Sociology Success Stories

Branden Rupert

 Major: Applied Sociology, Psychology

Internship placement:  United States Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining, Washington, D.C.

Your internship title:  TWC Intern

How did you find your internship?   Through The Washington Center

What are your primary responsibilities/day-to-day activities?  I provide local OSM/VISTA recruiting opportunities, demographic analysis of the Appalachian region, provide office support when my supervisor is out of town.  Find grant opportunities, Interview future OSM/VISTA's.

What is the best part of your internship?  Being able to  work for a federal entity.  Being involved in a professional setting.  Being in Washington D.C. for the summer.

What are the top two things you have learned?  I have learned a lot about politics, federal agencies, how to use Microsoft Excel to its fullest potential.

Would you recommend this internship to someone else?  I would recommend somebody to intern in Washington D.C. and to work for a federal department.

A quote from you regarding your internship experience?  "Be open-minded to all opportunities, and stay focused."