Anya Popa
Majors: Political Science, Artificial Intelligence
Congressional Intern, Congressman Frank Mvran
How did you learn about this internship opportunity?
I first started exploring congressional internships through conversations with my advisors and mentors. Taking PHIL 115: Philosophy: What Are You Going To Do With That? also encouraged me to apply. The section I took was tailored to AI majors in the College of Liberal Arts, and it helped me see how I could connect my interest in technology with public policy. That perspective made me realize a congressional internship would be a great way to explore those intersections while building real-world experience.
How has your internship helped build your skills and clarify your career goals? How did being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue apply to your internship?
My internship helped strengthen my communication, research, and constituent service skills. I gained experience drafting outreach materials, helping constituents navigate government resources, and learning how local offices engage with federal policy. Being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue gave me the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and adapt to complex, fast-paced environments. Courses like PHIL 240: Political Philosophy and POL 228: Data Science and Public Policy helped me understand both the ethical foundations of governance and the practical tools used to analyze policy.
What is a piece of advice you would give someone in your major looking for an internship?
As an AI major in the College of Liberal Arts, I’ve learned that this major opens the door to so many different fields, such as tech policy, law, public service, and data analysis. My advice is to take advantage of Purdue’s resources early and to build good relationships with your professors and mentors. I also went to the College of Liberal Arts’ Career Services Center before my interview to prepare, which made me feel much more confident.
What key responsibilities or tasks have you taken on during your internship?
During my internship, I supported both the constituent services and communications efforts. I helped respond to constituent inquiries, assisted with casework related to federal agencies, and learned how to track and organize incoming concerns. I also contributed to drafting press releases and community outreach materials, which taught me how to communicate clearly and professionally on behalf of a public official. Additionally, I used my data science skills to assist with background research, organizing information related to district-specific issues and grants to help staff make informed decisions. I also attended local events and meetings, gaining firsthand insight into how a congressional office stays connected to the district it serves. These responsibilities helped me develop both practical skills and a deeper understanding of how government works on the ground level.
In what ways has the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University supported your internship journey? How has your participation in our job-ready program specifically aided your professional development?
The College of Liberal Arts played a major role in helping me secure and succeed in my internship. Through the Job-Ready program, I received funding that made it financially possible for me to take on a congressional internship. The College of Liberal Arts has also supported my professional development through the CLA Career Center, which introduced me to many different opportunities that helped me build my resume and get involved on campus. Through specialized professional development classes like PHIL 115 and the Career Services Center, CLA has introduced me to research labs, clubs, and other opportunities that made me stand out as an applicant. Being a CLA student means being part of a community that values curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking, and real-world impact. I have felt consistently supported in pursuing unique paths, like combining my interest in AI with law and public service, and that flexibility has helped me determine my long-term goals.
Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in this program that you find particularly noteworthy?
One of the most memorable parts of my internship was getting to attend several town halls hosted by Congressman Mrvan. Being present at those events gave me a firsthand look at how elected officials engage directly with their constituents. It was powerful to see how much people value having their voices heard and how much work goes into making that possible behind the scenes. Being part of the Job-Ready program made this experience possible and showed me that Liberal Arts students bring valuable, well-rounded perspectives to even the most fast-paced professional environments.