By Arie Dekker

BYU students who land internships with the White House and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s office through BYU’s Washington Seminar program gain an insider’s view of national politics and a memorable career-building experience.

Julia Jarrett, a senior from Lethbridge, Alberta, majoring in communications, interned for the Democratic Policy Committee, which works closely with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s office.

“I have gained invaluable experience peeking into the legislative process that will help me as a civic participant,” Jarrett said. “Also, I hope to go into political communications so this experience will help give me some fundamental experience before entering the career world.”

Jarrett learned about the Washington Seminar from friends who had participated. “Everyone I talked to raved about how fun it was,” she said. She kept the idea in the back of her mind until she married a political science major and decided to go for it.

“It is such a great opportunity for both of us that we just had to do it,” Jarrett said. “Plus, as a married couple, it is such a fun adventure.”

The Washington Seminar is open to students of all majors and is conducted year-round, one semester or term at a time. Students can seek their own internship or the Washington Seminar office can help them find one through its many contacts.

McClain Napier, a junior political science major from Layton, Utah, was hired as an intern in Harry Reid’s office and assigned to work for the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee. In the fast-paced, changing world of Washington, every day is different for Napier.

“So, one day I could be making copies or answering phones,” he said, “and the next day I could be researching a certain issue or taking notes at an important meeting. Each day is a fun little surprise.”

BYU interns live in the heart of D.C. on the west end of Pennsylvania Ave. in BYU’s own Milton A. Barlow Center, newly renovated in 2002 thanks to a generous donation from the Barlow family. The building is a multiuse facility shared by the BYU Washington Seminar, the Church International and Public Affairs Office and the Church Education System Institute program.

In addition to interning, seminar students also attend weekly lectures presented by various representatives of the hundreds of public and private organizations in Washington. Plus, participants enjoy tours and excursions around the many historical D.C. landmarks.