A big component of the CAPS program that really drew me towards it was the service aspect. When I first began to explore all of the placement options, I was sure that I’d end up at a non-profit, because I associated the two words. To be honest, where I’m interning couldn’t be further from a non-profit. Truth be told, I’m working for a big money organization. Venn strategies, my fellowship location, is a public affairs and consulting firm.

Everyone always asks me what exactly is a public affairs and consulting firm. Simply put, it’s a lobbying firm.

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Most of us shudder when we hear lobbying, thinking of outrageous sums of money in politics, people whose voices seem to be significantly louder or more powerful than the average American’s. Big tobacco, the NRA, manipulation, corruption, bribery…these are all things I used to think of when I thought about lobbying. In this I don’t think I was unique.

But the truth is, any interest out there likely has someone who lobbies on behalf of it. For interests both good and bad, there is somebody or some group out there lobbying for policies that protect or further that interest.

Lobbyists are not experts themselves on whatever subject matter is at hand. A lobbyist’s job is to act as intermediaries between private businesses, churches, coalitions, whomever wants to affect policy change, and those with the power to enact change. We know the ins and out of D.C., whether it be Capitol Hill, various government departments, think tanks, we work to develop strong coalitions and formulate the plan of attack. A successful lobbyist usually begins his or her career working on the Hill, and building their professional network-something that is crucial in the lobbying world.

Along with creating coalitions and meeting with political officials, we have to create a portfolio of documents to educate policy makers as well. As an intern, I work mostly with setting up the meetings and helping to collect the appropriate information. My tasks range from performing basic research, to putting together unintimidating yet informative documents to educate others on our cause, to attending relevant hearings or markups of a bill.

A hearing on a Mental Health bill I                     recently attended.

The service that we provide to our clients varies depending on both the client and the interest. In the case of my current project, which I am unfortunately unable to divulge, we are serving not only the companies in the coalition themselves, but truly all of their employees. The actions that we are taking on the Hill, if successful, could potentially save about a million US jobs in the long term.

For the longest time I struggled with feeling like I wasn’t performing the service aspect of the CAPS program. I’ve had to rewire my brain to understand that what Venn does is indeed is a service to many. Working at a for-profit company doesn’t mean that I am not providing a worthwhile service. Saving US jobs is a service to each individual who holds that job, and by extension a service to their family.

DC is a fantastic place to spend your CAPS fellowship. Life in DC moves fast, and there’s always something (free) to do. Whether it’s Jazz in the sculpture garden on a Friday night, shopping at Eastern Market and running into former President Bill Clinton, exploring local artwork, or seeing the Nats play (Go Cubs!), you won’t be disappointed in this city!

Meeting former President Bill Clinton!

Go Cubs!