Day to Day Things at My Internship!

A typical day at the city Council involves me getting into the office around 850 in the morning and checking my emails before 9:00. Because I am still getting into the system and my access badge has not been activated yet, I have become very good friends with the police officers providing security on the floor. We always have great conversations before they buzz me in!

Once at work, I start by speaking with the Chief of Staff on any new projects or things he would like me to be involved with. So far, I have been place on a couple of extraordinary projects that involve a lot uncommon research. I work on these for around 1 to 2 hours before I ask staff members if they have anything that I can attend, such as meetings or counsel briefs.

The meetings I attend are the best part of any volunteer or internship experience I’ve ever had. They all confirm why am interested in city government and make me really happy in my decision to attend Arizona State University and get a degree in public policy.

After and sometimes between meetings, we grab lunch and have lighthearted conversations so as to not get too weighed down by all of the discussions. It is I nice balance between the two.

Towards the end of the day, I follow up with the city council secretary about my badge, pay and computer access. Apparently it is a long process for all of these things so I like to keep on top of these things.

Around 5:00 I get out for the day except for Mondays for staff meetings. These are another great opportunity for me because I get a better understanding and interaction with the councilwoman and staff members.

This is my typical day at city hall! Have any of you had similar experiences? If different, how so?

Free Write: GACA Internship!!!

Along with all of the great things that are happening for me at city hall, I have taken another internship, this time at the Arizona State capital! It is with the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging (GACA). Here, we have a fantastic position where we are advocates for aging issues. One specific area we are going to focus on is legislative research on trends of state legislators who have been shown to be supportive of aging issues. Even though it will be harder to take on two internships at once, I am up for the challenge!

I must say that the ladies here at the capital are top-notch people and are some of the funniest and kindest people with whom I have recently met! Their particular brand of humor is well though out and although is meant to be funny, normally has a deeper thought associated with it. I like these kinds of conversations because it forces me to think a bit harder then if I were having a conversation with less substance. Also, their kind hearts are what bring me to not want to get things done and just talk all day! I know I cannot just sit around, but it is certainly nice to enjoy my coworkers!

Doing the Right Thing...

As a free write post, I’d like to discuss my feelings about leaving names of constituents I am involved with in cases and those with whom I work. To me, it feels like it is more respectful to keep them nameless in that I have not given them an opportunity to know that I will be discussing these experiences in such a public forum.

It is my hope that all of you who read this understand my perspective. When people say that there are things that the job teaches better then a book, this is the situation I find myself when I think about having discretion and the best interest of them and myself at heart. It is definitely nice to be in such a professional environment because I have had been in school for a while and out of the professional setting for a couple of years.

To my fellow classmates, do you have similar feelings toward discretion in the workplace? If so, what way do you feel is the most effective way in handling these situations?

Phoenix City Council, District 8 Internship is Awesome!!!

Wow! It is such a rewarding experience to see policy in motion. Phoenix City hall is an amazingly professional place. There are so many facets to this building and the processes involved with everyone who is employed here that it has come across a little bit overwhelming at first. I feel really great about this opportunity!

One of the first things I noticed on day one is that there is a tremendous amount of accessibility to those who work at staff for the city council and the mayor’s office. Everyone seems really friendly and willing to help out with any questions or projects.

As an intern, I report directly to the District 8 chief of staff. He has sent to me that he will support my efforts and learning as much as I can about policy development and implementation with this office. Also, I’d like to say that it is really nice to be an environment where everyone seems so friendly and willing to help me learn. As time goes by, I think we will be able to more firmly structure my responsibilities to this office.

Kate Gallego is the district 8 Councilwoman for the city of Phoenix. She is an absolutely lovely woman who really cares about each and every conversation she has, especially with constituent concerns. I guess the only way to describe seen her in action is that it is all inspiring how she is able to connect with so many different types of people and their different personalities. I really aspire to one day be able to communicate that effectively!

Introduction Post!

Hello!!! My Name is Derek and I am a student at Arizona State University. Currently, I study public policy and have an interest in policy formulation and implementation at the large metropolitan city level. I am interning at the District 8 city council office in the city of Phoenix, AZ.

Three things That I hope to get out of this internship are:

1. Develop a better understanding of how operations within the city are managed, and the processes involved in engaging the public.
2. Find an area of interest from one of the many departments that make up the Phoenix City Hall.
3. Learn from the skills and leadership styles of top level administrators and elected officials in order to further develop my leadership style.