By: Clara Mattick
As someone who grew up in the Washington area, I’ve always been surrounded by some form of political discourse throughout my lifetime and have been intrigued by how our government runs. Working in our nation’s capital has always been a career path I’ve considered, and having the opportunity to intern for Husch Blackwell Strategies has turned that into a reality.
Being in Washington, I’ve had the chance to engage firsthand with seasoned lobbyists and deepen my understanding of the legislative process while working on projects that align with my interests in marketing and strategic communications. It is a very rewarding feeling to know that you are working on impactful projects early in your career.
Part of what has made my time here so invaluable are the individuals I’ve gotten the chance to meet. Coming into this opportunity, I wasn’t sure what workplace environment to expect but have been pleasantly surprised by the firm’s graciousness. Working alongside a tight-knit group of professionals who are eager to pass down their knowledge has been an incredible experience.
I have been thrilled to work closely with my intern class and learn about their future career plans in Washington. Collaborating with Archie Miller and Romina Matin on legislative-based projects and research has allowed me to grow my interest and skillset in policy analysis.
Archie Miller, originally from West Point, Mississippi, and Romina Matin, a Cornell University alumna, both have diverse academic and professional backgrounds that have brought unique ideas and perspectives to the team this summer as legislative interns. I sat down with them before we went our separate ways to talk about the most impactful part of their internship experience while at HBS.
Archie said, “One of my favorite things about Husch Blackwell Strategies is the people I’ve been able to work with. HBS has such a great team and puts trust in you, which gives you the opportunity to show that you’re making an impact. Seeing the research I’ve been able to do for projects like the 2024 Campaign Overview being implemented has been rewarding.”
Romina is preparing for a new job on Capitol Hill in September and noted, “The entire HBS team has been super receptive of my interests in healthcare policy, and the work I’ve done during my time here has solidified my future career interests in federal healthcare policy work.”
My time at HBS has been nothing short of an amazing opportunity that has allowed me to jumpstart a future career in Washington and gain a wealth of experience in the policy and public affairs space. Returning to Virginia Tech in the fall, I plan to use the knowledge I have gained to contribute new perspectives to my business curriculum, as well as to public service opportunities on campus, embracing my university’s deeply rooted motto, ‘UT Prosim’, That I May Serve.
Clara Mattick is an incoming third year student at Virginia Tech studying Marketing Management at the Pamplin College of Business. She served as an HBS Marketing and Strategic Communications Intern in Washington for Summer 2024.
