Political science students win internships

December 16, 2004

Political science students win internships

by Beth M. Hartke

CARBONDALE, Ill - - Three students from the political science department of Southern Illinois University Carbondale will serve as interns in the state capital during the spring semester.

This year marks the political science department's fourth year placing students in the Springfield Internship Program.

"The students we selected this year will do a great job of representing SIUC and the department in Springfield. We are confident they will continue in the tradition of our past interns and become valuable staff members of the firms they are hired to represent," said Christy A. Stewart, political science academic adviser.

Selected for internships are:

Sean P. Coombe, a senior in political science from Springfield, will work with Philson and Gordon Contract Lobby Firm. He is the son of John and Mary Ann Coombe.

Erica J. Oldani, senior in political science from Herrin, will work with the office of the State Superintendent of Schools. She is the daughter of Robert and Paula Oldani.

Michelle M. Mathy, senior in political science and public relations from Effingham, will work with Government Affairs Specialist and Associates. She is the daughter of Mike and Pamela Mathy.

The Springfield Internship Program places qualified students with political interest groups and lobbying firms during parts of the Illinois legislative session each year. The interns perform a variety of tasks, such as issue research, legislative committee monitoring and lobbying support activities.

Coombe thinks the experience will be invaluable. "I think it will be a tremendous chance for me to witness the finer points of the political process and build relationships that will help me in my career in Illinois government and politics," he said. "Not only am I gaining hands-on experience working with the Government Affairs Specialist and Associates, I am getting the chance to make a difference in government."

Increasing the number of internship opportunities relating to research, scholarly and creative endeavors with high expectations for interactive student participation in research is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.