Active Engagement in the Academic Internship Initiative during Spring
The College of the Holy Cross is providing students with unique opportunities to combine academic learning with real-world experiences through its Academic Internship Program (AIP) and other semester programs.
During the last semester, the Policy and Politics in American Government seminar hosted notable guest speakers such as Jeb Bush, Margaret Hoover, John Avlon, and Senator Chris Van Hollen. Owen Whaley '24, a current participant in the Policy and Politics in America Seminar, is interning at the Worcester District Attorney's Office.
The AIP is open to third and fourth-year students, offering them the chance to engage in internships related to their postgraduate studies in fields like economics, statistics, finance, computer science, mathematics, or related areas. Internships can range from research tasks like drafting reports, compiling statistical data, and participating in ad-hoc studies, often at institutions like the European Central Bank.
Whaley's decision to participate in the AIP was influenced by his previous internship at the Dismas Family Farm in Oakham, Massachusetts. He now works 8-10 hours per week at his internship site, divided between Thursday and Friday.
Meanwhile, Julia Maher '23 believes that semester-away programs are essential for enriching education at Holy Cross. Caroline Tornatore '23 is spending her fall semester in Washington D.C., participating in the D.C. Semester program. Students from Holy Cross who participate in this program have the opportunity to work and learn from various professors and congresspeople about what it is like to work for the federal government.
The J.D. Power Center's Washington Semester Program offers a similar opportunity for experiential learning. Three alumni recently spoke about this program, while Abigail Clark '26 is writing an article about the J.D. Power Center's Washington Semester Program. Maryanne Finn is the Coordinator of Semester Programs for the J.D. Power Center's Washington Semester Program, and Christopher Murray is the Director.
The AIP program involves completing an internship over the course of a semester while also attending a once-a-week seminar related to the internship. This combination allows students to learn both inside and outside the classroom, offering a fantastic opportunity for holistic growth.
In conclusion, the Academic Internship Program and semester programs like the D.C. Semester and the J.D. Power Center's Washington Semester Program are valuable resources for Holy Cross students seeking to gain real-world experience while continuing their academic pursuits.
