Here are some comments from former interns of Downey McGrath Group, Inc. Leah Kaplan Dickinson College (Spring 2010) Chelsea Ronayne James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA (Spring 2010) Warren Robinson - Summer 2006 Karen Schandler - Summer 2006 Craig Singleton University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Summer 2004) Keenan Ng UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (Summer 2003) Nathan Christensen Stanford University, Fremont, CA (Summer 1999) Ian O'Connell Georgetown University, Washington, DC (Fall 1999) Leah Kaplan "I have had internships in the political realm before, yet none could truly compare to my experience at the Downey McGrath Group. I gained a greater appreciation of the relationship between the public and private sector by participating in client meetings as well as meetings with congressional staffers on The Hill. Going to Congressional hearings and conducting client-based research made me privy to the inner workings of Washington. I was also able to attend special events sponsored by DMG, and other related functions, which were invaluable experiences. My internship at DMG solidified my passion for politics, but moreover reaffirmed my career goals. Without question, any person with a keen interest in politics would be quite fortunate to have the opportunity to intern at DMG." Top Chelsea Ronayne "My internship with DMG was everything I could have asked for. I had the chance to see every aspect of politics and how the government works. I was given hands-on experience and treated like an employee. Through my internship I was able to learn things I would have never learned in a classroom and get real life experience." Top Warren Robinson "Having heard about other internship opportunities in Washington, I am convinced the Downey McGrath intern experience is unique. Not only is the work interesting, but the assignments are meaningful. And most noticable: the staff is genuinely welcoming and inclusive. On my first day, I walked in the office door and was ushered straight to the full staff meeting. For the next several months, I was tasked with attending Congressional hearings, monitoring pending legislation and writing research briefs for clients. The firm also provided a host of opportunities to attend receptions and meet political movers and shakers in Washington. I simply could not have hoped for a better internship experience."  Top Karen Schandler "I have participated in a number of internships and have yet to experience the camaraderie that exists at DMG. Each assignment has offered insight into the political landscape of DC. I have never enjoyed an internship more." Top Craig Singleton "This isn't your conventional internship.  You won't be fetching coffee or spending hours in front of a copy machine.  If you want to get a behind the scenes glimpse into how a government affairs consulting firm really operates, then look no further than Downey McGrath.  As an intern, you will have the opportunity to participate in everything from weekly staff and clients meetings to hearings on the Hill and political fundraisers.  From the moment you walk into the office, the people at DMG will treat you like an equal and go out of their way to show you just what lobbying is all about.  Regardless of the extent to which you are politically involved, you will leave Downey McGrath feeling like a true insider and, if you are lucky, with the opinion that your time in Washington could not have been any better." Top Keenan Ng "My experience here has been unparalleled to any other intern's that I have met in Washington, DC.  I have been privy to staff meetings, client pitches, and strategy sessions.  I traveled up to the Hill to monitor appropriations hearings and other Hill news, researched legislation, and was able to see my work end up being productive.  At the Downey McGrath Group, I felt as if I was really part of the team instead of simply an intern because they treated me like a staffer.  The work was interesting, intellectually challenging, and exposed me to a great deal of politics.  Not only are the people here fantastic, but, I came in as an outsider, and felt I left with the knowledge and experience of an insider." Top Nathan Christensen "My internship at Downey McGrath Group offered an extraordinary opportunity to observe the day-to-day workings and strategies of lobbyists, politicians and bureaucrats.  By participating in staff meetings, observing strategy sessions, representing the firm at congressional events and hearings, and conducting research for clients, I was able to come to a fuller understanding of the relations between the public and private sector.  In doing so, I had the chance to work side-by-side with people who had an  incredible amount of experience in Washington and enjoyed sharing their stories, suggestions and insights with me.  After completing the internship, my knowledge of and insight into government, politics, and policy-making has sharpened dramatically.  I now know what lies under the surface in the nation's capital." Top Ian O'Connell "Lobbying internships in Washington rarely allow participants to delve into the interaction between politicians and the constituents they represent.  However, I believe that my four-month internship with Downey McGrath Group was very unique because I was treated as staff and took part in the firm's most important work from weekly staff meetings to congressional hearings.  It also presented me with an opportunity to participate in client/firm relationships, which are the backbone of the government affairs consulting world as I worked side by side with people experienced at navigating the American political system.  In a short time I gained valuable insight into the political world of Washington." Top  |  Back to Main Internship Page