(March 10, 2008)
Lasting Connections: Lasting Connections: Alumni Network Boosts D.C. Interns
For Nicole Willis, that someone was Jennifer Manner, class of �86, who is vice president of regulatory affairs at Mobile Satellite Ventures, LP. Manner initiated a growing and successful alumni mentoring program for UAlbany�s Washington Semester intern students last year. Seven students are paired with alumni this semester, and 11 mentors and students were paired last year.
�Washington is based on networking,� said Manner. �However, like any city, Washington can be daunting; I want to make sure that UAlbany�s Washington students have a resource, whether for networking or just finding a good restaurant or place to jog.�
While in Washington last spring, Willis had classes two days a week with UAlbany Professor of Political Science Michael Malbin, and interned three days a week for Congressman John �Randy� Kuhl. (Malbin teaches at UAlbany in the fall, and runs the Washington Semester program in the spring.)
The internship �helped me to realize that I wanted to work further in politics, specifically lobbying. Through my internship I learned an incredible amount, and eventually (by keeping in touch with contacts she had made previously while in Albany), I was able to use my internship experience to help get the job I have today,� Willis said.
Related Links:
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy
Department of Political Science
UAlbany's Washington Semester
Professor Michael Malbin
Congressman John "Randy" Kuhl