From his initial start on Student Senate to a spot on Capitol Hill, Sean Wyrobek took advantage of an opportunity made available through Eastern.

Wyrobek, a senior political science major and former Student Senate member, secured an internship this summer in Washington D.C. through The Washington Center, program coordinated by the Honors College.

“This is the most rewarding internship I have ever taken part of,” said Wyrobek, who stayed in Washington D.C. from May until the first week of August.

Bonnie Irwin, dean of the Honors College, said The Washington Center, one of the largest providers of internships in the United States, places students with government agencies, non-profit groups and businesses in Washington DC and abroad.

She said Wyrobek is the third Eastern student to use The Washington Center. He was the first Eastern student not in the Honors College program to take part.

“We are relatively new to the program,” Irwin said.

Although the Honors College coordinates the program, participants do not have to be honors students, Irwin said.

“Any major can apply,” she said.

The Washington Center connects students with places to intern, provides housing, and sponsors seminars and service opportunities for participants, Irwin said.

Wyrobek lived in an apartment just north of the city. His main intern focus was on Capitol Hill, he said.

“I worked for the congressmen, attending briefings and hearings,” he said. “I put together briefing books about what was being said and discussed.”

Wyrobek also did minor research for the staff in the office and gave tours to friends of the congressmen.

Wyrobek had a full schedule while in Washington. On Mondays he went to lectures and seminars, while other days he had class that he got credit for from Eastern.

Some students might be hesitant about the cost despite gaining valuable experience and connections. Irwin said the program costs about $10,000

“There are some scholarships available through (The Washington Center) to help offset the costs,” Irwin said.

Wyrobek took advantage of these. He said both Eastern and The Washington Center helped with financial aid, but he still had to pay some of it himself.

“Seeing what we talk about in classes actually happen in the real world was the most eye-opening and educational experience,” Wyrobek said. “Learning how the federal government works first hand is the most memorable thing I have ever done.”

Most importantly, especially for college students, this opportunity gives students many chances to start setting their life after they graduate.

“In terms of a job after college, I was put on a job list by the congressional offices,” Wyrobek said. “I also got multiple contacts through my office, met a lot of people on the way, and got business cards. I want to work on Capitol Hill, and now I definitely have many contacts I can rely on to get a decent first job.”

Students who are interested should meet with Irwin in the Honors College for an information sessions on Sept. 22.

The Washington Center program offers semester-long programs as well as summer internship opportunities.

Cyndi Francois can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENnewsdesk@gmail.com.