Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia Honors Internship Programs are now accepting applications for summer 2010 internships through Oct. 19. Since 2001, UGA undergraduates enrolled in the Honors Program have had the opportunity to obtain real-world experience in congressional offices, law firms, media companies and non-profit organizations in the nation’s capital. In the past few years the program has expanded to include New York and Savannah internship placements.
“The resounding success of Honors in Washington made possible the expansion into New York and Savannah,” said David S. Williams, director of UGA’s Honors Program. “Honors interns have become known for their intellectual acuity and strong work ethic, and their stellar reputation has allowed the program to foster good, long-standing relationships with a variety of offices.”
The interns, who can receive academic credit in their fields of study, usually work 40 hours a week for a minimum of eight weeks. The interns receive $3,000 stipends to defray the costs of travel and living expenses.
Kelsey Jones, who graduates in May with a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and a master’s degree in public administration, worked for the Greater New York Hospital Association for her summer 2009 internship. She interned in the Legal, Regulatory and Professional Affairs Department, under UGA alumna Susan C. Waltman, Esq. (AB ‘73, MSW ‘75), and focused on hospital administration and healthcare practices.
“It was fascinating and fulfilling to participate in the development of policies and practices that will have a widespread impact for years to come,” said Jones, who is from Atlanta. “I witnessed the way in which Greater New York works with hospitals, physicians, medical associations and the federal government to uniquely weave together each group’s interest into a solution that is fair and beneficial for all.”
Sophomore Yasmin Yonis, who is from Lawrenceville and pursuing bachelor’s degrees in international affairs and journalism, served as an intern with Voice of America this past summer. At the multimedia international public broadcasting agency, Yonis worked in the division focused on African events and affairs.
“The Honors in D.C. program has helped to provide me with a clearer understanding of how to reach my career goals,” said Yonis, who was born in Somalia. “The opportunities I have been able to take part in have been invaluable. I have gone to the White House to cover human rights protesters, attended Congressional and Senate hearings, conducted television interviews with experts and assisted in the production of TV and radio shows.”
Senior Connor McCarthy gained experience in foreign relations public policy decision making as an intern in the office of Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.). McCarthy, who is from Mobile, Ala. and pursuing bachelor’s degrees in international affairs and economics, was involved in issues related to Isakson’s work with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee.
“I was given opportunities to staff committee briefings on U.N. peacekeeping actions, foreign development assistance and nuclear energy transfers,” he said.
“On my site visits this summer, I heard again and again from supervisors how impressed they were with the talent and dedication of our students,” said Maria de Rocher, program coordinator in the Honors Program. “Our students in turn were thrilled to have gained the practical experience and contacts necessary to launch their careers as well as to have been immersed in the rich culture of one of the world’s great cities.”
Sophomores and juniors enrolled in the Honors Program are eligible to apply for the internship programs. Candidates must have stellar academic credentials and demonstrate leadership potential from campus and community activities.
For more information on the Honors Internship Programs, contact Maria de Rocher at derocher@uga.edu.
