Downey McGrath Group, Inc. | Comments from Former Interns





	Here are some comments from former interns of Downey McGrath Group, Inc.
	Brendan Bailey University of Mary Washington Internship: Summer 2011 "Interning at Downey McGrath was a wonderful experience. During my summer here at DMG I was introduced to the intricacies of working in Washington, D.C. Downey McGrath provided a fun and inviting office atmosphere where I was encouraged to ask questions and learn as much as possible about the lobbying profession... I have learned so much and know I am ready to continue my career here in Washington."

	Coralie Suissa Georgetown University Internship: Summer 2011 "The greatest introduction to the DC world of politics. The staff at DMG is extremely helpful, friendly, and you are given true responsibilities from day one. The meetings with the clients were very enlightening, and being able to attend hearings on the Hill was an amazing experience."

	Katie Lang University of Notre Dame Internship: Summer 2011 "A Downey McGrath Group internship is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in politics. The Downey McGrath staff helped me to take advantage of my new view point. Everyone was happy to take time to share insights gleaned from years of experience. This internship offers not only valuable professional experience; it offers invaluable understanding about the way Washington works."

	Katie Rubinger University of Virginia Internship: Summer 2011 "My experience at Downey McGrath exceeded all my expectations. I gained first-hand exposure to a wide array of issues while actively participating in DMG's relationships with their diverse client base. The staff is gracious, friendly, helpful and enthusiastically interested in your work, contributions, and overall experience. This is certainly the best of the best in terms of DC internships: active engagement and broad exposure in an incredibly welcoming environment."

	Bryce Barazza Arizona State University Internship: Winter/Spring 2011

	When interning at Downey McGrath Group, you are treated as a member of a team and partake in the daily activities of a lobbying firm. While aiding in the representation of clients and their interests, I observed the firm’s Vice Presidents develop strategies to influence public officials' opinions.... I have not only gained a new skill set from my work and collaboration at Downey McGrath Group, I am entering the next phase of my life with great friendships and role models that I wish to emulate.

	Andrew Franke University of Kansas Internship: Winter/Spring 2011

	My internship at Downey McGrath Group was a great experience and gave me a wealth of knowledge about the business practices and tactics of successful lobbyists. The lobbyists at DMG allowed me to see first-hand, through client and staff meetings and through informal discussions, what the issues of interest are to their clients and how they can help necessary lawmakers see those issues from the clients’ points of view.....I encourage university students to seek an internship at DMG because of the practical education about many things and more importantly, because everyone really wanted me there and was appreciative of my work.

	Erina Fitzgerald St. Joseph’s University Internship: Fall 2010

	Entering into an internship with Downey McGrath was new for me in several ways; not only was this my first foray into the professional world, but also my first hands-on experience with government affairs and lobbying. Attending hearings on Capitol Hill, articulating the outcomes of the hearings, and then having the opportunity to attend client meetings to witness the effects of Congressional decisions was the best way to become informed about what really goes on in Washington. As my first internship experience, Downey McGrath has set the bar at a high standard for the future.

	Steven Scarano Monmouth University Internship Fall 2010

	Interning at Downey McGrath Group provided me with an opportunity to finally put some perspective on my political science education. Between the close physical proximity to political action and the genuine relationships of the firm to political actors I feel my time here was more of a valuable experience than could have been gained anywhere because I was able to learn about day to day operations on and off Capitol Hill in both the public and private sector... If I had to leave with only one thing to say it would be that unlike any other internship I’ve had my bosses and supervisors actively sought out how to help me rather than the other way around.

	Sylvia Costelloe University of Oxford Internship Summer 2010

	I truly appreciated the amiable atmosphere at Downey McGrath. From day one I was treated as part of the team, and was given meaningful tasks to perform. I found it particularly valuable that each of the members of the office met with the other interns and me to talk about their career paths, their clients and responsibilities at the office. This gave me further insight into how to go about starting a career in Washington DC, and has given me confidence in my future plans."

	Stephen Kresse Binghamton University Internship: Summer 2010

	At Downey McGrath I was exposed to a broad spectrum of client related issues dealing with the legislative, executive, and regulatory arms of the government. I gained valuable insight and access to the political process. The intern program was very educational and most of all a great time. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every day that I worked at DMG. If you are looking for a competitive, educational, and interesting place to intern in Washington D.C., I would strongly recommend the internship program at DMG. The most important thing I have realized about the lobbying industry is that, despite all the negative press the industry receives, it is above all an outgrowth of our fundamental First Amendment right to "petition the government for a redress of grievances."

	Dan Coats University of Mary Washington Internship: Summer 2010

	Interning at the Downey McGrath Group was by far the most enlightening and rewarding work experience I have had. Your education starts day one when you are thrown into the staff meeting and given client backgrounds, expectations, and DMG's plan on meeting those expectations. The client and staff meetings provided a behind the scenes look at how lobbying actually works. The employees at DMG are what make the internship so rewarding. They are genuine people who bend over backwards to make sure you benefit from their program. We were treated with the generosity and respect you can only dream of. While interning, I researched legislation, attended committee hearings, tracked various news publications, and met with clients.

	James Fitzella University of Mary Washington Internship: Summer 2010

	This was my first internship in the political realm of Washington, and it certainly exceeded all my expectations. I never would have imagined learning so much in such a short period of time. At DMG you are given the respect and responsibilities of an employee. The entire staff is always willing to lend a hand wherever you need it and help you along the way. This was a very extraordinary opportunity and I think it would be tough to find one similar to DMG in all of Washington.

	Ruth Summers Tufts University Internship: Summer 2010

	Interning at DMG was the greatest summer experience I could have asked for. I learned about the real way in which our government functions and got to participate fully. As an intern I did not expect to be so included, to meet with clients and do genuinely interesting research. Everyone in the firm is supportive, friendly, and encouraging. Every day I was excited to come to work and it was great to have the other interns to work with. I really enjoyed my time at DMG and feel much more prepared for work someday.

	Chelsea Ronayne James Madison University Internship: Spring 2010

	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.

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