Every morning, I wake up, pick out my favorite business professional outfit, and grab my trusty work bag, ready to head out and take on a day on Capitol Hill. Now you might be asking, “why is a bag an important part of your morning routine?” It is not the bag itself that is significant; it is the contents that tell a story and provide the functionality to navigate life in Washington, D.C.

1. Journal: I have enjoyed documenting my experiences throughout my internship by keeping a journal. Through keeping a journal, I have been able to document my growth as an intern and look back on the learning opportunities. I hope that this journal will assist me when adding to my resume and preparing for future job interviews. 
2. Badge: Your intern badge is a key that unlocks all of the great opportunities on Capitol Hill. It is also required to get through security and navigate through the Capitol! With your badge, you can explore areas of the Capitol that are not available for standard tours and attend hearings and briefings.
3. Umbrella: D.C. weather can be unpredictable, so it is important to bring along an umbrella to keep yourself (and your business professional clothes) dry!
4. Beauty Bag: It is always important to dress for success and “put your best foot forward.” Part of looking your best is feeling confident and put together. I like to keep hand sanitizer, bobby pins, hair elastics, a lint roller, and dental care items handy, so I can look and feel my best. 
5. Business Cards: Business cards are a gateway to networking in D.C. It is important to keep your ANRP Program-provided business cards with you at all times to exchange with all of the connections you will make during your time here!
6. Commuter shoes: You might be fretting about the morning commute in fear of the blisters that could occur from hiking to Capitol Hill in dress shoes. Never fear, the solution is simple: commuter shoes! These can be your trusty pair of tennis shoes, your fuzzy boots, or even flip-flops. Once you reach your destination, these shoes can be exchanged for your professional dress shoes. Commuter shoes are a great way to stay comfortable and blister-free on your morning trip to work! 

I hope this checklist helped determine what to pack in your work bag or add to your Amazon cart, to be best prepared for whatever the adventures of Washington, D.C. might bring you. What useful items will you choose to add to your bag?

Presley Wirebaugh
Office of Congressman Chip Roy
Spring 2023 | Washington, D.C

Living in Washington, D.C., means there’s always something to do! This city is fast-paced, with museums to explore, networking to be done, events to attend, people to meet, and reservations to make. It can get a little overwhelming if you try to do it all, but once you learn a healthy balance, you’ll be making memories and trying new things non-stop. Coming into this experience, I had big plans to see as much of the city as possible while getting the most out of my internship on the hill. After scrambling around the first few weeks, I learned it’s better to spread things out and plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time in the city…

1. Make a list of everything you want to do. Think museums, monuments, parks, shopping, restaurants, and parts of town. 
2. Figure out where each thing is located and how you can get there. You can access many places by taking the metro and walking, while for some, you’ll have to call an uber or take the bus.
3. Decide what to do and when! I realized lots of things are closer together than I originally thought so it might be more efficient to do two or three things in the same day if they’re all in the same part of town. This will save you money and time in the long run so you don’t have to pay for multiple ubers or metro rides to the same area.
4. Be flexible. Sometimes exhibits at museums are closed for renovations or for private events, or events sell out quickly. Things will not always work with your schedule, or plans will fall apart, so be willing to make adjustments when needed.
5. Don’t be afraid to do the same thing twice. You might love the place you visited and want to make plans to go back, and you should if it’s something you enjoyed. There’s no harm in repeating experiences if they bring you joy! One of the places I keep going back to is Old Town Alexandria. The area is so cute, and everyone is so nice!

Callie Nunan
Office of Congressman Randy Weber
Spring 2023 | Washington, D.C

Moving to D.C. for your internship is a big and scary thing, and I can say that honestly! But! It is also one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, and I am so thankful that I stepped out of my comfort zone to do it. Here are five preconceived notions I had before moving to D.C. and how they have been debunked after living here for two months!

It will be hard to get around places without a car

• I was really worried I would miss my car and being able to drive everywhere, but I do not miss it all that much. I am really grateful I do not have to commute in D.C. traffic every day to and from work. The metro is really user-friendly and is a much better form of transportation so far in my experience!

Everything will cost lots of money

• Don’t get me wrong, everything here is way more expensive than it is in Texas, BUT the good news is, there are lots of fun, inexpensive and free activities that you can do around the city. Most of the museums here are free, which is amazing, and can take up most of your weekends! My favorite free thing that I have done is go to the Smithsonian National Zoo!

