Thank You Letters and Keeping in Touch:

Written by Jennifer Fantin, Recruitment and Admissions Assistant 

Your summer internship has ended and you’re gearing up for what comes next, but there are still some loose ends to tie up and ongoing tasks to keep in mind.

Whether your internship was exactly what you had hoped for or the opportunity to gain experience in a totally different field, do not undervalue the connections you made or the importance of maintaining those relationships. Before the next phase of your life gets too far underway take the time to send a thank you letter, and make an effort to keep in touch. As you have heard time and time again, your network can prove to be one of the most powerful items in your professional arsenal.

Thank You Letter Tips:

• Don’t Delay- It is far too easy to get caught up in other obligations, but do not forget to express appreciation in a timely manner. Displays of gratitude are much better received when expressed immediately. Make it a point to reach out to your supervisor and internship site as soon as possible to let them know how much the experience meant to you.
• Be Genuine- When writing your letter, you may find it helpful to cite specific examples from your internship, or goals you achieved while there. This will make your note more personal, and it will better convey your sincerity. Your supervisor will be more receptive to networking outreach in the future knowing how much you valued your time spent learning and working with them.
• Handwritten Trumps Electronic- The rise of technology has contributed to a decrease in the personal nature of communication. As forms of electronic correspondence become more prevalent, putting in the extra effort to send a handwritten letter will help you to leave a great impression with your internship site. Many professionals simply skim over emails in their inbox, but a letter that comes through the postal service is likely to attract their attention in the best way possible.
• Short Story, Not Novel- It is very important to thank your supervisor for all of the help and resources they provided during your internship, and as previously mentioned it is vital to be sincere in your comments. This does not however require that you write them an overly lengthy testament of gratitude. Keeping your letter short, sweet, and to the point is a great way to ensure that your carefully constructed words are both read and enjoyed.

Suggestions for Keeping in Touch Down the Road:

• It’s an Ongoing Process- It is a good idea to touch base with your past internship site multiple times each year. A great way to do so is by sending out an email every few months. You can let them know what you have been up to academically and professionally as well as expressing interest in their professional undertakings. This simple act can help your professional network grow by leaps and bounds.
• Stay Informed- Before reaching out to your past supervisor update yourself on the organization’s current events. Informing yourself of their latest business will help you to understand the situations they face and will enable you to communicate with your past coworkers in a more effective manner. You can also pass along any interesting articles or information you come across that may be of interest to the organization. Suggestions and insight will show that you still have an active interest in their success.
• Visit if in the Area- If you find yourself in the nation’s capital with a little bit of free time consider paying a visit to your old stomping grounds. Reach out to your DC internship site, and let them know you will be in the area. Depending on their availability try to schedule a time to stop by the office or grab lunch. Face to face meetings are always a great way to reconnect with old professional contacts.
• Utilize Digital Networking- In this highly digital age be sure to make proper use of the online networking tools at your disposal. Take advantage of free professional networking sites such as LinkedIn. Put in the time to create a quality profile displaying your credentials, and make an effort to build connections. Also keep in mind that past, present, and future employers are on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Those applications can be equally beneficial to your career aspirations, so do your best to keep the content on your pages appropriate.   

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TFAS Summer 2012: Graduation Speaker Profiles

Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems-

Taylor Dickinson
Internship: U.S. Small Business Administration
University: Vanderbilt University
Major: Human and Organizational Development
Hometown: Lookout Mountain, Tennessee

Taylor will be entering her junior year at Vanderbilt this fall. She spent a previous summer studying at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland where she further pursued her academic interests in sustainable development and non-profit management. Taylor has enjoyed past internships working with economic development and policy analysis organizations and is aiming to pursue a career in those fields.

Along with her participation in the ICPES program this summer Taylor interned at the U.S. Small Business Administration. During her time there, she worked closely with the Office of Credit Risk Management. Her experience taught her that her capabilities were far beyond what she knew them to be.

Institute on Economics and International Affairs-

Andrew Harding
Internship: Council on Hemispheric Affairs
University: Emory University
Major: Economics
Hometown: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Andrew Harding was born in Australia, but he has spent time living in Toronto, Pittsburgh, and Brussels. This fall he will be entering his senior year at Emory University in Atlanta, GA where he aims to major in Economics. Andrew’s time as a student of the Institute on Economics and International Affairs has provided him with new insights upon which to build during his final year of undergraduate studies. He previously interned at a consulting company, which focused on business strategy in the energy industry, and this summer he put many of his previously acquired professional skills to great use.

