The Project on Government Oversight

I learned more during the two months I worked as an intern at POGO then I did during my first two years of college. From day one, I was given challenging work and encouraged to take initiative and always ask questions. For the first time in my life I didn’t just take pride in my work in order to receive a grade or praise, but instead for the potential to affect change in the outside world. I’m honored to have been able to work alongside the POGO staff members; they are all outstanding and wonderful people. This internship has been an invaluable experience, and I wish the best of luck to the Project On Government Oversight in all its future endeavors.

Rachel Feuer, Winter 2010
Florida State University

I was already halfway done with applications for Congressional internships for this summer when I realized that few internships, Congressional or otherwise, would be likely to match the combination of meaningful work and a friendly environment that I experienced in my internship at POGO last summer. Not only is POGO's work important, but I've also had an opportunity to take significant responsibility for investigations that have allowed me to learn about the federal government through hands-on experience and been far more interesting than the type of tasks one would expect from an internship. Above all, I feel lucky to have worked in place where I've gotten to know everyone and been welcomed into the POGO family.

John Cappel, Summer 2009
Princeton

There’s really no other way to say it: interning at POGO has been an absolutely incredible experience. All of the staff was very welcoming, helpful, and unintimidating right from day one, establishing such a great office environment that I often forgot I was at “work”. Nevertheless, they (we!) accomplish so much. Aside from tackling smaller-scale writing and research projects, I got to play a genuine part in the policymaking process. I conducted extensive research on the shortcomings of a piece of longstanding legislation and attended meetings with the Director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) and Representative Clay’s staffers. In just one summer at POGO, I learned far more about how the government really works than I could ever pick up in a classroom. I could tell that, whenever I discussed work with my D.C. intern friends, my experiences at POGO made them envious. 

Nina Brekelmans, Summer 2009
Dartmouth College

Interning at POGO was an awesome experience. I got assigned to high-impact, exciting work where my role was vital to the project’s success. I think it is very rare as an intern or even as a young paid worker to get assigned to work with such vital responsibilities. In several cases, the work I was doing required me to attend Senate or House hearings on the Hill alongside POGO investigators, giving me the opportunity to mingle with Washington’s political elite. My work ranged from doing speedy research for the breaking U.S. Embassy in Kabul story, to doing a comprehensive study of economic stimulus oversight.

In addition to the great work, the excitement of living and working in the heart of D.C. and working alongside a fun yet extremely effective POGO staff made for an incredible summer. I would not hesitate to do more work for such an important, influential, and all-around great organization.

Marc Vartabedian, Summer 2009
University of California at Santa Cruz

When I first told people that I was going to intern in D.C. for a quarter, I usually got a joking comment similar to this: “Have fun [making copies, fetching coffee, answering phones, pushing papers, doing grunt work, etc] all quarter!”  Although this quarter I did answer the occasional telephone call (I mean, after the phone rings throughout the office four or five times, I figure someone had to pick it up), I must say that my experiences here were far from what you could ever expect from a typical internship, and I mean that as a huge compliment!
 
From my first day onward, I was given very real responsibilities in areas that I was (and became) passionate about.  Helping carry out POGO’s mission to expose waste and corruption within our government quickly became something I was dedicated to.  Among many projects, I blogged about whistleblower protections, worked on a letter to Congress about our weak international supply chain security, investigated the failings of the Securities & Exchange Commission, and pointed out waste and fraud at the National Ignition Facility (a letter that I helped do research for on this subject even ended up getting POGO into the print media and onto CNN nightly news!).
 
Beyond all of this, POGO was just a really great place to spend time.  The people are great and supportive, the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, the culture stays laid-back yet productive, and the experience was the best I’ve had anywhere that I have ever worked.  I learned things here that simply can’t be taught in a classroom, and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything else in the world.  Thanks POGO for an amazing spring quarter!

Jerry Dunleavy, John Glenn Intern, Spring 2009
The Ohio State University

When I tell people of my experience at POGO, the work that the people here commit themselves to each day, and the project that I had an opportunity to assist with, they are truly amazed. I'm usually told that the average non-profit isn't nearly as efficient, innovative, and well-respected by Congress members and philanthropists alike as the organization that I have had the chance to work with this summer. Even so, what stands out to me more than anything from my time spent at POGO is the genuine appreciation that each staff member has for the interns and their intellect.  Projects are given to interns that respect their ability to craft ideas and commentary independently, while at the same time the staff encourages questions and consistently gives remarkably thoughtful answers. The atmosphere here is truly non-hierarchical in that every person's work is taken seriously and supported by others. I can honestly say that I woke up each morning excited to go to work, and during the summertime, that is quite extraordinary!

