Each student in the Public Policy Department has the opportunity to gain practical experience through public policy internships. Students learn from professionals in the field while gaining hands-on experience working with legislators, lobbyists, legal professionals, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and media/public relations groups.
2011-2012
Amber Curry (left, second row) interned in Washington D.C. as a Programs Intern for the Americans for Prosperity Foundation. She helped to plan and staff RightOnline in Las Vegas and the Defending the American Dream Summit in Washington D.C. During the internship, she also did general office work, state chapter event support, and special projects.
Senior Tyler Fujishin is interning at Halldin Public Relations, a leading regional PR firm located in Rocklin, which is dedicated to helping corporations, organizations and non-profits effectively communicate their message to their target audience. Tyler’s internship provided him with the opportunity to gain first-hand public relations experience and learn the importance of effectively communicating to clients, stakeholders and the media.
Senior Aleta Stamps is interning with Sacramento County Probation Department. The Probation Department is an integral part of Sacramento County's public safety structure and is charged with the supervision of adult and juvenile offenders granted probation by the Courts. Aleta works alongside the home supervision probation office.
Junior Benjamin Lokteff is interning in Congressman Tom McClintock’s Granite Bay office. Congressman McClintock represents the 4th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Ben is working under the district Community Relations Director and assists in outreach to the community.
Senior Richard Flores is interning with the California Department of Insurance. The Department of Insurance is responsible for enforcing many of the insurance-related laws of the state. It ensures that consumers are protected; that the insurance marketplace is fostered to be vibrant and stable; that the regulatory process is maintained as open and equitable; and that the law is enforced fairly and impartially. Rick is working on various projects related to these areas.
2010-2011
Junior Amanda Hoops interned at Halldin Public Relations, one of the Sacramento area’s premier PR firms. Halldin Specifies in helping corporations, organizations and non-profits effectively communicates their message to their target audience. Amanda’s internship provided her with the opportunity to gain first-hand public relations experience, through research, writing, and events that supported client’s needs.
Senior Jeremy Glenn and Sophomore Spencer Jackson interned at Meridian Pacific, Inc. in Sacramento. Meridian Pacific is a political consulting firm that specializes in campaign management, coalition building, issue advocacy, media production and direct mail. Both students were able work on political campaigns, ballot initiatives and various projects such as voter demographic research. They had a unique opportunity to intern during an election year to gain valuable political experience.
Senior Kara Bessighini interned with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Yolo County. CASA provides abused and neglected foster children with a court-appointed volunteer advocate who helps them navigate through the court system and is committed to finding them safe and permanent housing. Kara’s experience working with foster children through CASA helped to solidify her post-graduation desire to work within the juvenile justice system.
Junior Paul Johnson interned with the Auburn branch of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). His internship afforded him the opportunity to review records, participate in CHP ride-a-longs, and offer support to the Captain. This internship was a great experience for Paul, who is pursuing law enforcement as a career.
Junior C.Jay Engel interned with the Roseville Chamber of Commerce. The mission of the Roseville Chamber of Commerce is to provide value to their members; to promote and meet the needs of business and industry; to create the best community in which to live, work and do business. He was specifically tasked with a project regarding candidate endorsements. C.Jay conducted a statewide research project to determine whether or not the Chamber’s PAC should endorse political candidates. Once his research was concluded, he gave a presentation to the Chamber about his findings and recommendations.
Senior Lindsey Hemming had the Opportunity to work with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)- Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement (ICE)- Office of International Affairs (OIA)- in the Mission Support Unit-Permanent Change of Station (PCS) office. Lindsey had the opportunity to observe special agents, gain more knowledge on the issue of child exploitation, and learn how to process passport and visa requests, communicate with various embassies, and contribute to the Permanent Change of Station team. Lindsey became the point-person for all agents associated with Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and I took on all of the tasks and responsibilities of a real ICE employee.
2009
Junior Jason Washington had the opportunity to work with California Family Council, a non-profit organization aimed at educating and advocating on behalf of Judeo-Christian values. Jason was able to participate in the exchange of policy discussions between elected officials, families, and interest groups and witness the political process at work.
Junior Christina Costley spent her summer internship with the Center for Women’s Studies Human Trafficking Task Force in Orange County. As an intern with this organization, Christina gained firsthand experience with advocacy, human rights, and justice issues. She was able to assist with a variety of community outreach, awareness, and program development opportunities and further her passion to advocate on behalf of those less fortunate.
Sophomore Anna Rutherford spent the last summer interning with Meridian Pacific, a Sacramento based political consulting firm, where she gained experience in account management, writing, and researching techniques. At Meridian Pacific, Anna was able to learn directly how political campaigns are waged on local, state, and national levels and was able to witness the political process at work. "The internship that I did this summer," explains Anna, "made the material I was learning in the classroom applicable. I was able to discover potential areas of interest in which I could work once I graduated."
Senior Jennifer Washman interned with Pacific Justice Institute, a Sacramento based legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties. At PJI, Jennifer worked on the School Tracker Initiative, an online based informational guide to keeping California school boards accountable. Jennifer was able to be exposed to policy issues as they impact religious freedoms and be a part of a nonprofit legal organization committed to protecting them. "My favorite thing is answering the phones because it gives me a look at how many issues PJI deals with, as well as opening my eyes to issues I was not aware of before."
Junior Jamie Pritchard traveled to Washington, DC, to intern with Traditional Values Coalition, the largest non-denominational, grassroots church lobby in America. As an intern with TVC, Jamie was able to work on Capitol Hill on policy issues which directly impact people of faith. She was also able to be a part of empowering others through education and inspiring them to get politically involved through legislative, media, and political means.
2008
Junior Gabrielle Jackson interned with Halldin Public Relations. As an intern with Halldin, Gabrielle was able to learn the importance of communication, particularly through media entities in television, newspapers, and online. She was able to learn how to do press releases, calendar listings, client consultations, and even book a client on television. “My experience at Halldin Public Relations really confirmed that I want to go into media/communications/journalism. I was exposed to so many different ways of communicating and so many means of getting the word out, that I have really learned the importance of being an effective communicator.”
Senior Colby Ackenheil spent his internship with Pacific Justice Institute, a nonprofit legal defense organization aimed at protecting religious liberties and freedoms for students, parents, and churches. Colby worked on the School Tracker project in its initial stages. He also gained experience in advocacy, research, organizational structure, and communications.
2007
Maria Demas had the opportunity to intern with the Legislative Analyst Office, California’s nonpartisan fiscal and policy advisor. As an intern with the LAO Maria gained valuable experience working with key policy analysts and working directly on a research project pertaining to AIDS awareness and prevention. Maria not only was able to learn about key policy issues, but also experience them and be a part of directly influencing elected officials.
Andrew Tillman did his internship through the ROTC program at Sacramento State University. The Reserve Officer Training Corps gave Andrew leadership experience and military training in order to pursue excellence in a career in the Air Force. He was able to conduct trainings of his own, participate in teamwork exercises, an implement program development.
Sarah Olson was a summer intern with Halldin Public Relations, a leading advisor to corporations, organizations and non-profits and helps clients obtain widespread media exposure in national business, general-interest, trade and social media outlets all around the United State. Sarah learned the importance of clearly and effectively communicating to clients, stakeholders and the media while gaining key research experience.
JoyLynn Miller interned at the Mendocino County Courthouse. While working in the Superior Court, Joylynn was able to witness key cases and experience the judicial system hands on. Joylynn was able to work on research projects, aid in cases, and gain imperative insight into how the lower courts function and operate.