Category — Markell Interns

Ed. Note: This post was written by Beth, another one of our hard working Spring Semester interns, who is coming on board as staff after she graduates next weekend.

Beth, in the middle wearing a black sweater, at a press conference at UD for Jack’s Broadening the Reach of Higher Education plan.

My internship with Jack Markell has been a wonderful experience where I have learned things never taught to me in school, met people who are great mentors and role models, and led me on the pathway to a full time career. I started interning in January and in June I will start working full time as a Field Organizer.

All of my political science classes at the University of Delaware taught me about history, political theories, how to write a paper, etc. Never once did I stop to question, why is political science called political “science”? At my internship, I have learned that behind all of the political theories, behind each campaign strategy, there is always someone analyzing data, taking percentages, and comparing vitally important statistics. These numbers are so important in a campaign because they give the staff member’s real targets to work with, areas to focus on, and tangible goals to win. Working on Jack’s campaign has also given me the opportunity to organize phone banks with volunteers, attend press conferences, and fundraising events. All of these activities were eye opening for me, because I saw people of all ages genuinely interested in Jack, the activities I was taking part in, and the campaign I was dedicating so much time to.

I am very lucky to work with a bunch of great staff members. Literally everyday I’m at work I learn something new, ranging from news and current events, to policy ideas, and even some interesting things people who work in politics do (like having their own signature pen or font). It’s really fun to be in this type of work environment, where people are smart and joke around but still get their work done. My coworkers are great because they have a lot to teach me, and take the time to explain things so I can be great at my job.

The best part about working at my internship for Jack Markell was that they decided to hire me full time after graduation! Now I can stay in Delaware, work hard on this campaign for the next few months, and hopefully in November I’ll know the Governor! I am really grateful for this hands on work experience and know that everything I’ve learned from the Markell Campaign will help me in the future.

Ed. Note: This is a post from Molly, another one of our hardworking Spring Semester interns.

Molly, outside of the education debate, where the wind was so strong, it ripped signs right out of hands!

Having just transferred to the University of Delaware from a very small school in Switzerland, I knew many opportunities now stood at my doorstep. I’ve always known that I have a deep passion for political science, but never did I consider how exciting campaigning would be.

As a junior here at UD, I knew I had to jump on the band wagon as far as getting field experience, ie: an internship. I get emails sent to me daily about opportunities to work in the field, but when the internship opportunity with Jack Markell arose, I knew I had to apply. Being from Pennsylvania, you can probably guess that I’d never even heard of mister Jack Markell prior to the email that was sent to me. I took a glimpse at his campaign website and right away I was intrigued. I went full throttle and took all the right steps to become part of the Markell for Governor team.

From the moment I walked into the Newark office for my interview, I felt a sense of genuine warmth and charisma from the people around me. I got to talking with Molly, whom also shares my name, and by odd coincidence, I discovered that we are from very similar territories. From that point on, I felt a connection with the Markell Team and knew right away this was where I wanted my first real campaigning experience to originate. Throughout the semester, I’ve met some of the most intelligent, hard-working, passionate, and open-minded individuals. From interns like myself to Jack’s personal assistant, everybody is treated equally, which was something I immediately appreciated. I have truly had one of the best experiences working with the entire Markell crew, I’ve met some truly wonderful people, and have held some awesome conversations. One thing I love most about working with Jack Markell’s campaign for governor, is the ability to laugh and relax in the office. I’ve found many times that politics is stressful, time crunched, and tense, but after working with Jack’s campaign, I admire everybody’s ability to just step back, shake it off, and laugh with each other. It has created this perpetual aura of peace and happiness in the office and in the campaign arena, and we all know that is hard to find!

There is nothing I love more than knowing my hard work is going toward a good cause, and I believe Jack Markell is the best suited to govern Delaware.

(Ed note: This is a post from Morgan, another one of our hardworking Spring Semester interns.)

I am that person who over thinks and over analyzes everything so when I first came to college I had an exact path planned out that I was going to follow. I was going to graduate with a degree in political science then move on to law school and ultimately end my journey as a judge. Let’s just say my interest in politics hadn’t matured yet. It wasn’t until spring semester of my freshman year where my path suddenly changed directions.

