Student Programs

In April, two Former Congress Members, Sue Kelly and George Hochbruechner, met with the 2012-13 Legislative Fellows and 2013 Undergraduate Session Assistants.  Students engaged in a lively discussion and received an inside look at the workings of Congress.

1. When did you participate in the Undergraduate Session Assistants Program or Senate Fellowship?

2010-2011

2. Which Senate office were you placed in during your internship?

Senate Finance

3. Briefly describe your responsibilities/day-to-day activities in your fellowship office placement.

I came into the Finance Committee when the Republicans had retaken control of the Senate. We were staffing up during session, and the low staff numbers required a jack-of-all-trades approach – I would serve as support staff, help reconcile project information, and assist the analyst on Energy, Environment, and Agriculture.

1. When did you participate in the Undergraduate Session Assistants Program or Senate Fellowship?

 I participated in the 2012 Legislative Session, from January to June.

 2. Which Senate office were you placed in during your internship?

 Senator Joseph A. Griffo’s office.

3. Briefly describe your responsibilities/day-to-day activities in your internship office placement.

I sat at the front desk, answered phone calls, filed memos, prepared the senator’s active list and committee summaries for the day, and accompanied him to meetings and to Session every day

1. When did you participate in the Undergraduate Session Assistants Program or Senate Fellowship?

August 2010 – July 2011 (Graduate Legislative Fellowship)

January 2006 – April 2006 (Undergraduate Session Assistant)

2. Which Senate office were you placed in during your internship?

August 2010 – July 2011 (Graduate Legislative Fellowship) – New York State Senator Neil D. Breslin

January 2006 – April 2006 (Undergraduate Session Assistant) - New York State Senator George H. Winner, Jr.

3. Briefly describe your responsibilities/day-to-day activities in your internship office placement. 

1. When did you participate in the Undergraduate Session Assistants Program or Senate Fellowship?

I participated in the Undergraduate Session Assistants Program in Spring 2011.

2. Which Senate office were you placed in during your internship?

I was placed in Senator Joseph A. Griffo’s office for the internship.

3. Briefly describe your responsibilities/day-to-day activities in your internship office placement.

“The Senate Internship Program is ideal for individuals intent on pursuing a career in politics or public service. As a Session Assistant, you are privy to the inner workings of state government and have the opportunity to gain an invaluable, comprehensive understanding of politics that cannot be obtained in the classroom. Aside from equipping students with knowledge that is undeniably crucial to a future career in government, the internship also provides a host of networking opportunities and once in a lifetime experiences. While the program can certainly be demanding, the rewards of hard work and dedication are both numerous and enduring.”

“I applied for the Senate Undergraduate Session Assistants Program for one reason -- to learn more about the legislative process in Albany. However, I learned and gained so much more. From networking with lawmakers and attorneys from both inside and outside the legislative realm to helping constituents with problems at home, I became familiar with most all of the functions of working in government. For someone who wants to pursue public interest positions after law school, I have taken away invaluable experiencesand made invaluable connections that will surely be of benefit wherever my future endeavors take me.”