Notable Alumni
Josh Combs completed Georgia Southern University’s Legislative Internship Program in fall semester of 2010 where he interned for Congressman John Barrow. Combs graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Georgia Southern University and went on to receive a Juris Doctorate from Emory University School of Law. He is now employed by Troutman Sanders LLP.
Combs was interested in the program because it offered “students the chance to live and work in the nation’s capital,” and stated that he had always been interested “in the American political process and wanted more than a local internship.”
“I saw the real-world application of lessons and concepts we learned in class. Working and observing the legislative process at the highest levels of government was eye-opening,” said Combs.
Combs attributes his successful career to the experience he gained through the Legislative Internship Program. As an energy lawyer, Combs focuses on advising and representing utilities on transactional and regulatory litigation matters. “The relationships I made during the program have impacted all aspects of my professional journey,” said Combs.
During the summer of 2012, Christina Belge interned under Congressman John Barrow through Georgia Southern University’s Legislative Internship Program. She is now employed by the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority while simultaneously enrolled as a Master’s of Public Administration candidate through UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Government with a focus in community and economic development.
Belge was interested in the Legislative Internship Program because “it could connect me directly with people in the district, helping their voices be heard, and providing them with resources for their problems.” She felt as though she learned “so much about the day to day operations of the capital” and how “the intricate machine at the federal level is enormous, complex, and always churning.”
“This internship drastically effected the trajectory for my career and where I am today. It solidified my desire and commitment to run for public office, which I plan on doing soon at the local level,” said Belge.
Belge advises that future interns put in the time and hard work, but also absorb everything that the D.C. area has to offer. “Don’t be intimidated. The internship is what you make of it,” Belge said.
Adrianna Rankine completed Georgia Southern University’s Legislative Internship Program in fall of 2012 where she worked with Congressman Sanford Bishop. She is now employed by the NYU Langone Medical Center in New York, NY where she is an IT Project Manager and has worked on projects with FEMA.
When asked why she was drawn to the program, Rankine said, “I was able to receive 12 academic credits towards my diploma for the fall semester that I was away so I did not lose any time for my degree,” and “the program provided a catalyst for where I am today by providing me with the real life experience needed to make it in today’s corporate world.”
Some of her responsibilities while working on The Hill included welcoming visitors, providing tours, drafting letters to constituents, creating talking points, and attending substantive briefings as well as establishing relationships with senior management, staff, and decision makers.
Rankine encourages program participants to make use of the connections you make in D.C. and keep in touch with them, take advantage of the full opportunity that the area has to offer, and not to be afraid to ask questions.
“The Eagles in DC [Legislative Internship Program] program has proved to be one of the best experiences that I had during college as it continues to pay off to this day,” Rankine said.
Camille Daley completed the legislative internship program during the fall of 2010 working under Congressman Lewis. She went on to complete her Juris Doctor at Syracuse University in tandem with her Masters in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
“My Hill experience opened so many doors. Due to the historical significance of John Lewis, employers and law schools were highly interested in my background and experience working for him”, said Daley.
Daley says that this opportunity is a natural way for students to get their foot in the door in D.C., become more civically-minded, and it allows them to get involved in politics on a broader scale.
When asked to give advice to potential interns Daley said:
“Apply! You have nothing to lose. I didn’t have the opportunity during my time at GSU but this more than made up for it.
Ms. Daley now works for Deloitte as a federal sector consultant in Washington, D.C.
Last updated: 9/19/2022