https://www.votesmart.org

Vote Smart

Research Intern

January - April 2021 • Des Moines, IA

What I liked

Flexible hours, remote opportunities, kind/easygoing management, felt productive and had tasks to do in my time. Work was interesting.

What I wish was different

Tasks felt a little repetitive at times, but this was an overall good experience.

Advice

Follow directions, don't be afraid to ask for help
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Political Researcher

January - April 2021 • Des Moines, IA

What I liked

I learned so much about national politics! In this internship, I kept an eye on multiple members of Congress by analyzing their press releases and entering them into Vote Smart's database. I got to learn about relevant issues (such as the pandemic), and how Congress is attempting to handle them.

What I wish was different

This internship was remote, so it took awhile to get used to logging in from my current location.

Advice

Learn and practice time management to avoid burnout!
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Government Affairs Research Intern

June - September 2020 • Des Moines, IA

What I liked

I learned a lot about the legislative process throughout all 50 states, and learned how to read bills no matter how dense they are.

What I wish was different

The work can be monotonous, but knowing that people rely on the site especially during election season can motivate you to do more.

Advice

Be open to what kind of work you have to deal with, especially when researching legislation.
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