The Patriot

Issue date: 9/24/08 Section: Campus

Francis Marion University senior John Sweeney will look to take Washington D.C. by storm this semester as an intern for the Republican National Committee (RNC).
Sweeney, along with 13 other Washington Semester Program (WSP) fellows, arrived at their townhouse in the Historic District of Capital Hill and waited with baited breath to discover their assignments.
After being admitted to the program, each participant is placed within various political departments to receive first-hand experience of the political process.
Other assignments available to the program fellows were internships with the National Media, a group that studies bias in media coverage and House and Senate Committee internships for both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Sweeney was most nervous about the interview process. "The first three words are normally the hardest," he said.
The placement of the participants was a concern for Sweeney, who had yet to be placed upon his arrival to the nation's capital.
He sent his resume to his second choice of employment, the Republican National Committee, and received an offer the following day. He currently works in the Communications, Research, GOP-TV division of the RNC.
"The job of that division is to engage in the 'planning and executing of the Committee's media strategy via statements to the press and media events'," he said.
Although the RNC employs three others within the department, Sweeney is the only full-time intern.
"I have my own desk, computer, television, and everything," Sweeney said.
He hopes this position will open job opportunities after the senior's graduation in Spring 2009.
"It is very much a town where your job opportunities are limited to who you meet," Sweeney said concerning a potential career in Washington.
While the nation's capital holds the promise of a great opportunity, not every aspect of Washington is appealing to him.
"I really miss my friends and family but it's one of those things you have to suck up and do because it's such a great opportunity," he said.
Sweeney is marveled by the chance to be at the center of the country's political universes.
"It's amazing to have the opportunity to be at the center of it all," he said. "You hear about a decision that was made at the Supreme Court and you think, wow, I walk past that building every day on my way to work. It's really exciting."
While a siren squealed in the background, Sweeney commented on the everyday items that go along with being a WSP fellow.
"I've got tickets for the arrival of the President of Ghana in the morning," he said.
Already in stride with the hustle and bustle of Washington, Sweeney expects to learn a great deal of politics first-hand.
The University of South Carolina sponsored program accepts applications from 12 South Carolina colleges and universities. Usually, no more than 14 applicants are accepted each semester.
During their three month absence from their five respective South Carolina colleges and universities, the 14 WSP Fellows work in various offices and departments near Capitol Hill. They also attend three required night classes; theatre, a debating Washington issues course, and a class revolving around their experience as WSP Fellows.
Sweeney's opportunity to participate in the Washington Semester Program has offered him more than just a paid internship but also an eye opening opportunity, just in time for a tradition breaking election.
The fellows will finish their internship Dec. 12.

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