The next generation

Two American Experiment interns reflect on their summer.

American Experiment offers internship opportunities to bright young people who want to make Minnesota a better place to work and live. Our quarterly internship program includes three focus areas: policy, development, and communications. Our policy interns work closely with our policy fellows and economists, assisting with research in the fields of economics, education, energy and environment, health care, and public safety. Development interns support American Experiment’s event planning, fundraising, grassroots engagement, and donor relations efforts.

Our communications interns work one-on-one with the communications team, including social media engagement, institutional promotion, and campaign design. While interns can specify interest in working in one of these areas, there is often overlap in projects to provide a well-rounded experience.

But you won’t be making coffee, as the testimonials from two recent interns, Ginger Gilbert and Adriana Azarian, can attest.

Ginger Gilbert

I am from Plymouth, Minn., and a junior at Cedarville University in Ohio studying political science with a minor in neuropsychology and Bible. I am interested in pursuing a career as an intelligence analyst or going to law school.

My experience interning this summer was enjoyable and engaging as it allowed me to research a variety of policy topics, collaborate on different projects, learn how a nonprofit organization operates, and contribute to the Center’s mission of making Minnesota a freer, more prosperous and better-governed state.

I mainly worked on numerous projects related to the state’s K-12 education system. This research contributed to articles for American Experiment’s website and graphics for its social media, and supported the organization’s partners in their efforts to empower and educate parents. I also contributed to helping public employees exercise their right to opt-out of union membership and contributed to efforts to ensure new teachers know their options regarding union membership.

Adriana Azarian

Interning at American Experiment has been both educational and rewarding. From researching, writing, attending meetings, and creating PowerPoints, I’ve learned so much along the way. I’m so thankful for all the wonderful opportunities and amazing people I’ve met here.

As a politics major at Hillsdale College, I learn and discuss the philosophical and historical side of politics at school. My internship has expanded my knowledge and understanding of how politics gets implemented. American Experiment has kept my mind sharp and complemented my education.

While I worked on various projects, I’ve most enjoyed writing articles. I’m pursuing political journalism, so writing about important issues in Minnesota and being published in Thinking Minnesota has been incredibly formative. It’s truly been a privilege.

I’m very thankful to everyone at the Center especially Catrin Wigfall for her guidance and mentorship. Working with some genuinely brilliant people making a difference in Minnesota has been an honor.

Are you a strong writer, thinker, and researcher with a passion for policy development and tackling Minnesota’s toughest problems? Reach us at info@ AmericanExperiment.org to learn more.