Desktop News | September 2023

Over the past two summers, Emily Smith’s Potomac River journey has been far from that of a casual tourist. As an active participant in the 2022 A&S Professional Preparation Program in Washington, D.C., Smith leveraged her connections and newfound experiences to secure prestigious internships in the nation’s capital during both the summers of 2022 and 2023.  

The Washington D.C. Professional Preparation Program stands as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring professionals, and Smith’s journey exemplifies its transformative impact. During the 2022 D.C. trip, Smith delved into a world of government agencies, toured the historic United States Capitol, held meetings with congressional leaders and their staff, interviewed a lobbyist and fostered valuable connections with The University of Alabama alumni thriving in the city. That summer, she took on the role of a congressional intern in the office of Alabama Congressman Barry Moore, gaining firsthand insight into the mechanisms of American governance. Smith’s journey continued into the summer of 2023, where she interned with the Executive Department of Free the Facts, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to educating voters about federal programs.  

 “I had so many amazing experiences during both of my internships,” exclaimed Smith. “During my Summer 2022 internship, I was able to write legislation that made it to the House floor, which is definitely one of the most exciting things I was able to do!” 

Her multifaceted experiences reflect the program’s commitment to equipping students with the skills and connections necessary for success in the professional world while immersing them in the rich tapestry of Washington, D.C.’s history, culture and heritage. 

“The DC Program, and UA as a whole, taught me to look for opportunities everywhere,” said Smith. “The professional development we went through definitely prepared me to make a lasting impact on my D.C. employers.” 

Emily’s academic pursuits are equally awe-inspiring. She majors in International Studies with a triple minor in Arabic, Counterterrorism and the Blount Scholars Program. In addition, she is concurrently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration through UA’s Accelerated Master’s Program. Her aspirations know no bounds, with plans to attend law school upon completing her degrees in 2025. 

For more information on the Washington D.C. Professional Preparation Program or how to get involved, visit https://bit.ly/3sGvn9Y.