Notes from the Field: Victoria Nevel '16

Student Intern: Victoria Nevel '16

Victoria Nevel '16 was funded by the Rockefeller Center for a Summer 2015 internship, with generous support from the Perkins Bass ’34 Public Affairs Internship Fund.

Internship Organization:
Office of Senator Shaheen

In your own words, briefly describe your internship organization and what they do.
The office supports Senator Shaheen in drafting policies, working with constituents, and managing the press.

What is your specific role or major project as an intern?
I handle a lot of the administrative work of the office and attend Congressional briefings. My final project is writing a research memo on a current piece of legislation.

How did you feel on the first day of your internship?
I felt nervous, especially because I was told the wrong room number and almost got lost a couple times. The other interns started earlier than me because of Dartmouth's quarter system and seemed to know everything already. It was also the day before the office's busiest day of the year so I definitely learned a lot very quickly.

What is the most rewarding part of the internship experience so far?
The most rewarding part of my internship has been making connections and learning on-the-ground experience that will help me after graduation.

What is the biggest challenge that have you faced so far, and how did you respond to it?
The biggest ongoing challenge is being scheduled for two or more events or jobs at once. It's important to make friends with the other interns so that they can help you complete all of your responsibilities when you have been overbooked.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of your internship?
I hope to have a good basis of knowledge and experience so that I can work in D.C. after graduation.

What practical lessons have you learned in the day-to-day life at your internship?
D.C. is geographically bigger than it seems and it takes forever to get from one side of the city to the other. At the same time, D.C. is smaller than it seems - I have run into so many people I know on the streets or in the metro. Also, if you're working in the Senate, get the side salads instead of the salad bar and you will save $10 per meal. Finally, cupcakes from Baked and Wired are better than Georgetown Cupcakes.

Rockefeller Center-funded interns reflect on their experiences as part of our Notes from the Field series. The Rockefeller Center helps students find, fund, and prepare for a leave-term internship experience in public policy research, public policy analysis, issue evaluation, or activities which help shape and determine public policy.