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July 12, 2012

ULM student hits internship jackpot

The ULM Social Science Research Lab has placed students in internship programs across the United States, including Washington D.C., Atlanta, Tucson and New Orleans.

Now that list includes Las Vegas.

ULM student Alex Holland, a dual-major in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, and a member of the ULM soccer team, recently served several internships in her home state with several prominent Nevada elected officials.

"My internship with U.S. Senator Dean Heller, Gov. Brian Sandoval, and (Nevada) State Senator Greg Brower has been an extremely beneficial experience on the inter-workings of political campaigns on the federal and state levels.

"The majority of my work has involved campaign fund raising which has taught me a great deal of how to make connections, how to gather donors both in-state and out-of-state, and how to promote a candidate in a way which makes him or her more likely to receive funds, all of which will make a boost a campaign's momentum," Holland said.

Upon graduating in May 2013, Holland will attend law school. 

"We knew this internship was going to be intense and more work than most typical ones, remarked Dr. John W. Sutherlin, co-director of the Social Science Research Lab and associate professor of political science.

"That is why Alex Holland was the perfect fit: a great student with discipline and a strong work-ethic."

The SSRL has placed more than 50 students in campaigns across Louisiana for both major parties and through Political Science provides course credit for the internships. 

Holland added, "I have enjoyed experiencing the hustle of the political world. If you've never worked a campaign, you'll never understand the adrenaline rush of the political arena."

For more information about the SSRL and its internship program visit ulm.edu/ssrl

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