SPAA Internship Spotlight: Odalys Rodriguez – Office of Congressman Payne Jr.
Name: Odalys Rodriguez
SPAA Degree: BA in Public and Nonprofit Administration
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2024
Name of Organization: Office of Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr., 10th District
Location: Newark, NJ
Title: Constituent Services Assistant Intern
Date of Internship: Fall 2022
Summary of Responsibilities:
My responsibilities included greeting and assisting constituents and guests visiting and calling the office, guiding constituents to available services and directing them to their proper case manager, contacting constituents regarding their congressional requests, researching issues, agency policies, services, and grants, creating and updating databases, and assisting staff members.
Favorite Part(s) of the Internship:
My favorite part of the internship was learning about the many services the office provides to its constituents. Daily, the office receives numerous calls from people requesting help from federal agencies, such as Social Security, Unemployment, the IRS, and Veterans Services. Being able to see a case resolved and getting to hear the constituent’s satisfaction and gratefulness is very rewarding. Additionally, being able to work next to knowledgeable and professional individuals, inspired me to want to keep learning and growing in my professional career.
Career Goals
I would like to become an executive director for a government agency. Later when I retire, I would like to create my own nonprofit organization to build schools in underdeveloped countries.
How did the Service-learning Internship course at SPAA help you navigate your internship responsibilities?
The Service-learning Internship course was helpful because it reinforced the importance of internships for students and how to take advantage of this great opportunity. The course kept me engaged and provided me with many resources and programs from Rutgers, which I was unaware of. One of those programs was the Braven Program, which is a great career development program for students. Through this program, I was able to gain valuable skills and professional experience, which I can utilize at my current job and after I graduate.
What kind of skills did you learn during this internship?
Before coming here, I was unaware of the many functions of elected officials. I have learned of the many services provided by the congressman’s office, how to navigate the case management system, draft condolence letters, and where to locate state representatives. Since I spent a lot of time on the phone with constituents, federal agencies, and political representatives, I have improved and strengthened my communication skills and phone etiquette.
Has your mentoring part of the internship been helpful navigating your career goals?
My mentoring part of the internship was extremely helpful in navigating my career goals. I was inspired by the staff’s stories. Working at the congressman’s office has sparked my interest in politics and my curiosity about potential careers in this sector. I am looking forward to getting more one-on-ones and job shadowing opportunities to gain additional firsthand experience.