![\"John](\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2022\/04\/03\/NCDL\/45cb8f36-09dc-4ced-af70-64092a691776-01_CAN_Opinion_Shaw.jpg?crop=3000,2000,x0,y0&width=660&height=440&format=pjpg&auto=webp\")
<\/figure>\nOn a late Friday afternoon in early March, my final appointment for the week was a conversation with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute\u2019s interns, most of whom are working at the Capitol in Springfield.\u00a0I was looking forward to the conversation but was tired from the long week, so I spent a few minutes gathering my energy for the meeting. It quickly became clear this was unnecessary.\u00a0The curiosity, passion, idealism, intelligence, and hopefulness of our interns gave me a jolt of energy that propelled me through the afternoon, and it remains. In an hourlong conversation, they discussed working in the Capitol as COVID-19 lingers, the ebbs and flows of the General Assembly\u2019s schedule, and the opportunity to meet state representatives, senators, and constitutional officers. One student described meeting Gov. and Mrs. Pritzker at this year\u2019s State of the State Address.<\/p>\n
More:<\/strong>Don\u2019t call. Please.<\/a><\/p>\n The conversation reminded me how important internships are for students, universities and employers.<\/p>\n\n Research shows that internships during college provide critical opportunities for students to channel academic learning into workplace skills. Internships also spur personal growth, boost confidence, and help students build professional and social networks and assess career options. For employers, interns bring energy, inquisitiveness, creativity and fun to the workplace. Everybody wins.<\/p>\n More:<\/strong>Better politics, smarter government; return congressional town halls<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cInternships and other forms of work-based learning are one of the most influential ideas shaping research, policymaking, and educational practice in higher education in the early 21st century,\u201d concludes a national study of college internships conducted last year by the University of Wisconsin-Madison.<\/p>\n\n When Paul Simon created the Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University 25 years ago, he envisioned student opportunities, including internships, as central to its mission. Over the years, the institute created several internship programs in Springfield and one for a government agency in southern Illinois. We also have a social work internship.<\/p>\n The institute\u2019s interns have had enriching experiences that helped launch impressive careers in state government, politics, business, academics, media and lobbying.<\/p>\n More:<\/strong>Midwest vindicated in \u2018College Bowl\u2019 sweep<\/a><\/p>\n Please allow me to let the Institute\u2019s interns say a few words.<\/p>\n Mallory Harrity, from Fox Lake, major in criminology and criminal justice: \u201cI took this internship to be able to have experience in government and learn about the inner workings of the State Capitol. \u2026 I hope this internship will help my career by continuing to introduce me to successful people in legislation who share my passion for criminal justice reform.”<\/p>\n\n Crystal Kendzior, from LaGrange, major in economics: \u201cI have always wanted to help fix the social ills in our country. I took this internship to narrow my passions and figure out where to apply my skill set to create change. Becoming a Gene Callahan Intern in the Speaker\u2019s Office has provided me with a launchpad for the rest of my career. \u2026 I gained valuable lessons on the fundamentals of state government, how to perform in professional social interactions, and the importance of being confident and willing to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n