During my sophomore year of college, I got an email from the Wilder School Office of Student Success recruiting for Capital Semester. I had heard about Capitol Semester before in passing and was encouraged by my advisors to go ahead and apply. Capitol Semester is a program offered through the Wilder School where, traditionally upperclassman, students are placed in the office of a Virginia House of Delegates Member or a state Senator to intern during the General Assembly Session. There is also a class component of Capitol Semester where you learn about the General Assembly and the State Government of Virginia. With no prior work experience and being a sophomore, I was nervous to apply, I thought these factors would completely count me out. Then, I got the email that the deadline had been extended. Thinking that this was fate, I prepared my resume and other application materials and sent them in.
Soon after, I got an email that I had been selected for an interview. I nervously prepared for my first-ever interview. I put on my best business casual outfit and headed to my interview. After my interview, I got the news that I was selected for the program! I was so shocked and so excited to begin my professional journey. I attended orientation, where I got my assignment, learned more about the program, and met my classmates. We got to speak to our professor for the class component and learned the etiquette surrounding our new workplace. When I opened my assignment, I was shocked to find that I had been assigned to the office of the Speaker of the House of Delegates. Because I had no prior working experience, I was incredibly nervous about starting my internship. However, on the first day, I immediately got to work. I seamlessly melted into the culture of the office and got to be a part of the incredible work that was happening that year. I made friendships and professional relationships with my classmates and coworkers. I got to meet people who were involved in all areas of the General Assembly thanks to the class component. I attended networking events with the other interns and got to eat lunch with my colleagues. I was able to work with constituents and hone in on my oral and written communication skills.
Thanks to this program through VCU and the Wilder School, I was given the opportunity to gain and develop professional skills. I built the foundation of skills that I needed to get me to where I am today. This opportunity has opened doors for me that never would have been open to me before. I will forever be grateful not only that I had an incredible first job experience but that this VCU program has set me up for career success.
Photo is of the 2020 Capitol Semester Cohort.
Comments