An international studies major with a minor in political science, Gabrielle Salerni is working in the office of Gov. Tom Wolf as part of a 15-week internship sponsored by Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.
Senior Gabrielle Salerni is getting a head start on her career in international affairs.
She is one of nine students participating this fall in The Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS) program.
THIS gives students from each of the 14 State System universities the opportunity to work in state government while earning a full semester’s worth of credits. Salerni and her fellow THIS interns will attend academic seminars and complete an individualized research project as part of the program’s requirements.
Salerni, who is from Lincoln University, Pa., in Chester County, said her internship so far has focused on constituent correspondence. She also drafts proclamations and greetings from the governor.
“I would love to one day work for an international organization such as the United Nationals or UNESCO,” Salerni said. “However, before I do that, I feel it's important for me to fully understand the government of my home country.
“Even after just a couple weeks of this internship, I have already learned so much about executive government and the kinds of things that go on from day to day.”
One of Salerni's recommendations for the prestigious internship came from her faculty adviser, Dr. Sean Madden, professor of history and director Cal U’s international studies program.
“Gabrielle is bright, articulate, mature and has kept sharply focused on her academic and career goals,” he said. “She is quite conscientious and is always pushing herself to broaden her experience.”
Dr. Melanie Blumberg, campus coordinator for THIS and a professor in the Department of History, Politics, Society and Law, also praised Salerni.
“Being selected to intern in the governor’s office speaks volumes about her talent and maturity,” Blumberg said. “Gabrielle is an outstanding student who thrives on being challenged.”
Salerni said meeting Wolf was exciting, and she encourages other students to look into this internship opportunity.
“When I get back, I would definitely be willing to share my intern experience with other students,” she said. “The THIS program is a great opportunity, especially since they offer a variety of internships that would be suited for students in a variety of majors.”
For information about THIS, students may contact Dr. Melanie Blumberg at blumberg@calu.edu or call the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg at 717-720-4089. Details are available at passhe.edu/this.