Meet COSSA’s Policy Intern: Malia Gunterman
Malia Gunterman started as COSSA’s policy intern in January. Before she signs off and enjoys her summer, she provided some reflections from her time at COSSA.
How did you learn about COSSA and the opportunity to serve as a policy intern?
I learned about COSSA in my search for internship opportunities last summer. After discovering that my university is a COSSA member, I became interested in how social sciences might fit into my academic career. I was fortunate to connect with the COSSA team and become a policy intern for the Spring term.
How did the internship fit into your academic or career planning?
I am a rising Junior at Georgetown University studying International Politics with a concentration in Foreign Policy and minoring in French and Statistics. I knew what fields interested me individually before working with COSSA but have since developed a better idea of how I may apply my strengths and interests in politics and statistics to a career. I learned that social science lies at the root of everything, and it has been interesting to apply what I have learned at COSSA into my schoolwork.
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)?
I was initially attracted to the internship’s wide scope in subject matter. I was able to research the areas of social science that interested me most and meet professionals in the fields I want to enter. The hands-on experiences offered by this internship were invaluable. I attended meetings with Congressional staffers, reported on Senate and House Committee hearings, and researched issues facing social and behavioral science on the federal level. I greatly enjoyed the chance to see behind-the-scenes of the legislative process and advocacy work.
What would you tell future policy interns about the opportunity and/or about interning in-person in Washington, DC?
I implore future policy interns to take advantage of every opportunity their position offers. Whether that means attending a congressional hearing or listening in on a board meeting, gaining as many experiences as possible will make your internship that much more valuable. DC is a great place to learn and improve your academic and professional life. Professionals here are inviting and generally happy to share their experiences with young people interested in their work; don’t hesitate to grow your network as you consider what pathways you might take after your internship comes to an end.
What’s next for you?
I am eager to study abroad in Fall 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland to research International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy. After studying abroad, I will continue my studies in DC. I hope to gain more experience in legislative politics and policy research before graduation in Spring 2028.