As my internship at the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges begins comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on what this experience has taught me. To next year’s legislative interns, I want to share a few things that I wish I knew going in; things that might help you make the most of this unique opportunity.
It’s a balancing act
Juggling school and work is no joke. There will be times when it feels impossible, especially around midterms and finals. I won’t sugarcoat it: there will be days when you feel like you’re running on empty. But you’re not alone . It’s all about finding a rhythm. For me, it was about learning to work ahead when I could and staying flexible when the unexpected popped up. It’s okay to have those moments where things feel overwhelming. It’s part of the process, but you’ve got this.
Time management is key
One of the most valuable lessons I learned is how to better manage my time. You can’t show up every day and hope for the best. You need a plan. I started using a planner and Microsoft Outlook Calendar to keep track of deadlines, meetings, and everything in between. I also broke projects into smaller tasks so they didn’t feel so intimidating. It’s amazing how much more manageable everything feels when you tackle things piece by piece.
Talk about what you need
Don't be afraid to communicate. If you’re feeling the pressure of balancing work and school, talk to your supervisor and anyone at the State Board. They’ll understand. I learned that it’s better to be upfront about what’s going on rather than trying to power through without help. They want you to succeed, and they’re there to support you.
Don’t forget yourself
It’s easy to get caught up in all the work and forget about taking care of yourself. I had to learn the hard way that it’s okay to take a step back when you need it. Take breaks, rest, and do something you enjoy. Burnout doesn’t help anyone, especially you. Your well-being is just as important as your work.
Stay flexible
Things in the legislative world can change fast, and you’ll have to roll with it. The work may not always go as planned, and that’s okay. The ability to adapt is one of the biggest things you’ll learn here. Keep an open mind, stay engaged, and be ready to jump in wherever you’re needed.
Take time to reflect
This job will challenge you in ways you didn’t expect. It’s okay to take a moment to reflect on how much you’re growing. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or talking to a mentor, it helps to put your thoughts into words. When I look back on my time here, I can see how much I’ve learned about myself and about the kind of work I want to do in the future.
This job is tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It will push you in ways you didn’t think possible, but at the end of it, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how things work behind the scenes in education and policy. Embrace the challenges and let them guide you to something bigger. And remember—when it feels like you’re drowning, take a breath. You’re capable of more than you think. You've got this.
