A great example of how Political Science students succeed at obtaining exceptional internship opportunities, Alexis Carson just completed a one-semester internship with the State Department in Washington, D.C. Long interested in foreign affairs and the role one can play in bettering specific but complex problems through service, Alexis was selected for this competitive internship with the State Department for Fall 2015. She began working in January 2015 with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Alumni Department, where she compiled data on previous participants in State Department programming, contacted embassies around the world to collect and disseminate information as needed, attended meetings, and was privileged to attend special presentations and events in her free time, as well. For instance, Alexis attended special events focusing on rights of women, religion and peace-building, and the US education system, as well as a talk given by Jane Goodall. She was particularly thrilled and honored to meet one of her personal heroes, Madeleine Albright, at a talk she gave in DC. Alexis came away from her internship more impressed than ever with the commitment so many public servants have to the work that they do, to their personal and collective contribution to the pursuit of peace and collaboration, and to the broad diversity that flourishes in the offices of the State Department.
Alexis Carson graduated December 2015 with a degree in Political Science and a concentration in International Relations. She was actively involved on campus throughout her undergraduate years, serving as the President of the Freshman Advisory Council and the Political Science Club Fundraising Chair. She was also a Political Science Undergrad Representative, and worked with the Undergraduate Student Government Women and International Students council. She participated in Model NATO, New Leadership Ohio, the Midwest Eastern European and Slavic Conference, the 'All Politics is Local’ regional student research conference, and the Germany Political Science Study Abroad course. She is currently working with the City Year AmeriCorps Cleveland team. Her goals include obtaining a masters degree in Comparative Education and ultimately working for the Department of State to provide better access to education around the world.