Many have experienced anxiousness following an interview or applying for a job or college only to wait for an answer. That was no different for Kate Koennecke, a second-year Law and Society Scholar. After some encouragement from her adviser, the history buff who loves government applied for the semester-long Gluck Asher Internship with fears of rejection. The thought of that concern became a reality when the anticipated internship’s acceptance date had passed.
A couple of days later, Koennecke opened her email and was shocked to learn she was selected for the Gluck Asher Internship. Now she interns at the Ohio Statehouse for the Democratic Caucus in the Senate. Along with other selected students, she works as a political aid. She has had the opportunity to meet and speak with two senators directly, listen in on meetings regarding statewide issues, write briefs, and conduct research.
“What I have enjoyed the most about the Gluck Asher Internship is that I get to help people on a large scale. I always feel very fulfilled when I leave work, because I know that the work, I am doing will help to strengthen policies that I believe will improve the lives of everyday Ohioans. Getting to apply everything I’ve learned over the past several years and pick up on strategies from government officials has been really rewarding.”
The Gluck Asher Internship and Koennecke’s classes are not the only things keeping her schedule full this autumn semester. She is involved in organizations like Kappa Alpha Theta and Phi Alpha Delta, a pre-law fraternity. She also works as a First Year Experience Peer Leader. So, the autumn break was right on time for an eye-opening experience.
Nearly 80 Scholars students, including Koennecke, joined advisers, faculty and program managers on a trip to Washington, D.C. While this was not her first visit to the nation’s capital, the two-day trip exposed her to new professional development options.
“While I was in D.C., I got an inside look at Covington, a corporate law firm that hires high caliber attorneys. Covington’s legal team works with high profile companies and organizations but are also committed to giving back through pro bono work or representing those who may not be able to afford an attorney on their own. Although my dream career is to go into family law, after this trip I am now more open to working in a corporate setting,” says Koennecke.
Although Koennecke has had to dive headfirst in recent events, she strives to think five steps ahead. With two years of undergraduate studies ahead of her, Koennecke is considering family law or a career in government. Until then, you can find the early riser running through High Street or Tunnel Park Trail or working out at the Recreation and Physical Activity Center; and enjoying her favorite tradition on Saturdays – Ohio State football.