Political Science and Communication double-major, Maddy Boggs was selected as the second recipient of the W.N. Looper Award. The award is sponsored by 1983 alumna Ann Looper Pryor and provides $3,000 to help cover the costs associated with interning in Washington D.C. This past summer Maddy worked for U.S. Representative Joe Wilson (SC-2).
We asked Maddy a few questions about her experience.
How did you find this internship?
One of the great things about the Looper Award is getting to meet Ann Pryor. Ann worked on the Hill and is now the publisher of Landscape Architecture Magazine. We talked about different options for my internship and she helped me connect with the staff in Congressman Wilson’s Office.
What was your typical day like?
I spent a lot of time attending committee hearings. Since Congressman Wilson is on the House Armed Services Committee, I got to see a lot of hearings related to foreign policy. One of my favorites was the Bowe Bergdahl hearing. He was the U.S. Army soldier who was held hostage in Afghanistan for almost five years. I also answered constituent calls and constituent mail. I stayed pretty busy, especially when Congress was in session.
Which office building did you work in?
I worked in the Rayburn House Office Building, which is near the Capitol. I was one of seven interns in Congressman Wilson’s Office in June and one of thirteen interns in his office in July.
Where did you live while you were in D.C.?
I stayed in the George Washington University dorms with a lot of other Hill interns. It was a short Metro ride to the Capitol and I was able to master the Metro very quickly.
How did you use your political science skills in the workplace?
My political science classes have taught me different ways to look at politics. I’ve also learned how to develop my own argument and how to pick apart someone else’s argument. I worked in a very conservative environment in D.C. and this taught me to see a different perspective. I would not have learned as much if I had worked somewhere where I agreed with everyone on every issue.
What are your career goals?
I’d like to work for a news organization.
What were your biggest challenges as an intern?
It is harder for women to be involved in politics. Just walk around the Hill for a day. You see a lot more male politicians and staffers. When you see a woman, she really stands out.
What was the favorite advice you received?
I got some really good advice from Congressman’s Wilson’s Chief of Staff. He stressed the importance of connections. He said that qualifications are important but it is vital to make personal connections as well.