Kaplan says liberal arts background fostered entrepreneurial success
Written by: Lauren Yagoda, Professional Development Intern
When searching for internships, senior political science major Shawn Dunn knew that the best experience for his field of study would be located in a politically-focused city.
“Washington, DC is the epicenter for all things politics, whether that be state and local, federal, or international,” said Dunn. “DC is the most political place in the country and arguably, the world.”
Upon hearing about the Institute for Public Affairs at Temple, Dunn decided to apply to it’s Washington D.C. internship program, through which he was matched for an internship with Kieloch Consulting Company.
“[Kieloch] was across the street from the Library of Congress in Southeast DC,” said Dunn. “Location played a huge part in my decision process. [Nothing can] compare with walking past the US Capitol Building and Library of Congress every day.”
At first, Dunn had trouble understanding what political consulting entailed, but after sitting down with his supervisor, he began to understand and quickly developed a passion for the field.
“My supervisor said [the company] was like Match.com for congressmen,” Dunn said. “[The company] would link money to congressmen through lobbyists.”
Dunn’s tasks mainly involved assisting Congresspersons. When one of them held an event, Dunn would make calls to get lobbyists or union representatives to attend.
“Sometimes I would call to remind these people about the event so it would be another voice telling them to come and donate,” Dunn said. “I would also staff these events and usually take the donations.”
The political environment and culture of Washington D.C. also had a great impact on Dunn’s appreciation for politics.
“[It] gave me a lot of experiences and a new perspective on the world and life,” said Dunn. “I don’t think you would find that anywhere else because everyone internationally wants to go to [our] nation’s capital.”
Dunn’s advice for his peers applying for internships is to be vigilant about the search.
“Don’t get thrown off by little pay,” Dunn explained. “It’s more about resume building, so don’t be dismayed by low wages.”
Dunn hopes to one day work for a Liberal Progressive Congressperson in a city like New Orleans or Seattle.
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