Capital Education: UAlbany's Strategic Location Offers Assembly Internships - University at Albany

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Capital Education: UAlbany's Strategic Location Offers Assembly Internships

February 4, 2008

UAlbany student interns Richard Paladino and Donna Yee in the Assembly chamber

Seniors Richard Paladino and Donna Yee are among 65 UAlbany students who have been placed as interns in the New York State Assembly this semester. As interns, they answer calls from constituents, track bills, and learn how bills are passed. (Photo by Mark Schmidt)

Sixty-five University at Albany students have accepted internships in the New York State Assembly this spring -- one of the many benefits of attending New York State's only public University in the heart of the Capital Region.

UAlbany's partnership with state government helps students build a network of contacts that help lead to successful careers in public service.

"The internship initiative is one of the best programs we have in the State Assembly," said Majority Leader Ron Canestrari, who chairs the Assembly Intern Committee. "It is of tremendous benefit to the offices and committees to which they're assigned, and it's a great experience for the interns and for those offices. It can be a career opportunity in addition to being a learning experience � I've had interns I ended up hiring."

"This is a great opportunity for me because I think you can only learn so much from books and sitting in classrooms."

Donna Yee

The internships open doors to thinking about a career in law or public service.

Donna Yee, a senior English major at UAlbany with a double minor in biology and sociology, is an intern in the office of Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro this semester.

"This is a great opportunity for me because I think you can only learn so much from books and sitting in classrooms," said Yee, who, in addition to other duties, is learning the basics of how bills are drafted.

UAlbany student, Donna Yee working in the New York State Assembly chamber

As an Assembly Session Intern, UAlbany senior Donna Yee is gaining valuable experience, developing professional skills, and building her resume. (Photo by Mark Schmidt)

Richard Paladino, a senior UAlbany student and criminal justice major, is an intern for Assemblyman Richard Brodsky. "I applied to this internship to get a broader behind-the-stage look as to how the legislative system works, to network with influential people, and to see if politics is for me," said Paladino.

UAlbany's Helen Desfosses, one of two professors in residence in the program, noted this extraordinary spring semester experience is open to juniors and seniors from all majors, not just political science. UAlbany students apply on campus for internships in both the NYS Assembly and Senate at the Undergraduate Education Office.

"I'd like to see where this internship takes me," said Yee. "This is an excellent way to explore the possibilities."

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