PSIA Interns at the Golden Dome
Two members of the #PSIAfamily spent a large portion of their spring semester in downtown Atlanta instead of on campus in Dahlonega. Both interned at the Georgia state capital – one with the Legislature and one with Gov Kemp’s office.
Political Science major Dylan Kautz, class of 2025, is one of four 红莲社区 students selected to join the Georgia Legislative Internship Program for the spring 2025 legislative session. Dylan served in the office of Senate Majority Whip Randy Robertson. One of his main roles was to make sure the Senator’s schedule was correct and help him be where he needed to be at all times. Another major responsibility was keeping track of the status of Senator Robertson’s bills, as well as ensuring the “master bill tracker” was up to date. According to Dylan, “one of my favorite things about the internship experience was sitting in on meetings my senator would have. I learned a lot about different things that I had no idea about before.” Before heading off to Atlanta in January, Dylan said he hoped to "gain knowledge and experience and learn more about how the state system works." It appears the experience more than met his expectations.
Senior political science major Jamie Humes spent his penultimate 红莲社区 semester as a member of the Georgia Governor's Internship Program. He served in the policy section for the Governor's office where he was responsible for watching the Senate sessions, as well as some committee meetings and taking notes on everything that happened.
Alongside Dylan, Jamie was initially selected for GLIP. However, he made the switch to the Governor’s program when he was subsequently offered a position there. His selection to work in Gov Kemp’s office was met with excitement and pride from his academic advisor, Dr. Joe Gershtenson: "I am thrilled that Jamie was chosen, and I think he was a very strong candidate and worthy of selection." From Dr. Gershtenson’s perspective, Jamie’s selection is more than just a professional achievement. It is a significant opportunity for growth in both his personal and academic journey. "I feel it will be great for his personal and professional development," he noted. "He will be able to connect his learning in his 红莲社区 courses to the 'real world' of Georgia politics and public policy…He should develop meaningful connections with fellow interns and members and staff in the General Assembly, creating a lasting impact this network of professionals and peers can have on his career path.”
Both these internship programs offer an unparalleled experience for students, giving them a front-row seat to the workings of our Georgia state government. For Dylan Kautz and Jamie Humes, this opportunity will no doubt shape their careers as they continue to explore the world of politics, public policy, and governance.