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Student Spotlights

Emma Damitz: Communications

Emma was a communications intern at the Utah State Senate during Winter 2023 Semester.

Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.

I worked for the entire Senate body and had a lot of different communications responsibilities. I would monitor local media stories about the Senate, write press releases, op-eds and talking points, take and edit photos and videos and post on Senate social media accounts. I learned so much so fast, and this experience helped solidify my desire to work in a government or political communications role.

What did you learn on your internship that you were not expecting to learn?

I learned so much about how the legal system and government operates. I can now confidently read legislation and have discussions about bills.

Have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?

Yes! I wasn't planning on furthering my education, but I now want to get a master's degree in legal studies to better understand and be qualified for government jobs.

Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.

There was a day where I could tell that one senator, that I had gotten to know really well, was having a hard time. While I was on the chamber floor taking pictures during floor time, I went over near her and leaned over to tell her that I think she is a really great person, and I can't imagine how hard the decisions she has to make are. It really touched her heart and helped me to see politicians as real people.

Would you recommend this internship to other students?

Yes! It is a super fast paced and chaotic internship, but there were so many amazing moments and learning experiences that I wouldn't change it at all. Even though I knew what they days might look like, I was always excited to get to work and tackle the day.

On my last day I wanted to get some professional pictures to remember the experience! I barely have any other photos, because I was always running around and busy.
Heading back to my office between floor times with my two DLSR cameras, my laptop and various chargers and adapters. Always had my hands full!