Hey everyone! I’m Laura Kelley, a third-year Political Science and Public Relations major at the great University of Georgia. I am grateful for the experiences the School of Public and International Affairs has brought me. I have been able to take phenomenal classes with professors with extensive academic backgrounds. I am surrounded by the brightest students who want to pursue similar careers. Many are now my best friends, and we go together to events the school hosts. Most importantly, SPIA has presented me with unique internship opportunities to gain real-world experience while applying my studies and building my professional network.
Last year, during the 2023 Legislative Session, I interned with State Senator Larry Walker III in the Senate Majority Leadership Office. I saw the legislative process from the problem to bill creation to the governor signing legislation after it got through the General Assembly.
During the Spring semester of 2024, I interned with Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. I was given this opportunity through one of my professors, Dr. Charles Bullock, whose studies specialize in Southern Politics. I aspire to work in state politics following my education, and I knew this office would expose me to new political connections.
In the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, since he presides over the Senate and cannot vote on legislation, I learned how the state executive branch influences legislation. The Lieutenant Governor sets priorities and then works with senators, even representatives, and the Speaker of the House, Jon Burns, to create and get across the legislation. Lobbyists take advantage of this process and are constantly in the office to provide information or persuade opinion.
Not only did I learn more about the legislative process in Georgia, but I also expanded my professional network. Within the office are a chief of staff, director of public relations, director of constituent services, and two policy directors. Each day, I learned about their professional background (working on campaigns, other jobs at the capitol, or in Washington, D.C.) and how it has helped them in their current position. Based on their experiences and education, they are also very knowledgeable, so they consult legislators or even lobbyists when creating legislation. I also met U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, who helped me receive an internship in Congress for the upcoming summer.
Overall, I have enjoyed learning about the legislative process through this opportunity. I am grateful to SPIA for presenting opportunities during my undergraduate studies and setting up those to come.