My interest had been sparked thanks to a great professor in an introduction to international relations class. While all these new ideas and passions were being stirred I was sent an e-mail about a great opportunity to intern with Jack Markell.

Being from New Jersey, I had no idea who he was at first, so I immediately started doing tons of research. What struck a chord with me the most was his passion for education. Having been a student for 13 years and planning on being one for another 7 I could relate to his passion.

I was so excited when I found out that I was going to be able to help a man I truly believed would make a great difference. I was only helping out a few hours a week but I was able to learn so much so fast because of the hands on environment in the Newark office. When I was given the chance to organize my own volunteers it turned my spark for politics into a fire.

I realized a career in politics was what I always wanted. The next year I switched my major into International Relations and signed up again to help Jack. Working in the Newark office has taught me so much about running a campaign. I started to realize that campaigning was a full time job and wasn’t as glamorous as it seems from the outside but it only made me want this career more. Where else can you find a work place with so much excitement and cohesion because everyone is working towards the same goal?

I am so thankful for the experience that has helped me realized my zeal and more importantly the wonderful experience of working for someone I am behind one hundred percent.

(Ed note: This is a post from Stephanie, one of our hardworking Spring Semester interns in the Field Department.)

I first met Jack Markell back in 2006 when he was looking to get re-elected as Delaware’s State Treasurer. Through the University of Delaware College Democrats, I met Jack at a meet-and-greet at Grotto’s pizza on Main Street. I was immediately impressed with his passionate sound and sensed his dedication to the people of Delaware. Working with the College Democrats, I went to a couple of fairs and walks to act as visibility for Mr. Markell, while proudly sporting my “I Back Jack” T-shirt.

Stephanie is in the middle with the blue “I Back Jack” sign outside of the News Journal’s Education Debate.

When the opportunity presented itself to become an intern on Jack’s campaign for governor, I had to apply. I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of and help out in the campaign for a man who’d caught my attention just a couple of years ago. Working for his office in Newark has done so much to open up my eyes to how a campaign works and all of the effort that goes in to it. I had opportunities to be at press conferences when Jack revealed his education plans and followed up with the issue by going to the first Gubernational Democratic debate on education between Jack Markell and John Carney. I felt he had a truly remarkable showing at the debate.

This internship has shown me that the behind-the-scenes work in a campaign is not always exciting. Making phone calls, sending out letters and knocking on doors is not something that everyone would want to do with their time. However, the end result is rewarding. Seeing a good turn out at a rally, hearing positive remarks after a debate, and registering more people to vote before the deadline for the September primary makes all of the effort us interns put in very worthwhile. To learn that with every so-many hundred calls we make or people we contact, can make the slightest difference in the upcoming election is impressive – at least to me it is!

Because of this internship, I’ve come to appreciate everyone that is behind a candidate, working to win the election. Learning the process of campaigning with this office is not something I would ever learn in any Political Science course I take. In particular, Delaware politics is extremely unique in that with such a small state, every vote counts just that much more. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work for such an outstanding candidate at Jack Markell and everyone at his office – the staff has taught me more about elections than I could ever have learned from reading in a textbook.

(Another post in the winter session intern series, from Beth)

Working on Jack Markell’s Gubernatorial campaign turned out to be one of the best and most rewarding decision I made while at college and I have barely been working there a month! While most things I’m used to (like school and work) are boring, stressful, and cause anxiety, my internship is something I look forward to each day. My first week in the office I met all of the exciting staff, got to know most of the wonderful interns, got a tour of the office, and even got the chance to meet and converse with Jack Markell! I never thought my internship would give me the opportunity to apply the skills I learned at college and expose me to great opportunities, all within walking distance from UD’s awesome campus.

Jack is unlike other politicians I have met because he genuinely took the time to get to know me. He is so friendly, and takes the time to thank his staff and all of the interns for their hard work. Also members of the campaign are always appreciative and recognize the hard work we put in. Getting this type of recognition drives me to work hard on each assignment I complete.

I have spoke of my internship and worn my Jack Markell shirt around campus and got many positive responses from students and staff. When one member of the Career Services Center helped me revise my resume she told me how much her and her family admires Jack Markell. A staff member of the Little Bob commented on my Markell t-shirt and then we shared our views on the upcoming Presidential election. My peers have come to me with questions about Markell, which I am now able to answer. Overall, I am proud to show my support for Jack and it has created a way for me to connect and relate to Delawareans.

