Notes from the Field: Mark Sheridan '15

Rockefeller Center-funded interns reflect on their experiences as part of our "Notes from the Field" series. Click here to read more about the Rockefeller Center's Internships program. To read the entire series, click here.

Student Intern: Mark Sheridan’15

Internship Organization: League of Conservation Voters – Washington, DC 

How would you describe your employer in one paragraph? What’s the elevator pitch?
The mission of League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is to turn environmental values into national priorities. They achieve this by advocating for sound environmental laws, holding elected officials accountable, and by electing pro-environment candidates. LCV’s top priority right now is pushing for action on climate change. LCV produces a National Environmental Scorecard every year that rates members of Congress on their environmental voting record (check it out- scorecard.lcv.org). LCV has become a major a player in recent elections. They were one of the main supporters behind Terry McAuliffe’s victory in the 2013 Virginia Gubernatorial election and Ed Markey’s victory in the 2013 U.S. Senate election in Massachusetts. LCV will be a major force in the 2014 midterm elections.

What are your specific responsibilities in the organization? 
I am working in the Policy & Lobbying division, so most of my work has been related to current environmental legislation going through Congress. The 2013 National Environmental Scorecard was released on February 11th so a lot of my projects during the first month were working on getting things ready for the release. I have covered many Congressional hearings, researched upcoming legislation, and helped write policy memos. 

What is your favorite part of the internship so far? 
It’s a really exciting time to be in Washington, DC and working on environmental policy since President Obama has made addressing climate change one of his main priorities during his second term. I love the fast paced environment at work and how everything I am working on is current, relevant, and in the news. Because LCV is a very influential organization, it makes for an exciting atmosphere. Events have come up such as when Senator Elizabeth Warren spoke at the press release for the 2013 National Environmental Scorecard, and several people from LCV have been on cable news shows lately such as CNN’s Crossfire and MSNBC’s The Ed Show to talk about climate change, including Tiernan Sittenfeld ’96 who is the Senior Vice President, Government Affairs at LCV. 

What have been some practical lessons you've learned in the day-to-day life of your internship? 
Make the most of getting to know the people in your office because people want to help you succeed and will go out of their way to support you. People in the office have a lot of experience and good advice to give. Everyone at LCV has been very welcoming and supportive.