More Comments From POGO Interns



Whenever anyone asks me about my internship with POGO, my face lights up and my expression says it all. I had an unforgettable opportunity to learn about many critical issues: the negative consequences of the revolving door, whistleblower protections, nuclear security, and contractor misconduct were all top issues that were addressed. Not only was I able to explore these problems, but I was also given the opportunity to consider solutions. I was able to work closely with people who inspired me to strive to meet high expectations in producing meaningful work. The POGO staff works hard to ensure that interns have a rich and meaningful experience. POGO is a unique office with a vibrancy, spirit, and supportiveness uncommon in most organizations. This spirit and supportiveness illustrated that POGO is more than a workplace, but is really a family. My internship at POGO has helped shape my life interests and post college ambitions.

Amelia Kegan, Summer-Fall 2003
Smith College

My friends working on Capitol Hill talked all Summer about their exciting adventures faxing and answering constituent mail. One housemate entertained us with stories about answering the phone at the State Department. When my turn arose, I got to say things like "I helped expose Boeing's misconduct and they got debarred from federal contracting" or "I wrote a letter that was published in the Washington Post." Working at POGO far surpassed all expectations. As soon as I opened the door I was thrown waist deep into projects in which I was genuinely interested. I am glad I chose to work for POGO rather than on the Hill or at a federal agency. I will always remember the work that I did and the family I joined while I was there.

Caleb Rowe, Summer 2003
University of California - Berkeley

If you have a burning passion for social justice and good governance and you find fighting the system a thrill, then POGO's for you. At POGO I immediately received hands on training. I was always assigned meaningful projects. Rarely did I have the typical intern, gauge-out-your-eyes, kind of work. Even those tasks appearing insignificant turned out to be important in the larger scheme of things. Some assignments were so substantive that I felt my abilities were a bit overestimated. At POGO you will find a politically charged, diverse dormitory where you can make the most of your time working to make this country better.

Anay Shah, Summer 2003
Wesleyan University

"My semester at POGO was an extraordinary experience in which I looked forward to coming into work every morning. The workplace was inviting, relaxed, professional, and exciting. From day one, I was welcomed into the office and handed substantive work about defense legislation, nuclear plant security, and public access to Congressional Research Service products. The internship provided me with an opportunity to hone my writing and research skills while working towards a greater goal. POGO's work is crucial for holding the government accountable and correcting faults within the system. I am leaving POGO with eight amazing, indomitable, intelligent, loving, driven, and focused (but still fun!) role models. I have thoroughly loved every day of my experience at POGO. A student looking to learn about government procedure and have a ton of fun couldn't dream of a better internship than one at POGO!"

Jill Carlson, Spring 2003
Claremont McKenna College

"If your idea of an internship involves wearing a suit and tie to work every day and getting coffee for the boss, don't bother applying for a position at the Project On Government Oversight. If a summer spent in an informal environment and filled with intectually stimulating and meaningful work is more of what you're after, then POGO is an ideal place to work.

I realized a few very important things about the people at POGO within a very short time of my arrival at the office: that the staff here is more interested in action than in appearances; that teamwork and cooperation reign supreme at POGO, rather than hierarchy; most importantly, I learned that Margaret Mead was right. I will never again doubt that "a small goup of individuals can change the world." The hard work of the small POGO staff has resulted in numerous important changes that have made the Federal Government more accountable to the people, in areas ranging from defense procurement to environmental protection. The fact that interns participate in this work in a substantive way is what made the POGO experience optimal for me - I gained valuable skills and knowledge through my work that will assist me greatly in the future, and my work helped correct some of the failings of the Federal Government. It is difficult to imagine a more rewarding way in which I could have spent the summer."

Klaus Schultz, Summer 2002
William & Mary College

"It could be said that my summer at POGO was too short, but just the right amount of sweet. The combination of a comfortable office and engaging issues made the summer seem to fly by, and I only wish that I had a little more time to continue to explore the world of fraud, waste, and the whistleblowers that bring these issues to our attention. My experience at POGO provided me with a new understanding of the way that the government works. Some of this knowledge I found frightening at first, but by the end of my summer with POGO I was assuredly optimistic regarding a future in which I have a voice."

Jacob Dagger, Summer 2002
Duke University

"My summer internship at the Project on Government Oversight far exceeded any of my expectations: the work was intellectually challenging and fulfilling - writing letters to Congressmen, researching compelling issues, attending press conferences, etc.; the atmosphere was both professional and flexible; and perhaps most importantly, the people were some of the best I have ever met. Working at POGO sharpened my communication skills, expanded my knowledge of government policy, and broadened my life perspective. POGO helped make my summer in Washington DC, my best summer to date. I highly recommend the internship experience to any student - especially those interested in government policy and research."

Lauren Moore, Summer 2001
Duke University

"POGO provides the perfect means to work positively towards reforming the political system. The staffers are intelligent, dedicated, and extremely good at what they do - they are more than willing to guide interns and provide expertise, but at the same time they allow an appropriate level of autonomy. Most importantly, POGO interns are put on the front lines, engaged in important, meaningful projects that will make a difference. In short, any self-motivated young man or woman with a concern for the integrity of our government would do well to seek a POGO internship."

Chris Potter, Summer 2001
Yale

"My internship at POGO was an extremely valuable experience. The atmosphere at POGO is upbeat and one that is conducive to learning. Interns are not treated simply as bodies available to do routine clerical work and answer the phones. From the top down, there is an optimistic attitude where everybody's contributions are valued. An intern at POGO has the opportunity to gain substantive experience in many ways - by doing research, contributing to reports, attending hearings, networking with other non-profits and issue advocates, and learning about the reality of the American political process."

Jeff Ludwig, Spring 2001
University of Maryland