Emily L. Bailey, a junior political science major, is currently serving as an intern for Congressman Doug Collins (R‑9th District).

Newsletter editor Maria J. Albo interviewed Emily.

What was your favorite part about the political science program?

My favorite part of the political science program is the selection of classes for the American Politics concentration. Classes such as “American Presidency,” “The Road to the White House,” and “State and Local Law” cover topics that are extremely interesting to me. The wide selection of classes plus the knowledgeable and helpful professors make being a political science major well worth it.

What was your favorite course within the political science major?

My favorite course within the political science major would have to be “Introduction to Political Science.” My reasoning for this has to do with the professor who taught it when I took it: Dr. Douglas Young. Dr. Young was the first professor I talked to when I started thinking about switching my major to political science. Taking my first political science course with him made the experience come full circle for me. Dr. Young is extremely knowledgeable but also very entertaining. He made, and continues to make, politics fun for his students!

What made you decide to apply for an internship?

I started working for Congressman Collins as an intern on his reelection campaign in the spring of 2016. The experience was rewarding, especially after his primary victory. After getting to know the campaign team and his staff better, I knew that they were people I wanted to continue to work with and get to know. I had no plans of moving to D. C. for a whole semester, but, when I got an email about the position from the department, I applied. I realized early on that the type of people who work in Congressman Collins’ office as well as the congressman himself are not the type of “political people” you think of when thinking of D. C. They are extremely motivated toward helping the Ninth District of Georgia as well as very kind. The congressman makes every effort to help the interns out, from inviting us to briefings and hearings to just sitting down and answering any question we might have. I knew that this opportunity wasn’t one I was willing to pass up.

Tell me about your typical day as an intern.

Like all offices, I start off handling administrative duties in the mornings. I listen to voicemails, check and respond to emails, and make sure the office is ready when the rest of the staff gets there. While Congress is in session, I attend as many briefings and hearings that I can. I am passionate about military defense, homeland security, and combating terrorism, so I attend Armed Services and Department of Homeland Security briefings as much as possible. Because Congressman Collins is on the Rules and Judiciary Committees, I also attend those briefings and hearings. I also give tours of the Capitol Building to constituents from the Ninth District who are visiting Washington, D. C.

What has surprised you most about your internship?

The most surprising thing about my internship in Washington, D. C., is how normal everything is. At the end of the day, people in D. C. are just that: people. The Capitol Building is like any other office building with hard-working staffers and meetings to get to. But don’t get me wrong: Passing politicians whom I’ve watched on C-SPAN never gets old!

How have your courses prepared you for this internship?

My “American Government” class prepared me most for my internship. “American Government” really lays the groundwork and reviews everything that happens in the three branches of government, which comes in handy when working in Congress. In hearings and mark-ups, I see first-hand the legislative process that bills go through to become a law. Because I took “American Government,” I have a better understanding of the process.

Anything else you would like to share about your experience in the political science program or your internship?

Washington, D. C., is an amazing city to live in, especially as a young adult. I love being around people from various backgrounds who have different opinions than the ones I am used to. The atmosphere in D. C. is as challenging as it is rewarding, and I’m so glad I have the opportunity to be a part of it.

Students interested in internships should contact the internship director, Dr. Carl Cavalli at carl.cavalli @ung.edu , with questions or inquiries.