On October 20th, Pi Sigma Alpha sponsored a panel featuring individuals working in or with the Texas Legislature. Panel members consisted of Texas State University alumni who pursued careers in Texas politics such as Chief of Staff to Texas State Representative Brad Buckley, Vanessa Cortez Tanner, District Director to State Representative Erin Zwiener, Miguel Arredondo, and James Quintero, policy director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation. The panel event offered information on internships, insight into what it is like to work an internship during a Texas legislative session, as well as the panel member’s personal experiences and tips about how to land an internship in the Texas capital. Additionally, panel speakers elaborated on what they look for when they hire interns and how to thrive as new interns working in the capital. About 30 students attended the panel event, and following the event, students were given the opportunity to network with the speakers about internship opportunities.
Morghan Armenta, undergraduate student, and new member of Pi Sigma Alpha observed that the panel “presented critical information to students desiring an internship in the Capital. The alumni shined a light on their journey from undergrad to a career in Texas Politics. Topics of resume building and standing out as a competitive candidate for the spring legislative session were explored.” Vice President of Pi Sigma Alpha, Coby Johnston commented, “Many Bobcats were in the room, all eager to learn everything there was to know about working in the capital. These bobcats discovered that they were a collection of people that could assist anyone looking to work in the capital. Helpful answers to the panelists’ questions relaxed the audience and encouraged the flow of additional discussion. The students were obviously excited about the possibility getting positions in the government.”
Undergraduate political science majors interested in receiving academic credit for an internship should contact Dr. Castillo at cr09@txstate.edu. Undergraduate public administration majors interested in doing so should contact Dr. Mora at sm43@txstate.edu.
Chapter Rho Eta of Pi Sigma Alpha is the national political science honor society chapter at Texas State University. Open to eligible political science, public administration, and legal studies majors and minors, Pi Sigma Alpha’s goal is to connect those interested in politics and policy with a wide variety of professionals from across the state and help its members get jobs, internships, and experience before and after college. If you are interested in learning more about the’ Rho Eta chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, check out the chapter’s page on the department website!