Kelli Baldwin, Summer 2008
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

My internship at POGO was a great learning experience.  Everyone was friendly and helpful, and all of the interns were treated like regular staff members.  I was trusted with substantial work that included investigating and making recommendations on whistleblower complaints, submitting Freedom of Information Act requests to federal agencies, and writing for POGO's blog.  I developed a better understanding of how the federal government functions and was even given the opportunity to attend several congressional hearings.  Overall, I believe it would be difficult to find an internship that matches both the friendly atmosphere and the excellent learning opportunity offered at POGO.

John Cappel, Summer 2008
Princeton

Interning at POGO has been an incredibly rewarding experience because the staff is patient enough to teach me, gutsy enough to rely on me, and smart enough to challenge a girl who focused on literature, creative writing, and theatre in college.
 
I applied to intern at POGO because I wanted to push myself beyond my comfort zone—to do something I knew very little about because I wanted to test this theory: 

Our doubts are traitors,
And make us lose the good we oft might win
By fearing to attempt. 
     William Shakespeare; Measure for Measure (1.4.87-9)

I have won so much this summer. 

Abby Evans, Everett Intern, Summer 2008
Davidson College

I walked into this job having no real expectations, but I walked out with the best job experience I’ve ever had. I had an idea that POGO’s work is important for the public, but had no idea just how important. I come to work everyday with the feeling that my work that day would contribute to the public good, free of partisan bickering and special interests. This sense of efficacy made my experience tremendously enjoyable, and I count myself lucky to have found such an experience at POGO. Also, the people at POGO are really passionate about what they do, and that passion is contagious. But it’s not all work and no play, because POGO staffers are a joyous, fun-loving bunch. I would recommend POGO to anyone seeking an internship in DC in a heartbeat.

Mike Zhou, Summer 2007
University of California, Berkely

Tired of feeling undervalued and underused in your summer political internships? Then come to POGO. From day one, I was regarded as a competent individual capable of substantively contributing to the organization. POGO gave me the opportunity to become the staff expert on pressing defense issues, attend Congressional hearings on these subjects, and contribute political insights to the blogosphere. My research culminated in a detailed report on a major defense program, which documents many problems that have become ingrained in the weapons acquisition process. I know when that report is released, it will draw heavily on my own research and assertions. On top of knowing my research will help affect positive change in the political process, the welcoming and approachable POGO staff enhanced my entire experience. I couldn’t think of a more pleasant and enlightening opportunity for a summer internship.

Jesse Ferrantella, Summer 2007
Duke University

My internship at POGO was wonderful. Work was stimulating and it certainly was an eye opener. I was grateful to be afforded the opportunity to be part of the POGO team, whose tireless efforts and accomplishments are greatly respected. While at POGO, I enjoyed my experiences on the Hill as well as meeting experts in the field. My one on one conversations with guest mentors and peers added to a complete intellectual and practical internship.

Zach Mason, Summer 2007
Dartmouth College

"Whenever anyone asks me about my internship with POGO, my face lights up and my expression says it all. I had an unforgettable opportunity to learn about many critical issues: the negative consequences of the revolving door, whistleblower protections, nuclear security, and contractor misconduct were all top issues that were addressed. Not only was I able to explore these problems, but I was also given the opportunity to consider solutions. I was able to work closely with people who inspired me to strive to meet high expectations in producing meaningful work. The POGO staff works hard to ensure that interns have a rich and meaningful experience. POGO is a unique office with a vibrancy, spirit, and supportiveness uncommon in most organizations. This spirit and supportiveness illustrated that POGO is more than a workplace, but is really a family. My internship at POGO has helped shape my life interests and post college ambitions."

Amelia Kegan, Summer-Fall 2003
Smith College

"My friends working on Capitol Hill talked all Summer about their exciting adventures faxing and answering constituent mail. One housemate entertained us with stories about answering the phone at the State Department. When my turn arose, I got to say things like "I helped expose Boeing's misconduct and they got debarred from federal contracting" or "I wrote a letter that was published in the Washington Post." Working at POGO far surpassed all expectations. As soon as I opened the door I was thrown waist deep into projects in which I was genuinely interested. I am glad I chose to work for POGO rather than on the Hill or at a federal agency. I will always remember the work that I did and the family I joined while I was there."

