By Gil Pound

J unior marketing major Benji Blankenship knew he wanted to use the summer as a time to choose a post-graduation career.

Thanks to his six-week experience in Washington, D.C., working as a congressional intern, he has landed on a path.

“Now I see myself going into defense contracting,” said Blankenship.

The Columbus, Georgia, native interned in United States Congressman Austin Scott’s office on Capitol Hill over the summer. During his time there Blankenship connected with two Air Force airmen who opened his eyes to the world of defense contracting, setting his life on a new path.

Networking wasn’t all the junior did while working in the Rayburn House Office Building, located just across Independence Avenue from the Capitol. He drafted memos on proposed legislation and fielded phone calls from constituents curious about current affairs.

“They would ask questions about anything from public broadcasting to disaster relief,” Blankenship said.

His experiences helped him grow professionally, especially when it came to communication.

“In college you’re mostly talking with people in your same age bracket. In D.C. I learned how to communicate with people from not only different age brackets, but also from all over the country.”

Blankenship benefited from the GC in DC program, which provides students with support as they pursue internships in Washington. The program is available to all Georgia College & State University majors. Participants are matched with a mentor from the GC in DC team who routinely checks on them to ensure the experience meets their expectations. As funds allow, financial assistance may also be granted through the program to offset housing and travel costs.

“The overall goal of GC in DC is to help students gain experiential learning and networking opportunities that are going to help them well after they leave Georgia College,” said Christine Amezquita, GC in DC coordinator.

GC in DC has a rolling application process, though students pursuing summer opportunities typically begin applying in January. Candidates must own a 3.0 GPA and be able to provide two letters of recommendation, among other materials.

Blankenship said the experience is definitely worth the effort.

“I applied not knowing if I would have a shot or if I would like it in DC. Everything worked out perfectly. I’m so glad I followed through with it.”

“I would absolutely recommend the GC in DC program,” he added. “Our country needs more young people interested in politics, especially in Georgia. I think the more the 18 to 22 age group is involved in politics sets us up for success.”

Header Image: U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, left, with GCSU junior Benji Blankenship on Capitol Hill (Photo: Benji Blankenship)