Last weekend, I volunteered to come in for a few hours and participate in a phone bank (on a Saturday afternoon). Now I know this isn’t the coolest way to spend a weekend, but I feel good about it. Not only did I get to know a staff member a little better than I had before, but I met some really sweet adults who were giving up their free time out of their own political activism. I hope when I’m their age I have the same spirit of democracy as I do now. Not only is this internship about learning, but it is also about doing, and I feel like working for Jack Markell allows me to do everything I want and more.

(Another post in the winter session intern series, from Helen)

Some of you may remember my blog post from this past summer when I was an intern on the campaign. Well, I’m still here! As the summer drew to a close, and as I was entering my senior year in high school, I knew I couldn’t leave the campaign trail until Jack got elected! I’ve learned a lot since this summer. I’ve organized events, coordinated volunteers, helped out at fundraisers, explored the actual scientific stuff in political science, met awesome people from every corner of this great state, and even drove Jack for a day!

The campaign has been especially exciting this fall and winter when Jack started releasing his brilliant policy plans. I was able to attend a few press conferences and hear Jack’s bright plans for Delaware. It’s so refreshing to listen to a candidate who genuinely cares about each and every Delawarean and Jack’s inspiring plans are just what Delaware needs!

Working on the Markell Campaign is incredibly rewarding. Every single staffer, intern, and volunteer (plus, of course, the man himself) is so dedicated to improving Delaware. Their positive vibes radiate through their work, making headquarters such an enthusiastic environment (stop on by if you haven’t already). I am so excited to continue on the campaign until November!

(Another post in the winter session intern series, from Lizzie)

I began interning at Jack’s office this past September. It was the start of my senior year, and I had received several emails through the political science department concerning possible internships. As a political science and women’s studies double major, I thought it was about time I got some hands-on experience in the political world. After going on several interviews, I chose to work for Jack, not only because I thought he offered the best policy ideas that coincided with my political beliefs, but also because the people who I had met and gotten to talk to were so friendly and the atmosphere of the office seemed like an exciting and fun place to work. I interned there all fall semester and have continued volunteering through winter and now spring.

Lizzie is on the far right. She recruited a team of friends for the Georgetown AIDS Walk.

Although I have lived in Delaware for 3 and half years as I attend the University of Delaware, I am originally from Long Island, New York and therefore came into my internship not knowing a whole lot about Delawarean politics. This unique state that focuses strongly on grassrootss politics and a personal approach to issues has really widened my perspective to a different way of government and campaigning. The staff assigned me to work under the campaign manager, Andrew Roos, and this has been an educational and fun experience. From researching voting districts to speaking with local organization leaders to going to press conferences, my time at the internship has ranged from sometimes monotonous office work to fun field trips all over the state. The cornucopia of assignments and jobs I am given at the office always keeps my day bustling and busy.

Through my internship I discovered that I have a strong aptitude for e-mail writing and design, so for those of you reading this who receive emails from us here at the Markell Office, several of them might be my handiwork I first stumbled upon this talent as I was given my first big independent job of arranging my very own community event. The event I was assigned was the Sussex Delaware AIDS Walk in late October of this past year. One of my favorite jobs, organizing and getting volunteers for the walk allowed me to use my own resources and work on my own to accomplish a task. Team Markell walked that day and was able to represent Jack and talk with local community members about their ideas and concerns was an amazing experience.

Interning at the office has not just been a resume` booster for me. I continue to volunteer at the office because I honestly believe Jack is the best leader for Delaware. I would not continue to dedicate my time and energy my final semester at UD if I did not fully believe and support the person I was working for. Beyond that, I truly enjoy the people and the atmosphere I work in. Always a fun place to be, even when I am entering data into our database for hours on end I can have fun talking and joking with the staff and other interns. It’s been a wonderful experience and as I spend my final months in Delaware, I am glad I got the chance to work here.

(Another post in the winter session intern series, from Isaac)

It’s a true testament to the dynamic world of politics that even after months of interning; I still manage to learn something new each and every day. Being immersed in a pool of talented and knowledgeable people, brought together by a passion for politics, has left me with a whole new circle of friends and more than a few mentors. In the past months, I’ve gotten the amazing chance to see not only how politics works from the inside, but also how a visionary man like Jack can improve vital aspects of our everyday lives.