In conjunction with his enrollment in the IEIA program, Andrew is interning with the Council on Hemispheric Affairs. As a COHA intern Andrew has taken part in a wide variety of policy-based projects. For one such project he wrote academic paper, which was subsequently published. This internship helped him to improve upon his writing skills and build an understanding of the economic and political situations affecting the Western Hemisphere, which will aid in his future career pursuits.

Institute on Political Journalism-

McKenzie Romero
Internship: Hispanic News Link Service
University: Southern Utah University
Major: Communications
Hometown: Hooper, Utah

McKenzie has been involved with print journalism since high school, and she is very interested in the transition to multi-platform collaboration. She is the editor-in-chief of her university newspaper and managing director of a student-driven media convergence initiative. McKenzie is also a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and was named a Mark of Excellence national finalist. A bilingual Spanish speaker, she has studied abroad in Spain and served an LDS mission in Guatemala.

Through McKenzie’s participation in IPJ, she spent the summer interning with Hispanic News Link Service where she had the honor of being promoted to editor of the weekly newsletter. She covered events on Capitol Hill and was able to report on the Supreme Court’s health care ruling, along with many other breaking news stories.

Institute on Business and Government Affairs-

Henry Harrison
Internship: Business Industry Political Action Committee
University: Willamette University
Major: Economics
Hometown: Nevada City, California

Henry is a rising senior at Willamette University where he is majoring in Economics. His interest in the financial world led him to found Willamette’s Investment Club. Henry has been a tutor and mentor to members of his student body, and he has hosted his own campus radio show. Henry is also a collegiate athlete, playing on his university’s baseball and football teams.

This summer Henry’s IBGA experience enabled him to intern with the Business Industry Political Action Committee. During his time with BIPAC he was able to perform extensive candidate research and learn a great deal about current political issues. He has enjoyed his time with TFAS and was particularly impacted by the embassy visit, site briefings, and networking opportunities.

Institute on Philanthropy and Volunteer Service-

Sarah Gregory
Internship: Shared Hope International
University: University of Tennessee
Major: American Studies
Hometown: Tullahoma, Tennessee

Sarah recently completed her junior year at the University of Tennessee. She is pursuing a degree in American Studies and works as a resident assistant for the Leadership Learning Community. She takes on the role of fundraising coordinator in the residence hall and has served two consecutive summers as an orientation leader. Sarah currently serves on the Women’s Coordinating Council to promote gender equality.

Along with her participation in IPVS, Sarah has spent her summer interning with Shared Hope International. She is grateful for the responsibilities this organization bestowed upon her and is confident that the knowledge she gained will make her a better RA. Her summer experience with TFAS has positively influenced her career interests, encouraging her to focus on her interests in Higher Education and Student Affairs.

 

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Summer 2012 DC Intern Profiles: Part 5

DC Intern Spotlight: Rachel Kellerman
Program: Institute on Business and Government Affairs
Internship: US Telecom
University: University of Florida
Major: Finance
Hometown: Miami, Florida

Rachel is interning this summer with US Telecom where she recently transitioned from their law and policy office to their government affairs office.  The majority of her work with the law and policy division of the association focused on the pressing issue of cyber security.  She had the unique experience of working with her supervisor to create a toolkit webinar on the issue that will be utilized by professionals across the industry.  As part of her internship she attends meetings throughout the city, performs various types of industry analysis, and has been to Capitol Hill to attend hearings.  Rachel was eager to share with us her experience from a meeting at the Department of Homeland Security, stating,

“In attendance were individuals from all across the telecommunications industry discussing the issue of cyber security.  I helped my boss to prepare a power point presentation that examined the public and private sector partnership, and I learned a lot in the process.”

Rachel is a rising junior at the University of Florida pursuing a degree in finance.  She is actively involved with student government, her sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi, and her business school.  She has enjoyed her summer internship experience in DC and cannot believe that it is nearing an end.  In her free time she and her roommates have kept themselves busy by visiting museums, going to concerts, and shopping around the city.

DC Intern Spotlight: Troy Cornell
Program: Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service
Internship: YMCA of the National Capital
University: University of Arizona
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Glendale, California

Originally from California, Troy is a student at the University of Arizona where he is pursuing a degree in political science. Aside from his university studies, Troy is an avid traveler. He spent three years living in Shanghai with his mother and grandmother, and he has traveled to various other countries in Europe and Africa. He studied in Germany while in high school, and he has most recently traveled to South Africa to take classes in transitional justice and conflict resolution.
Troy gained valuable political insight and experience during a previous internship in the district office of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and is excited to be spending the summer in Washington, DC. This summer Troy is interning with the YMCA of the National Capital. When asked about his favorite summer internship experience, he said,

“I was asked to represent the YMCA at a DC United match where I was tasked with reconnecting the YMCA with the soccer club. My goal was to begin the process of establishing a grassroots partnership in addition to creating other marketing opportunities between the YMCA and DC United.”

