Stories

Environmental science and political science major Olivia Rodriguez '20 spent fall quarter working in Congressman Ro Khanna's district office. We recently caught up with Olivia to hear about her experience. 

What tasks did you perform?

I conducted initial case inquires, known as "triage," on behalf of constituents regarding their pending applications with U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services. I also coordinated logistics for monthly Town Hall meetings (average attendance 300 constituents), performed policy research, wrote policy briefs, created certificates of recognition, and responded to constituent inquiries. 

What was your favorite aspect of the internship?

Interacting with constituents at the monthly Town Hall meetings!

How did Santa Clara help prepare you for the internship?

Without the Political Science Newsletter, I wouldn't have known about the two internship opportunities that I completed while attending SCU. (In addition to Congressman Khanna's internship, Olivia also interned with Assemblymember Evan Low's office during her junior year.)

What type of student would benefit from this internship? 

Students who are interested in working in the public sector or who have an interest in immigration law. A good portion of my job entailed working with constituents on immigration casework. 

Please tell us a little more about your SCU experience and post-grad plans, if any. 

I came to Santa Clara as an undeclared sophomore transfer student.  I declared an environmental studies major with an emphasis in Law, Policy, and Politics and added a second major in political science. I studied abroad in Denmark for Sustainability in Northern Europe and also took law courses taught from a European perspective.  When I returned to SCU in the fall of my junior year,  I interned at Assemblymember Evan Low's district office.  The network that I established from Assemblymember Low's office led me to Capitol Hill the following summer, where I interned with Speaker Anthony Rendon's press office.  This experience ultimately led to my current internship with Congressman Ro Khanna.

Upon graduation, I would like to work as a legislative aide either at the California State Capitol or on The Hill.  As for career goals, I cannot say that I have a definitive goal.  I've been lucky enough to enjoy the opportunities that have been offered to me, all of which I could not have imagined pursing when I first came to SCU. For fear of being too cliche, I am just seeing what opportunities arise.  

Outside of classes, I am a competitive equestrian.  I have been riding for the past 8 years showing on circuits throughout California and Oregon in hunt seat equitation.  Since coming to SCU, I have been actively involved with the Club IHSA Equestrian Team, holding both the Communications Chair and Vice President positions. I am also involved in Greek life off campus.