May 17, 2018
Emily Buice is excited about U.S. government agency internship
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Emily Buice will gain valuable experience this summer toward her goal of working in public affairs for a governmental agency.
Buice, a junior in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s communication studies program, will spend 10 weeks in Brussels, Belgium for an internship with the public affairs department of the U.S. Mission to the European Union (EU).
While there, Buice will assist in the planning and executing of public events and social media outreach, setting up events for outreach to EU institutions, preparing press clips and monitoring media for breaking news and developments of interest to the U.S. government. She will also research key topics in the transatlantic partnership, participate in meetings with the Mission’s economic and political sections and special projects, as needed, she said.
“I'm looking forward to learning more about how the U.S. interacts with the various EU institutions and communicates with audiences abroad,” said Buice, who is specializing in the public relations program. “I'm also excited to learn more about Belgian culture and experience life abroad.”
Internship is Buice’s second trip to Brussels
The internship is under the U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program and Buice found this opportunity on the USA Jobs website in September 2017. The internship is unpaid but the Mission provided assistance in obtaining housing, Buice said.
Buice completed an internship in Brussels last summer as a junior journalist with New Europe Newspaper. The internship last summer was part of a study abroad program through SIU in conjunction with Vesalius College, Brussels and the International Student Exchange Program.
“I already had some familiarity with the European Union and felt that the U.S. Mission to the EU would be a good fit to apply to,” said Buice, who is from Tallassee, Alabama, and who will leave for Europe later this week.
Buice is the daughter of Reuben Buice and George and Rachel Barker.
Is a 2015 SIU Chancellor’s Scholar
Buice came to SIU Carbondale as a Chancellor’s Scholar, the university’s most prestigious award.
When I visited campus for Scholar's Weekend, I fell in love with SIU,” she said. “I loved the environment and the opportunities that SIU gives to its students. I immediately felt like I was at home, which SIU has become these past few years.”
Craig Engstrom, assistant professor and director of the communication studies undergraduate program, said the department is proud of Buice’s accomplishments and her committed service to the department, the university and region.
“She will leave a mark in Brussels as she does here,” he said.
Active on campus and other public service activities
From February through May 12, Buice was Undergraduate Student Government (USG) president. Previously she was vice president from May 2017.
Buice has worked as a member events and communications intern with the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce since January. She was an intern with the Auburn, Alabama, Parks and Recreation Department last summer and worked as an assistant pool manager and lifeguard there. Buice said she was able to use her experience to revamp and plan programs for the city’s aquatic facilities.
Buice is also involved with several registered student organizations on campus, including Alpha Gamma Delta, Saluki Ambassadors, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and Saluki Service Dawgs.
“Emily was an outstanding student and committee leader in our PRSSA chapter,” said Denise McClearey, a senior lecturer in communication studies and PRSSA faculty adviser. “I can’t think of a better person for this internship. I’m so excited to hear about her experiences,” she said.
Looking forward to the valuable experience
I'm looking forward to learning more about how the U.S. interacts with the various EU institutions and communicates with audiences abroad,” Buice said. “I'm also excited to learn more about Belgian culture and experience life abroad.”
Josh Houston, a senior lecturer in communication studies, said Buice is a “strategic thinker that also executes flawlessly on the tactical level.”
“She is as talented as she is driven,” he said.