Making a Difference
How LBJ School Students Spent Their Summer Vacation
Every summer, LBJ School students head out into the policy arena to learn more about the kinds of careers they can pursue after graduation—and to gain the experience they will need to be successful. This summer, their internships covered a number of critical policy areas, including global affairs, food security, wildlife conservation, municipal finance, and U.S.–Mexico environmental issues.
The mission of the LBJ School is to train both "thinkers and doers," and a hallmark of the LBJ experience is a curriculum that combines academic work with practical experience in the policy world. Students have the chance to customize not only their coursework, but also their work experience via a required 400-hour professional internship related to their policy area of interest.
Elisa Santana, a second-year student pursuing her Master of Global Policy Studies, interned in the State Department's Political and Economic Affairs section at the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany. There, she wrote a speech for the Consul General, worked on the Human Rights Report for Germany, presented to German graduate students, and helped provide logistics for a conference.
"My supervisors and colleagues treated me with respect. They encouraged me to take on large responsibilities and provided a space for real professional development. I can't speak enough on how prepared I felt going into this internship," Elisa said.
The LBJ School populates the workforce with alumni who are determined to make an impact. By supporting the LBJ School, the institution can continue to provide a high quality education to outstanding student like Elisa, who will go on to contribute viable solutions to society.
Encourage the Next Generation of Leaders
Your future gift to the LBJ Foundation helps enhance the outstanding education offered at the LBJ School. Contact Samantha Stone at 512-721-0263 or samantha@lbjfoundation.org to discuss your charitable giving options.