academic Internship Program Engagement in Spring Season

Holy Cross students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in experiential learning opportunities in Washington D.C., thanks to the Academic Internship Program (AIP) and the J.D. Power Center's Washington Semester Program.

Coordinated by Maryanne Finn, the AIP offers third and fourth year students the chance to complete an internship over the course of a semester, while also participating in a weekly seminar related to their internship. This programme provides students with the unique opportunity to work and learn from various professors, congresspeople, and professionals in the nation's capital.

One such participant is Owen Whaley '24, who is currently enrolled in the Policy and Politics in America Seminar with Congressman Tim Bishop and Peter Flaherty. Whaley is also interning at the Worcester District Attorney's Office, gaining valuable experience on the prosecution's side this semester. His decision to participate in the AIP was influenced by his previous internship at the Dismas Family Farm in Oakham, Massachusetts.

At the Dismas, Whaley worked with staff and a staff attorney to offer pro bono legal representation to clients and indigent defendants throughout the county. This experience solidified his interest in pursuing a career in law and politics.

Whaley works 8-10 hours per week at his intern site, divided between Thursday and Friday. Participating students in AIP are required to spend 8 hours per week on their associated internship.

Christopher Murray is the Director of the J.D. Power Center's Washington Semester Program. Last semester, the Policy and Politics in American Government seminar, hosted by Murray, welcomed guest speakers such as former governor of Florida and 2016 presidential candidate Jeb Bush, CNN Political Analysts Margaret Hoover and John Avlon, and Senator Chris Van Hollen.

In addition to the AIP, Holy Cross students can also participate in the Washington Semester Program, which offers opportunities for living, interning, and learning in Washington D.C. Details about individual participants and their internships in that location were not available at the time of this article.

Julia Maher '23 recently wrote an article emphasising the importance of semester-away programs, highlighting the transformative experiences they provide for students. Caroline Tornatore '23 is spending her fall semester in Washington D.C. through the D.C. Semester Program.

Spring seminars for AIP include topics such as Policy and Politics in America: The Road to the White House Continues - The 2024 Presidential Primaries, Social Justice and the Law, How Medical Clinicians Reason, The Business of Sports, Exploring Data Science, and Meditation and Mindfulness in the Workplace.

Whaley states that he knew participating in AIP was the right decision within the first class session. He encourages other students to consider the program, as it offers a unique blend of academic and practical learning experiences that can help shape their future careers.