It will be hard to make friends

• The A&M program is really great because you get to go through the same experience as 20 other people in the program. Moving to a whole new city really bonds you, and some of my best memories here are with people from my cohort!

I’ll get tired/bored of seeing the D.C. sights

• I thought that I would get tired of seeing the Capitol and memorials every day, but I can say for a fact that I do not. It will never get old to me that I am in one of the most historical places in the world with the most architecturally beautiful buildings. 

I’d miss Texas and feel homesick

• I definitely thought that I would feel homesick and miss Texas, but I can say that I don’t think about the Lonestar State as much as I thought I would. The D.C. life is just more my speed, and the culture is just something that you cannot get in Texas. I am in the process of hopefully getting a job and moving up here full time and saying goodbye to Texas! 

Emma Keiser
The Fertilizer Institute
Spring 2023 | Washington, D.C

Have you ever wondered what it is like to meet the person in charge of all of agriculture in the United States? I have, and I was able to meet the man. Tom Vilsack is the 32nd Secretary of Agriculture, and this is his second stint in the position. I had the opportunity, along with other interns, to meet him at the USDA headquarters. He came up to us, asked someone where they were from, and complimented their home state. Secretary Vilsack had a great sense of humor, even cracking jokes about football. This opportunity was once in a lifetime, and meeting the Secretary of Agriculture is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

Michael Starnes
National Farmers Union
Fall 2022 | Washington, D.C

Throughout this internship, I have gained invaluable knowledge about legislation. As a reward for our hard work, a couple of interns and I took a trip to New York City to explore the Big Apple. As much as it is important to work hard to change the world, it is equally important to explore it. It is crucial to capitalize on the opportunities presented to you and take advantage of your time to explore our nation’s capital and the surrounding areas. To maximize your experience during your internship, it is essential to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you and explore our nation’s capital and its surrounding regions.

Joseph Lai
Office of Congressman Randy Weber
Fall 2022 | Washington, D.C

If you’re anything like me, moving across the country to a place you’ve visited once briefly can be overwhelming. And while I didn’t grow up in the smallest town, Waco, TX, has nothing on Washington, D.C. I planned and packed meticulously so I could be ready for anything D.C. could’ve thrown at me. Still, one thing I didn’t expect or plan for was to fall in love with this city the second I landed. Now that I’ve gotten into my new groove of life in D.C. I’m sharing some of the expected and unexpected lessons I’ve learned!

1. Public Transportation, aka the Metro

If you’re anything like me, the thought of navigating the metro was a daunting but necessary task. I’m here to tell you the metro is actually very simple and easy to navigate! After you ride it twice, you’ll be good to go where you please on it. The metro has several online apps and interactive maps that show you where the trains are and give estimated arrival times so you can plan ahead and not sit in the station for 15+ minutes. As silly as it might sound, nothing makes you feel more like a local than being able to ride the metro!

2. Your roommates will be your lifeline. 

One thing that appealed to me about TAMU was that I didn’t have to stay in a dorm room my first year. So, living with 6 other girls in one apartment was something I wasn’t sure I’d like, but my roommates became my best friends and lifeline very quickly. Not only are they going through the same adjustment as you, but they are also there for the same reasons as you, so it brings a level of comfort and home I didn’t expect. We go on new adventures, try new things, and grow and learn from each other in a way that you can only get through a program like this. 

3. You’re going to make mistakes; EMBRACE THEM!

I’m a perfectionist at heart; it, in my opinion, can be a fatal flaw. The truth is you will make more mistakes than you’ll like to admit, but not every mistake will feel like a mistake. My best advice is to use your mistakes as learning opportunities! So, don’t beat yourself up over making mistakes but embrace the lessons that come from them. One of the biggest aspects of this internship that I didn’t expect was just how much I would grow personally, and making mistakes is one of the best ways to grow and get better! 

 4. Southern Hospitality in D.C.??

Undoubtedly, the biggest shock moving up here for me was the cultural shock. There is no denying D.C. is nothing like College Station, TX. Anytime I told someone about moving up here, I got the same advice, “watch out for people; you better have tough skin; people aren’t nice up there like they are here.” However, I’m happy to report that most people here are so nice and genuinely want to help you. While there are the occasional rude people you will encounter, the good interactions far outweigh the bad ones. 

