Two Rogers State University honor students said they’re better prepared for the job market after getting real-world experience interning with organizations in Washington, D. C.
Seth Blanton, a military history senior from Midwest City, and Edgar Zetina, a business administration senior from Pryor, were selected to participate in The Washington Center Internship Program, an independent, nonprofit organization that provides internship programs and academic seminars to college students.
Blanton received an internship with ManattJones Global Strategies, an international business consultancy and advocacy company. During his internship, Blanton worked on trade agreement events, business development and policy analysis. He said he has learned a lot about the policy side of economics and thinks business skills can apply to nearly everything.
“I like the consultant work a lot,” he said. “The policy analysis and economic side has been just as interesting as learning how business works.”
Zetina interned in the Communications and Government Affairs Department of the Department of General Services, an agency that builds and manages municipal buildings and properties. Zetina’s responsibilities included managing the agency’s interactions with the public.
“The Washington Center internship exposed me to a variety of people that all had the ambition to work hard and excel,” Zetina said. “It helped me realize I need to do more than rely on my good looks and charming personality to accomplish my goals.”
Blanton said he is more prepared for a career because of his internship. He said students considering an internship through The Washington Center need to keep an open mind and develop strong writing skills.
Zetina said his internship experience has renewed his drive to do well in his classes. He thinks his work during the internship will help him succeed after graduation.
“Everyone at my internship was amazing and gave me the knowledge you can only get from people who have the real world experience and the good will to pass it on,” Zetina said. “The Washington Center is an amazing opportunity to experience the world of politics and meet people that are or have been wherever you want to be.”