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Guest Commentary March 12, 2002
Help Wanted
The Honorable Jo Ann Emerson
In a recent article regarding interns the Southeast Missourian wrote "nearly 70 percent of employers nationwide overlook students for interviews who haven't completed an internship in their field of study." The story further noted that "about 80 percent of the students at Southeast Missouri State University are required to do an internship before they can graduate." Our local university is not alone. Other schools all around the country are working hard to make sure that students have practical hands-on work experience by requiring students to obtain internships in their field of study.
While the internship phase of public education has been increasing over the years, our family has always believed that real life learning is essential to a complete educational experience. As a result, we look for talented and energetic students from all walks of life and academic areas to work as interns in our offices. Even our daughters Katharine and Tori have both worked as interns -- in various Congressional offices and at the Congressional Hunger Center. And I spent two summers as an intern, which really helped to shape my life's goals.
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A Roll Call article noted that Washington interns perform valuable roles saying "the real aim (of an internship) is to accelerate learning, promote citizenship and prepare young people for the competitive world of work." I'll be honest, the job isn't glamorous, but it is an invaluable experience. You will spend a lot of time answering phones, sorting mail, and helping out with office projects. However, you also have the opportunities to attend lectures, visit the Capitol nearly everyday and meet people from all over the nation -- including students who are working in offices just like you. It is an experience that simply can't be learned in your classrooms.
Working as an intern offers you a unique opportunity to get a first hand look and feel for public service. Many of our former interns have continued to work in public service -- either in our office or somewhere else. Past interns who have worked or currently work for our office include Sue Ellen Taylor of Hayti, Justin Rone of Portageville and Seaver Sowers of Rolla. In fact, Seaver started as an intern for Bill and worked for both of us and eventually worked his way up to Deputy Chief of Staff. Even Jason Crowell of Cape Girardeau interned for Bill and now he serves as a State Representative in Jefferson City -- talk about working your way up!
If you are a college student and you are interested in committing at least four weeks of your summer working as an unpaid intern, I encourage you to contact our Washington, DC office or visit our website at www.house.gov/emerson to obtain an application.
So if you are willing, able and ready, answer our "Help Wanted" ad. We want to help you prepare for the future -- and you are wanted.
Jo Ann Emerson, a Republican, represents the 8th Congressional District of Missouri in the U.S. House of Representatives. The above commentary has been adapted from a weekly column Rep. Emerson issues, February 22, 2002. To contact her, Click Here.
The above column has been distributed by PoliticsOL.com.