Working on the campaign has truly changed who I am, even outside the office. I’ve become a person friends, family, and even random students at Newark High turn to for a snapshot of current events. Day after day in the news, I see the signs that both America and Delaware are ready for change. Nowhere did I see that more vividly than in Jack’s introduction of Barack Obama at his rally in Wilmington. I stood with Obama alongside Jack and 20,000 other Delawareans who all saw in him the vision to take the nation in a new direction. Just the same, I stand behind Jack because I know for certain he has the ability, tenacity, and will to do the same for our great state.

The experiences I’ve gained over the past months have shown me an appreciation for the versatility and adaptability that campaign work demands, and I know that the skills I’ve learned in my time as an intern will prove invaluable for the rest of my life. Whether it was helping to bring Jack’s message of change to voters or coordinating community events in my hometown, interning on Jack’s campaign has been a tremendous experience, and one that I won’t soon forget. Even when I leave for college in September, I know that I’ll be leaving Delaware a better place with an even brighter future.

(Another post in the winter session intern series, from Katie)

A few months before graduating from UD, I decided that I wanted to combine my finance degree with an education in public policy. With no background in public policy or politics, I decided that before heading off to school again, I wanted to gain experience and insight into into the complex American political system. So, while most of my former classmates were off to finally start their careers, I was starting a more personally rewarding task…interning for Jack’s campaign.

I was thrilled when I heard that I would be able to help out on this campaign. As a Delawarean, I was familiar with some of what Jack had done as Treasurer, and I was excited to be able to help him promote change throughout the state.

Throughout my internship, I’ve worked with many different projects. One of the more interesting activities is watching a good idea spark a concrete plan that turns into the press conferences of Jack’s that I’ve attended. However, I know that no matter what I was working on I was contributing one small part to a whole and that is the best part of the experience.

When I start grad school in February, I will have invaluable experience to take into the classroom with me. While we interns hear “thank you” every day in the office for offering our time to the campaign, we really owe a “thank you” for being given the opportunity to see a campaign up close and work hands-on with such hard-working campaign staff and a fantastic candidate.

One lesson I’ve learned while working on the campaign: you just can’t stay away. I’ll be back for the spring semester, and I can’t wait to see what the coming months have in store for us as the election draws nearer.

(Continuing our winter session intern series, here is a post from Ryan)

As a senior at the University of Delaware I wanted to find a worthwhile, exciting way to finish out my senior year. When I learned that the Markell campaign was seeking interns I could not have been more thrilled. Growing up in Delaware my entire life I had followed politics in the state, but never had the opportunity for an inside look at the world of Delaware politics. I thought the campaign would be a terrific way to accomplish this—boy was I right!

My previous winter sessions at the University of Delaware typically felt lazy and boring; however, working on a fast-paced political campaign completely flipped that. I was nervous my first day not knowing exactly what to expect but was amazed to find out how easily it was to fit in. Everyone at campaign headquarters welcomed me and expressed their joy that I was helping Jack. Jack, himself, is in the office occasionally, and he always offers encouraging words of advice to everyone. It was really neat to know your working side by side with a gubernatorial candidate and making a positive difference in political race that runs across the your entire home state.

The experience I had on the campaign was amazing. I learned so much more over one winter session than I ever had over my previous three. I helped write blog posts, posted news stories on the Internet, learned how to use new forms of software, attended news conferences, participated in phone calls, the list goes on and on. In addition, I had the chance to meet and talk with remarkable people throughout the state that I probably would had never had the opportunity to meet without working on the campaign. Not to mention throughout all of that I was gaining immensely valuable experience, which will assist me with any career I choose in the future.

Working for the Markell campaign was an incredibly awesome experience. I gained terrific insight into the world Delaware politics and acquired a new appreciation of politics as a field. Furthermore, talking to various people in organizations I am involved in and telling them I was an intern for Jack Markell, they had nothing but positive comments to say about Jack and how much they supported him as well. This made me feel awfully proud as I was working and supporting Jack too. In all, this was one of the most fun winter sessions I ever had and the experiences, friends, and knowledge I gained working for the Markell campaign could not be traded for anything else in the world.