James Corl (December '22) is a political science major who recently served as an intern for the United States House Committee on Oversight and Reform. James’ work was supported by the Ignite Award, which allows students to avail themselves of professional experiences that might not otherwise be possible financially. The undergraduate reflected upon what the experience was like with Le Moyne's Office of Communications.
Office of Communications (OC): Can you start off by telling me a little bit about your internship site, for example, which office you were in, what they do or specialize in, what happens there?
James Corl (JC): This summer, I worked on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. More specifically, I worked on the minority side in this Congress, the Republicans The main purpose of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform is to investigate fraud, waste and abuse within the federal government. This mandate, coupled with its broad subpoena power, makes it one of the most powerful House committees. Most people have probably heard about the hearings we had this summer. The two most prominent were the gun violence hearing in early June, and the Washington Commanders hearing (featuring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell) held on June 22.
OC: What were your primary responsibilities in your internship, or what was a typical day like for you?
JC: I would help staff members with a wide variety of tasks. Some days, I would be assigned to vet potential witnesses or investigate the majority’s witnesses. Other days, I would draft questions that would go on to be used in hearings. My favorite task was researching issues for upcoming hearings. I would condense my findings into one- or two-page memos, which I would then send to senior staff for [to read]. Staff are often too busy to research most issues on their own, so it felt good knowing that senior staff relied on my memos for their understanding of a number of issues.
If my schedule allowed for it, I would also find time to network with other Republicans on (or near) the Hill. For example, I got to connect with senior officials from committees such as Foreign Affairs, Education and Labor, Small Business, and others. The most prominent person I met was Dustin Carmack, who was previously [Florida] Gov. Ron DeSantis' chief of staff when he was a congressman.
OC: How would you complete this sentence: The best part of the internship was …
JC: … getting to interact with congressmen (and congresswomen) on an intimate basis. It is easy to demonize politicians on both sides from afar. However, I got to talk with several of them (Democrats and Republicans) in intimate settings. While that will not change the fact that I do not agree with some of them on policy, it did help me see how at the end of the day, we share one thing – our common humanity.
OC: How did you change or grow over the course of your internship?
The internship made me more fully appreciate how there are many ways to effect change in the world. Of course, being in Washington gave me a heightened awareness of how the federal government impacts our lives. However, I met with so many fellow interns who have effected change at the state and local levels. They pushed me to do what I can to make our community better, one action at a time.
OC: What are your professional plans for the future?
JC: I plan to work in the realm of public policy and politics; what form that may take, I do not know right now. While in Washington, I received offers to potentially work on presidential campaigns, as well as in state governments. I may also return to Washington to work on a committee in either the House of Representatives or Senate. Ultimately, I would like to become an elected official myself at the federal level.
How would you complete this sentence: I hope to use my Le Moyne education to make the world …
I hope to use my Le Moyne education to make the world a more altruistic place. My calling in life is to serve the United States and its citizens through public service. I hope this will inspire others to dedicate their lives to public service to our country as well.
This is part of a series of question-and-answer sessions with Le Moyne students who recently completed meaningful, transformative work as interns for a range of businesses, government entities and nonprofit organizations. For more information on finding an internship opportunity at Le Moyne, visit the Office of Career Advising and Development.