Meet COSSA’s Policy Intern: Anne Tighe!
Anne Tighe started as COSSA’s policy intern in September. Before she signs off, she provided some reflections from her time at COSSA!
How did you learn about COSSA and the opportunity to serve as a policy intern?
While seeking fall internship opportunities on Handshake, I encountered COSSA’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Internship. My interest was piqued in the chance to advocate for a cause I am passionate about while working with the federal government.
In my previous experience as a Community Affairs Liaison for the New York State government, I spent my summer in Queens helping connect constituents with state resources to improve their quality of life. Getting a direct view into the everyday lives of these constituents inspired me to be an advocate for issues I care about.
The prospect of being able to draw upon my previous state government experience to advocate on the federal level was very appealing to me, so I applied!
How did the internship fit into your academic or career planning?
I am currently pursuing a double major in International Studies and Economics at American University. Through this internship, I witnessed how research conducted in the scholarly fields I study impacts policymaking. Drawing upon the lessons that I’ve learned on both sides – the research itself and the advocacy for that research – I feel confident in undertaking DC government-related careers in the future.
What stood out to you most about your internship (i.e., did you learn anything interesting/eye opening or was there a task that you enjoyed most)?
Something that stood out to me during my internship was how social science underpins all policy decisions. This was particularly obvious when I collected examples that illustrate the importance of social-behavioral science research to present to Congress for COSSA’s Social Science Advocacy Day. When gathering examples of how social science informs decision-making, I couldn’t encounter an instance where research by members of the SBS community was not invaluable.
What would you tell future policy interns about the opportunity and/or about interning in-person in Washington, DC?
As Jane Goodall, a pioneer primatologist, ethologist, and anthropologist (a social scientist with many hats!) has said: “Work hard, take advantage of opportunity, and never give up.” I can’t think of a city this phrase would be more applicable to, especially in a policy setting. Drawing upon your strengths and pushing yourself to join the community of people teeming with dedication to making the world a better place will never not be rewarding, even though it’s not always easy.
Luckily, DC will rise to meet your effort, a city rich with opportunity that will offer you endless chances to discover your passions and advocate for things you care about – as long as you dare to try. Jane Goodall’s final message to the world serves as a reminder of this: “Each and every one of you has a role to play. You may not know it, you may not find it, but your life matters and you are here for a reason.”
What’s next for you?
After this internship, I will continue my studies as a second-semester sophomore, taking classes relating to the global economy. Following the end of this academic year, I will study abroad in Seoul, South Korea, where I will acquire an East Asian perspective on international relations topics. Upon returning stateside, I will finish college while pursuing career opportunities in fields relating to international affairs, economics, and law.