5. Expect the unexpected 

This town is full of surprises, some good and some less good. From being stranded in the middle of D.C. because the metro unexpectedly had to shut down to randomly seeing your mom’s childhood best friend walking down the street (I mean, what are the chances?!), you never know what will happen on any given day. So the best advice I can give is to start each day with an open mind and embrace whatever the day throws at you! 

 (One thing I expected but wasn’t prepared for was the amount and the severity of the blisters you will inevitably get. So bring TONS of Band-Aids and comfy shoes to wear on the way to work!)

 6. This is your chance to be whoever you want!

One of my favorite aspects of living in a new city where you, quite frankly, don’t know a soul is that you can be whoever you want! There is a sense of freedom and endless possibility that comes with living somewhere like D.C. that I’ve fallen in love with. This is an opportunity to try new things and explore a new city, new interests, and grow as a person! 

Madalyn Willis
Office of Congressman Michael Cloud
Fall 2022 | Washington, D.C

In the summer of 2016, this 15-year-old farm girl stepped foot in our nation’s capital for the first time. In town for a leadership conference, I anxiously waited for the opportunity to see the sights, meet with legislators, and learn more about our country’s history. What began as a week-long visit turned into a desire to return again one day. Five years later, I am back and truly cannot believe I am living and working in Washington, D.C. In the short time I have lived here, I have continued to fall in love with this city. Not only do I love the fast-paced city life, but I love the work I’m doing within it and the people I get to do the work alongside. All that said, the big city life can be a bit intimidating for a girl coming from a town that boasts about 300 people. I thought I could provide some “advice” for all my small-town farm kids who find themselves in the same boots as me.

Commuter shoes are NO JOKE!

I learned this the hard way. Tennis shoes, Hey Dudes, Crocs… Whatever you prefer, make sure they are comfortable and fit well. You will do so much more walking than you think. I probably walk at least three to five miles a day and sometimes, more. A comfortable pair of shoes when traveling to and from work are a must! And while you’re at it, invest in some comfortable work shoes. You can always throw on heels for a meeting or event, but stylish loafers or flats are the best way to go for everyday roaming around the office. You will thank yourself when you’re not putting a whole box of Band-Aids on your feet (speaking from experience)!

Public transportation is an experience in itself.

Ubers are expensive, the metro is anything but glamorous, sometimes it’s too far to walk, and if you’re bringing your car… good luck with that D.C. traffic! I’d be lying if I said public transportation hasn’t been a bit of a culture shock. On the bright side, you have the rest of the interns to figure it out alongside. The metro is definitely the cheapest and probably the easiest way to get around D.C. That being said, I encourage you to explore other options as well! For example, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) has been free for the month of September due to the yellow metro line being shut down. The VRE is usually less crowded, cleaner, and has been much faster for myself because of the location I travel to for work. If all else fails, splitting an Uber with a few other interns isn’t a bad idea from time to time. 

Don’t let the word “no” be in your D.C. vocabulary! 

They say there really is no place like Washington, D.C., and if you want to make a change, this is the place to be. And they’re not wrong. D.C. is FULL of so many different opportunities. Whether it be networking at a reception or event, attending happy hour with some coworkers, sitting in on a meeting or Zoom call, or seeing the sites on the weekend with other interns, don’t catch yourself saying “no” to anything. You never know who you might meet or have the opportunity to connect with. Or you may find an interest or passion in a policy area or a career you didn’t know much about. 

It’s different… And that’s OK!

I’ve been asked why in the world I would want to live and work in Washington, D.C.? It’s a valid question and honestly, there are times I miss the comfort and quiet of my small town. And you don’t have to love it! You may get here and realize this isn’t the place for you, and that is OK! At the end of the day, your experience is what you make of it. So make the most of it, as you may never get this chance again. As for me, I cannot wait to find my way back here once again (hopefully more permanently)! I’ve never had more excitement and passion for what I’m doing than I do here in D.C. And I like to think that 15-year-old farm girl would be pretty proud of how far she’s come. 

Morgan Orem
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
Fall 2022 | Washington, D.C

 

 

The first thing you have to know about networking is that the folks around you really do want to help you. The vast majority of your colleagues were once in your shoes, and somebody helped them achieve their dreams. Also, never be intimidated by titles. They used to be in the exact same place as you. The folks I met at my internship have been the most helpful people in all of my career advancement. In fact, here’s a picture of me with one of the people I most respect, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture, Glenn Thompson.

