What’s it Like Interning in the Nation’s Capital?
This summer, Lot Sixteen welcomed its largest cohort of interns and fellows to date with five wonderful interns and three fellows joining us. Hailing from all across the country, 2022’s class of interns and fellows brought a diversity of experiences and skills to Lot Sixteen that made for an exciting summer. We asked our interns and fellows what it was like coming to the nation’s capital, many for the first time, and becoming an integral part of a bipartisan public affairs and lobbying firm. Here's what they said.
Four Key Takeaways from Interning in Washington, D.C.
1. Knowledge is Power
Whether it was reading about new or upcoming policies, or tracking specific mentions in the news, our interns and fellows were quick to learn and use their newfound skills on their projects. With the largest investment of climate policy in U.S. history being passed this summer, specifically the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), it didn’t take long to immerse our interns in the political culture of Washington, D.C. “Lot Sixteen gave me insight into what it takes to stay on top of current events and shift the conversation when necessary,” said Alexis Franklin, a rising senior at University of Miami, Ohio.
2. Every Project, Small or Large, Teaches New Skills
We trusted our team with work ranging from an in-depth midterm election projection tracker to compiling supporting materials such as meeting backgrounders and coverage reports of congressional committee hearings for our lobbyists and clients. Additionally, many of the interns’ and fellows’ work was a mixture of governmental relations and communications. The communications work consisted of creating media lists for press outreach, compiling daily clips and media coverage reports, and creating social media content. This allowed the interns and fellows to grow their knowledge of energy policy while acquiring new skills that are applicable to any industry.
3. Policy Impacts…Everything
From researching and covering policies and hearings, to aiding clean energy clients in their next legislative effort, many of the interns and fellows were able to deepen their understanding of the legislative process, government structures, and how policy is influenced and implemented. “I began my internship with the goal of better understanding how think tanks and private companies seek to influence the legislative process through informational campaigns and lobbying efforts. I’m happy to say I’ve learned all that and more,” said Cole Trautman, a rising-senior at the University of Virginia. Especially with regards to energy policy in light of recent floods, drought and heat waves, Chris White, graduate fellow from the University of California, Berkeley said, “I have found it beyond educating to work with Lot Sixteen to examine and help advocate for different energy solutions and policies.”
4. Take Advantage of Every Opportunity
Working at a bipartisan lobbying and communications firm has its perks, as we were able to set up several “Lunch & Learns” with D.C. professionals that consisted of authors and congressional staffers. These “Lunch & Learns” allowed our interns to learn from and network with some of this industry’s top professionals. “The ’Lunch & Learns’ were one of my favorite things we did at Lot Sixteen this summer. Whether we were visited by a chief of staff or an acclaimed speech writer, these lunches allowed us to pick the brain of an individual who has successfully made a name for themselves in D.C. while opening up more opportunities for future professions,” said Ben Crane, a graduate fellow from Temple University.
[left to right] Alexis Franklin, Dike Nnawuchi, Ben Crane, Cole Trautman, Nina Christensen, Jamie Lorgus, Billy Marin and Chris White
After all was said and done, it was a fantastic summer working with these incredible young professionals and we’re glad to have been a part of their introduction to working in the Nation’s Capital. Chris, Ben, Jamie, Alexis, Nina, Billy, Cole, and Dike all brought great attitudes and dedication to their work with Lot Sixteen. We couldn’t be happier to have had them on our team and know they will continue their good work wherever they go. We’ll miss our 2022 interns and fellows, come visit us again soon!