Troy has thoroughly enjoyed his time in the nation’s capital and has embraced all of the learning experiences that his internship presented to him. He hopes to take advantage of future opportunities where he can apply his sports management experience.

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Summer 2012 DC Intern Profiles: Part 4

DC Intern Spotlight: Elizabeth Luh
Program: Institute on Economics and International Affairs
Internship: Asia Society
University: University of Oregon
Major: Economics
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon

Elizabeth is a rising junior at the University of Oregon where she plans to double major in political science and economics. She also speaks French and Chinese!

This summer she is interning with Asia Society, an educational organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the people, leaders and institutions of Asia and the United States in a global context. So far, Elizabeth has been researching how to internationalize American education to better prepare students for a globalized world. This research includes gathering information from past hearings and legislation.

She said “This kind of research is new to me, but I have learned a lot from my work as an intern. Currently, I am helping prepare for a briefing with Ambassador Rao from India, hosted by Asia Society.”

From a town of 60,000 people to the bustling city of D.C., Elizabeth says she has learned a lot about herself and her future career choices. She said “I have never lived in a city with as many opportunities as DC, and I am forever grateful for this experience.”

DC Intern Spotlight: Andrew Phillips
Program: Institute on Political Journalism
Internship: Gannett Government Media
University: Simpson University
Major: Communications and Journalism
Hometown: Invermere, British Columbia

Originally from Canada, Andrew joined the U.S. Army at 19 as an airborne combat medic. Stationed at Fort Bragg, NC with the 82nd airborne, Andrew was deployed to Iraq for nearly a year. He also served in Haiti after the earthquake and with the first wave of military support in post-Katrina New Orleans.

While in the Army, Andrew read Hunter S. Thompson’s book Better than Sex: Confessions of a Political Junkie and was intrigued by the world of political reporting. Since then, Andrew has written for Simpson University’s publication, The Slate. He has also interned for the Sacramento News and Review.

This summer, he is able to combine his passion for political journalism and military news through his internship at Gannett Government Media. Andrew has been published twice so far.

This summer Andrew was the only reporter from Gannett Government Media to cover the AT&T National PGA Tour Tournament where he sat in on a press conference with Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. Click here to read his article covering the event. Andrew also had the opportunity to interview two Silver Star recipients. The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces for valor in the face of the enemy.

In the future, Andrew is considering continuing his career in political journalism, but is also considering pursuing law school or a graduate degree in political communication.

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How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation

Written by Jennifer Fantin, Recruitment and Admissions Assistant

Aside from a stellar resume and excellent interview skills, a strong letter of recommendation can play an important part in securing an academic or professional opportunity. A glowing letter of recommendation can give you an enormous leg up on the competition.

Interning in Washington, DC is the perfect opportunity for you to build a great relationship with your supervisor and obtain a letter of recommendation that reflects all of the great work you’ve done.

How exactly does one go about asking their internship supervisor to write such an influential letter of recommendation? Take a look at these suggestions to get yourself a reference that will undoubtedly aid in your future pursuits:

• Plan out your approach- When requesting a letter of recommendation it is wise to ask someone who can cite specific examples of your abilities, and who better to attest to your hard work ethic than your internship supervisor? It is best to approach them in person. Tell them why the letter is needed, and why it is of importance to you. They will be more willing to help if your request is sincere.
• The early bird catches the worm- In today’s world most working professionals are often being pulled in a million different directions. This can make it difficult to get a letter of recommendation in a timely manner. In order to ensure you meet the appropriate deadline, touch base with your supervisor regarding the letter request as far in advance as possible. (2-6 weeks is recommended.) You want to provide them with adequate time to compose a quality piece.
• Provide all necessary materials- Often, a letter of recommendation for a position must follow a distinct format so be sure to inform your supervisor of the desired layout. Provide them with a stamped and addressed envelope if the reference is to be submitted through the mail or specific instructions for letters that are to be submitted online. It cannot hurt to provide them with an updated copy of your resume to remind them of accomplishments that you would like to be included in the reference.
• Follow up, and keep your supervisor informed- People lead busy lives, and it is not uncommon for your supervisor to forget about a deadline. Make sure to keep in touch with them throughout the process and offer any help you can. It is also essential to thank them for their help, and let them know how the application process works out for you in the end.

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