Good luck!

Dawson Raub
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association / Public Lands Council
Fall 2022 | Washington, D.C

Once you’re accepted to ANRP and placed with your office, the anticipation starts rapidly building. While you’re itching to get to D.C. and daydreaming about our nation’s capital as you wrap up the semester, here are a few practical ways to prepare for an internship:

1. Prep your packing list

This seems like common sense to most people, but don’t underestimate the power of a good packing list! Creating a comprehensive list is a great way to quantify the limited real estate you have in your luggage. Based on your office’s dress code, think about how many outfits you can mix and match, what shoes you’ll practically wear, and how many A&M t-shirts you can actually wear. Make sure you consider outfits for evenings and items to adapt for D.C. weather! Don’t forget about your non-clothing items too-chargers, your favorite water bottle, the retainer you should be wearing every night… The more comprehensive the list, the less likely you are to forget an essential. Bonus tip: save your list and use it to check off all your items while you’re packing to head back to Texas!

2. Prep some meal ideas

While we all love eating out and discovering new restaurants, the costs definitely add up in a city like D.C.! To prevent a meal prep lull, look for recipes for some of your favorite meals and snacks. Look for ones that are easy to make multiple servings of and pre-pack for lunch. Some of my favorites are pasta salad and cheese and crackers (think adult lunchables!). Coming with recipe ideas on deck will make shopping and cooking a lot easier.

3. Prep your weekend plans

The DMV area is packed with so many incredible places to visit and explore, plus it is just a short journey from places like New York and Philadelphia. It can be overwhelming to find where you want to visit and not feel like you’ve wasted your limited weekends up here. Ask for recommendations and search for the must-see museums, green spaces, and restaurants in and around D.C. If you know you want to go out of town, decide on a weekend early so you don’t put it off and run out of time!

Helena MacCrossan
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
Summer 2022 | Washington, D.C.

I am the old guy in my cohort. But being the old guy is not such a bad thing.

 

I applied for ANRP during one of the last semesters of my master’s degree. I figured that if I was serious about jumping into the world of public policy and eventually wanted to land a job with a three- or four-letter agency job, this would be the perfect opportunity to increase my chances of making that come true. Despite being in the throes of thesis research, I knew I wanted this experience and made it happen. However, unlike most students who are fortunate enough to be accepted for an internship with either ANRP or PPIP, I am not the “typical” intern.

 

I graduated in the Fall of 2015 with my bachelor’s degree. After graduation, I worked as a regulatory official for a state agency for several years before deciding to return to Aggieland and continue my education with a graduate degree. However, I hadn’t realized that the time I spent working helped groom me for an even more enriching graduate student experience than I had initially expected.

 

The years I worked full-time in my first post-graduation job taught me a lot about being an adult. Technically yes, you become a legal adult at 18, but I would argue that becoming an adult takes much more than simply reaching an age. Even the four-ish years that students spend in college are often not enough to make them adults. There is some level of sheltering that occurs by being within the college experience (e.g. having a structured class schedule, living in a dorm or with roommates off-campus, etc.).

 

However, after getting that first job after college, I began to learn a lot about myself and what I was starting to want in my life. I began to recognize my strengths and the types of jobs to which I could lend those strengths. I even narrowed down what type of career field I found most interesting and would likely become my career.

 

Since starting graduate school, I have found that I may take a greater appreciation for the courses and experiences I have daily. I suspect that it’s because I see the purposes behind the exercises. Where it fits in the puzzle. Why things are often the way they are. And during this internship, that has continued to be a reoccurring theme, especially as I get to see what an effect the policy process has on all of us.

 

I guess what I’m trying to say is that it’s not such a bad thing being the old guy in the cohort. I thought I might struggle being 8, 9, or maybe even 10 years older than some of my cohort peers. But I’ve found that I am probably enjoying myself more than if I had this experience as an undergraduate. I am thankful for the opportunity to intern while in graduate school and would recommend that anyone on the fence about doing the same choose to take the leap. It’s worth it being the old person from time to time.

 

Zach Vice
The Fertilizer Institute
Summer 2022 | Washington, D.C.