Hello young and enterprising Middlebury professionals! My name is Elise Hanks, I am currently in my third year and am majoring in Literary Studies, and I am here to help you!
I am Middlebury’s Federal Service Student Ambassador and it is my job to help you learn about, find, and apply for federal internships and jobs. I work for the Partnership for Public Service and this year will be working closely with CSO to have office hours, host workshops and panels, and hopefully bring a speaker or two to campus. Here are some things that I can help you with:
- Create a federal resume
- Find a department or agency that interests you
- Learn where your skill set fits within government agencies
- Inform you of the benefits and advantages of working in the public sector
- Help you find opportunities for summer internships, long-term programs, and jobs
As I mentioned earlier, I am a Literary Studies major…not something you usually associate with federal service or government work. I wasn’t aware of the opportunities myself until this past year when I found an internship in Communications and Outreach with the Department of Education. Although I don’t anticipate a career in a communications field, the opportunity allowed me to hone my writing skills, gain experience planning and hosting large-scale events and symposiums, and I was able to learn more about the public sector and the opportunities it affords its employees. There are more than 100 federal agencies who are looking for scientists, researchers, accountants, lawyers, engineers, consultants, managers, communications specialists, analysts, doctors, public speakers, speech writers, and more.
Government work is not just for political science majors! Chances are I can help you find an opportunity specific to your skill set and interests.
I’ll be hosting various workshops and panels throughout the year- and you can always reach me by appointment or during my office hours in CSO from 4:00pm-5:00pm on Tuesdays.
Stay tuned for more information about federal service and government opportunities and information!
Cheers,
Elise Hanks ‘11