SPH student experiences politics and policy firsthand through Capitol Hill internship
The last few months have ushered in a whirlwind of change for UNTHSC School of Public Health student Megan Bhatti, who is interning this spring in Washington, D.C., for U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, representing the 12th District of Texas.
Bhatti’s days are busy attending briefings, answering citizen phone calls to Representative Granger’s office, hosting Capitol tours, running errands and working on special projects.
In between, she often finds time to sit in on Congressional hearings and attend various political events around town. Interns are encouraged to take advantage of the many different learning and networking opportunities available, to gain the most from their experience.
“So much of what you discover comes from being in D.C. itself,” said Bhatti (MPH, Health Management and Policy). “Internships are what you make them. By keeping your eyes and ears open, and taking it all in, you learn a lot. Most people are also willing to give advice and answer questions if you ask, so it pays off to put yourself out there and engage with as many as you can.”
After graduation, Bhatti would like to work in health policy, analysis and advocacy.
“I’ve learned so much from my UNTHSC classes and relationships with my professors,” she said.
But Bhatti said that by far some of the most important things she’s learned as a student have come from outside the classroom.
“There’s no greater way to learn about health policy than by seeing it in action on the Hill,” she said.
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