Caleb Rowe, Summer 2003
University of California - Berkeley

"If you have a burning passion for social justice and good governance and you find fighting the system a thrill, then POGO's for you. At POGO I immediately received hands on training. I was always assigned meaningful projects. Rarely did I have the typical intern, gauge-out-your-eyes, kind of work. Even those tasks appearing insignificant turned out to be important in the larger scheme of things. Some assignments were so substantive that I felt my abilities were a bit overestimated. At POGO you will find a politically charged, diverse dormitory where you can make the most of your time working to make this country better."

Anay Shah, Summer 2003
Wesleyan University

"My semester at POGO was an extraordinary experience in which I looked forward to coming into work every morning. The workplace was inviting, relaxed, professional, and exciting. From day one, I was welcomed into the office and handed substantive work about defense legislation, nuclear plant security, and public access to Congressional Research Service products. The internship provided me with an opportunity to hone my writing and research skills while working towards a greater goal. POGO's work is crucial for holding the government accountable and correcting faults within the system. I am leaving POGO with eight amazing, indomitable, intelligent, loving, driven, and focused (but still fun!) role models. I have thoroughly loved every day of my experience at POGO. A student looking to learn about government procedure and have a ton of fun couldn't dream of a better internship than one at POGO!"

Jill Carlson, Spring 2003
Claremont McKenna College

"If your idea of an internship involves wearing a suit and tie to work every day and getting coffee for the boss, don't bother applying for a position at the Project On Government Oversight. If a summer spent in an informal environment and filled with intectually stimulating and meaningful work is more of what you're after, then POGO is an ideal place to work.

I realized a few very important things about the people at POGO within a very short time of my arrival at the office: that the staff here is more interested in action than in appearances; that teamwork and cooperation reign supreme at POGO, rather than hierarchy; most importantly, I learned that Margaret Mead was right. I will never again doubt that "a small goup of individuals can change the world." The hard work of the small POGO staff has resulted in numerous important changes that have made the Federal Government more accountable to the people, in areas ranging from defense procurement to environmental protection. The fact that interns participate in this work in a substantive way is what made the POGO experience optimal for me - I gained valuable skills and knowledge through my work that will assist me greatly in the future, and my work helped correct some of the failings of the Federal Government. It is difficult to imagine a more rewarding way in which I could have spent the summer."

Klaus Schultz, Summer 2002
William & Mary College

"It could be said that my summer at POGO was too short, but just the right amount of sweet. The combination of a comfortable office and engaging issues made the summer seem to fly by, and I only wish that I had a little more time to continue to explore the world of fraud, waste, and the whistleblowers that bring these issues to our attention. My experience at POGO provided me with a new understanding of the way that the government works. Some of this knowledge I found frightening at first, but by the end of my summer with POGO I was assuredly optimistic regarding a future in which I have a voice."

Jacob Dagger, Summer 2002
Duke University

"My summer internship at the Project on Government Oversight far exceeded any of my expectations: the work was intellectually challenging and fulfilling - writing letters to Congressmen, researching compelling issues, attending press conferences, etc.; the atmosphere was both professional and flexible; and perhaps most importantly, the people were some of the best I have ever met. Working at POGO sharpened my communication skills, expanded my knowledge of government policy, and broadened my life perspective. POGO helped make my summer in Washington DC, my best summer to date. I highly recommend the internship experience to any student - especially those interested in government policy and research."

Lauren Moore, Summer 2001
Duke University

"POGO provides the perfect means to work positively towards reforming the political system. The staffers are intelligent, dedicated, and extremely good at what they do - they are more than willing to guide interns and provide expertise, but at the same time they allow an appropriate level of autonomy. Most importantly, POGO interns are put on the front lines, engaged in important, meaningful projects that will make a difference. In short, any self-motivated young man or woman with a concern for the integrity of our government would do well to seek a POGO internship."

Chris Potter, Summer 2001
Yale

"My internship at POGO was an extremely valuable experience. The atmosphere at POGO is upbeat and one that is conducive to learning. Interns are not treated simply as bodies available to do routine clerical work and answer the phones. From the top down, there is an optimistic attitude where everybody's contributions are valued. An intern at POGO has the opportunity to gain substantive experience in many ways - by doing research, contributing to reports, attending hearings, networking with other non-profits and issue advocates, and learning about the reality of the American political process."

Jeff Ludwig, Spring 2001
University of Maryland