Summer Internship in Pierre Allows USD Student to Scope Future Opportunities in Public Policy
In his position, Petersen performs a range of duties that includes conducting policy research, helping with constituent communications and outreach, and assisting Rounds at various events across the state.
“This internship has been an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience that will put me one step closer to a career in politics,” Petersen said. “While I am still in the early stages of my undergraduate education, I feel that I have learned a lot about the nature of politics at the state and federal levels, and I think this internship is just one more educational opportunity that I can say I took advantage of as I continue to build my professional resume.”
Petersen has found value in listening to the concerns of constituents and helping coordinate responses to their messages. “Our office receives calls, letters and emails from people across our state, and it’s humbling to be able to listen to the input that my fellow South Dakotans have on several different issues currently under consideration at the federal level,” Petersen, an Onida, South Dakota, native, said.
After an impressive first year at USD, Petersen already has a stacked resume. He took on leadership roles in several groups, including president of the USD College Republicans organization, senator for the USD Student Government Association and alumni secretary of Lambda Chi Alpha. Petersen is also a student admissions ambassador and a member of the Pre-Law Society organization.
“After just one year of classes at USD, I have developed my writing, research and interpersonal communication skills to incredible heights,” Petersen said. “I’ve learned so much from our faculty and had many other professional experiences thanks to support from my friends, instructors and alumni connections. USD has truly put me on a path toward great success.”
Following his undergraduate education, Petersen plans to attend law school.
“My internship will help me further develop my writing, communication and critical thinking skills,” Petersen said. “It will also provide me with unique insights into the issues that most Americans are concerned about right now and the challenges that our country will face in the decades to come. I think that all these things will put me in a great position to make a meaningful impact on public policies in the future.”
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