The Appellate Project (TAP)’s Post

🌟 Eagle Intern Spotlight 🌟 Meet Eliana Dente, SPA/BA '25, a Fall 2024 Operations Intern with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Q: What does your day to day look like as the Operations Intern? A: My day-to-day involves a mix of engaging with different staff members at the DCCC, participating in workshops, and working on projects like data compliance, quality control, and race tracking. I also enjoy curating a list of fun activities in Washington D.C. each month for staffers and interns to explore! Q: What do you love most about your internship? A: What I love most is the sense of purpose I feel every day. It’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to causes I deeply believe in, alongside a team that’s not only professional but also genuinely kind and supportive. There’s something special about working in an environment where you’re excited to go to work, even to the point where taking a sick day feels like a missed opportunity. It’s both rewarding and motivating to be part of something so impactful. Q: What career advice would you give to your fellow Eagles? A: My advice is to stay resilient and trust that you’ll end up where you’re meant to be. Sometimes, the path you envision for yourself isn’t the one you’re ultimately meant to follow, and that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to pivot and try something new. Changing my second major to Political Science during the fall of my junior year turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. Remember, sometimes things have to fall apart for even better things to come together. Q: Is there someone you would like to thank in the AU Community? A: I’d like to thank my amazing advisor, Amelia Graber-Lipperman, whose guidance was crucial in helping me navigate my academic journey and meet my graduation requirements. In moments of uncertainty, she provided steady support and invaluable advice. I’d also like to thank the exceptional School of Public Affairs, American University professors—Professor Boyle, Professor Major-Ryan, Professor Ropelewski, Professor Del Pino, Professor Iwama, Professor DiBella, Professor Suhay, and Professor Montgomery—who have challenged me in ways that expanded my understanding of the world. Finally, I’m grateful to my fellow SPA students who elected me as their Undergraduate Council President. Their faith in me has shown me the true value of leadership and inspires me every day to be better.

We are excited to announce that our 2024 Summer Internship Program will start soon! For all information regarding eligibility criteria, dates, and how to apply; please visit https://lnkd.in/exXSMKgT #drenyandpartners #summerinternship #internshipprogram #lawgraduate #lawstudents #lawfirm #Egypt

It’s not about finding time, it’s about taking ownership of it. One thing I’ve come to realize is that the time we need to work toward our goals is always available. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. The challenge isn’t about finding time—it’s about taking ownership of how we use that time. Whether it’s law school, internships, or spending time with family, I’ve learned that it’s up to me to create space for the things that matter most. Prioritizing, being INTENTIONAL, and taking control of my schedule have been game changers in my personal and professional development. At the end of the day, success doesn’t come from “having more time”—it comes from making the time work for you and staying committed to your goals. #TimeManagement #Productivity #LawStudentLife

Bruce MacLellan has been such a strong advocate for paid internships that his leadership (and the leadership of a few other enlightened PR leaders) has created a sea change in this area. Most of my students now find paid internships. This wasn't the case five years ago. I fully support the occasional unpaid learning opportunity. A good example is is an agency that recently asked us if we could find a few student volunteers to help them stuff gift bags and set up for an event. In return, the students would get some beauty products. This was a great opportunity for my students -- one afternoon, and they get a behind the scenes look at how a big event comes together. And, importantly, it was optional. No one had to go. (For the record -- there were more than enough volunteers in a few short minutes after the email went out.) Internships, on the other hand, are not optional. Students need to complete an internship to graduate. And I don't know any students who can afford to work an entire summer for free. The students we send out on internship are close to graduation and come with some useful skills. And yes, the time they spend interning is a vital part of their education. What they learn in a real workplace simply cannot be taught in a classroom, no matter how hard we try. I would like to sincerely thank all the employers who take on interns. I know you have to spend time mentoring and teaching them. I appreciate what you do so much -- they are very different people after just a few short months with you! If we want a strong industry filled with smart, creative people, we need to create space for them. Paid internships are one way to create those spaces. I am very grateful that so many employers realize this, and are providing amazing paid opportunities.

"I had an incredible time on the Hill, and it was the best internship I have had because of the people I met and the things I experienced." Interning in Congress can be a great way to jumpstart a career in government. Read Bennie Chang's (SFS'26) advice on how to land a congressional internship. This story is from the Student Life Blog. https://bit.ly/3Ub8lDl

Struggling to find ways to make your application stand out from the competition? 😕 Clifford Chance, a leading international law firm, receive thousands of applications for their internships and graduate programmes, so what can you do to transform your application from just a good one to a GREAT one! 🎉 Here are 5 tips to make yourself stand out in from the crowd, and secure that position! ⚖ #CliffordChanceWiserAcademy

I have the privilege of currently participating in LDF’s annual retreat for MMSP Scholars in Charlotte, NC. We just just wrapped up our session on “Preparing for Success in the Summer Internship” where we had the honor of hearing two distinguished LDF attorneys give us advice ahead of the work will do this Summer. The advice was too good not to share as many of us, both undergraduate and graduate students, are gearing up for Summer work. Here are some of the things they shared as it relates to their experience with interns: * Be responsive * It is easy, as a student, to take a lackadaisical approach to emails. However, employers take note to interns who are prompt in their response time. * Ask questions * We do not know everything! Employers understand that we are students with so much more to learn. It is better to ask 1000 questions for understanding than to do work incorrectly. * It is you v. yourself—not you v. the other interns * Put your best foot forward and compete only against the person you were yesterday! Yes, summer internships are usually a race for job offers, but what is for you will be for you! * Seek mentorship within the organization that will stand the test of time! * Mentor/mentee relationships move at the speed of the mentee. It is important that you take initiative in shaping your internship experience by doing your part in seeking out mentorship! Do not drop the ball on communicating with your mentor. A good rule of thumb is to check in quarterly just to update them about what’s going on in your life! * Collaborate with the other interns. * You do yourself a disservice when you neglect the different perspectives that the people immediately around you have to offer! I hope this helps someone as much as it helped me! It’s funny how hearing things aloud that you felt like you already knew can re-shape your perspective. Have a blessed Summer, students! Feel free to comment with more advice.

Following this habit will always help you stand out as a law student! Carry a notepad and take notes! Be it during internships, college club meetings, webinars, client meetings, etc., it is important to jot down important pointers because: 📌 it reflects your attentiveness, 📌 helps you keep a note of things, 📌 and leaves a good impression! PS: I have received a lot of appreciation for my note taking habit from my seniors and colleagues! :) #linkedin #lawstudents #learnings #internship

Today marks the beginning of a journey I've long contemplated since stepping into law school back in July 2023. I've heard countless times about the crucial role LinkedIn plays in securing internships and building connections, yet it remained just a plan in my head. But as the pressure of securing a summer internship has mounted, I realized it is time to act. It was 3 AM, midterms behind me, and I thought, 'Why not now?' So here I am, embracing this digital diary, despite my rusty LinkedIn skills. Here's to a fresh start, to learning, to inevitable mistakes, and to trusting the journey ahead. Cheers to new beginnings! #LinkedInJourney #NewBeginnings"

Today is National Intern Day, and we might be a little biased, but we think we have the best interns. Jack Crowell, Austin J Deardorff, Irwin Leon, Jessica McMillian, Austin B Osborne, Andrew Peaslee, and Javier Ruiz- we are so thrilled to have you on our team this summer! #kernuttstokes #cpas #publicaccounting #accountingstudents #accountinginterns #futurecpas #internship #nationalinternday