Business Administration Senior Kylie Shade spent last summer interning for Maryland state government as part of the Governor’s Summer Internship Program (GSIP). Kylie was placed at the Office of Small Business Regulatory Assistance within the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
“I learned about how state government works, how a professional office runs, and how much regulations affect small businesses. Over the course of the summer, groups of four developed policy papers based on pressing Maryland issues. From that, I learned how to write a policy paper and present it to the governor’s staff.” says Kylie.
She learned about the Governor’s Summer Internship Program through a friend who works for the state of Maryland. The GSIP is part of the Maryland Public Service Scholars Program which provides “students across Maryland the opportunity to develop as future leaders in Maryland’s public and social sectors.”
Kylie describes a typical week during the internship as shadowing coworkers, attending outreach events, and becoming familiar with the Executive Order that created the unit that she worked in. “Everyone had different experiences,” says Kylie “although, no fellow was ever the coffee person.” On Fridays, GSIP fellows take field trips; Kylie visited the State House in Annapolis and the White House in Washington D.C.
Applications for the GSIP are accepted in the spring for the following summer. The application process includes an application form, one essay, four short answer responses, a resume, unofficial transcripts, and two references. More about the application process, eligibility, and requirements can be found on the GSIP website.
After her internship, Kylie was offered a part time job at the Office of Small Business Regulatory Assistance and works there now. “Other fellows were also offered positions too” says Kyle, “This internship is also an amazing resume-booster. Employers, especially in government are impressed with a student who had this experience. I have had multiple job offers since completing this program.”
When asked why she thinks other Stevenson students should apply for this internship, Kylie says “Networking! I cannot emphasize this aspect enough! I have met so many wonderful people, that I still stay in touch with, through this internship.”
Congrats Kylie! And thank you for sharing your experience!
