Politics and Economics double major Lola Oyinloye ’21 is taking the first steps in her career this summer with a highly coveted congressional internship in Washington, DC. The Oglethorpe junior is interning with Congressman David Scott, the representative for Georgia’s 13th district.
Oyinloye had set her sights on Congress for her first internship, and when she landed the interview with Rep. Scott’s office, she did extensive research on his policies and background to get ready.
“This was my first interview for an internship, so I was a bit nervous, but I knew I had to give it my best,” Oyinloye said. “The career center and my sorority sisters helped me prepare for the interview. The interview went great and after three weeks, I received an email that I got the position.”
Tammy Pearson ’86, Lola Oyinloye ’21, and Tim Tassopoulos ’81 in Washington, DC.
In her internship, Oyinloye is learning the ins and outs of congressional work, which includes policy research, managing constituent communications, conducting tours, and drafting memos for the legislative team, as well as attending legislative briefings and drafting reports.
Her Oglethorpe classes and on-campus experiences have given her the skills to succeed at the internship, she says.
“The Core program really prepared me for this internship because I write a lot. My economics and politics research projects also helped me prepare for the loads of research I do every day,” she said. “Also, being a resident assistant and part of Greek life, Epsilon Iota Psi Sorority, helped me feel confident to work with a team of interns and staff at the office. Most of the interns I know on the Hill are part of Greek life. Also, the career center taught me how to dress professionally, present myself, and connect with employers.”
While on the job, Oyinloye is learning firsthand about policy and how to make an impact.
“This internship has taught me a lot about public policy and what goes on behind the scenes at congressional offices. I made some really good connections from different fields of study and learned that you do not have to be a politics major to influence public policy.”
Perhaps the most exciting part of the job is getting to interact with both policymakers and constituents—some from very close to home. Recently, Oyinloye crossed paths with fellow Petrels in DC: Oglethorpe Trustee and Board Chair Tim Tassopoulos ’81, president and COO of Chick-fil-A, and Trustee Tammy Pearson ’86, vice president and assistant general counsel of corporate legal at Chick-fil-A.
