SGA President Interns in Washington
Valuable Internship for Student Government Association (SGA) President Alissa VanMeeteren
USD political science students are making the most of their summer break to gain valuable career experience through internships at the local, state and federal levels. Alissa VanMeeteren, a junior from Yankton, S.D., is spending the summer in Washington, D.C. learning more about bureaucratic health care issues as a staff member for the House Committee on Ways and Means, specifically the subcommittee on Health.
VanMeeteren, current USD Student Government Association president, spends her days with other staffers preparing representatives for various hearings on Capitol Hill. "There is usually at least one hearing a week while the House is in session," said VanMeeteren, whose career goal is economic development for the state of South Dakota once she finishes her academic pursuits. "These hearings cover a variety of issues and are usually very interesting and entertaining."
This is VanMeeteren's second consecutive summer of work in Washington, D.C. She spent last summer as an intern for Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D. and when the opportunity arose to return to D.C. for an internship with the Ways and Means Committee, she leapt at the chance.
VanMeeteren also praised the USD Department of Political Science and the Alumni Association for their involvement with placing interns in specific government jobs as well as connecting current students with alumni living in the Washington, D.C. area. "One of the best parts about Washington D.C. is that it is surprisingly easy to connect with USD Alumni," VanMeeteren admitted. "USD's Alumni Association does a fabulous job of planning events for USD affiliates and the number of attendees at these functions is truly a testament as to how well USD trains its students. There are graduates everywhere."
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