Our Matsui Center undergraduate fellows share their unique and transformative experiences in public service, research, and public policy opportunities.
Blogs: IGS Fellows in the World
UCDC Spring 2022: Conquering cold weather and Covid in the Capital to become an advocate for survivors of Intimate-Partner Violence
My time in DC has felt like a fever dream of sorts. The 16 weeks of being a UCDC participant have been both exhilarating and challenging. Experiencing a big move to the East Coast, adapting to the cold weather, seeking professional development opportunities, and balancing academics and an...Read more about UCDC Spring 2022: Conquering cold weather and Covid in the Capital to become an advocate for survivors of Intimate-Partner Violence
UCDC Spring 2022: Finding joy and inspiration while supporting immigrant communities at Mil Mujeres
I am a Paralegal intern at Mil Mujeres located three blocks away from the White House. The organization provides legal services in Washington D.C and has a few other offices around the United States. The main goal of Mil Mujeres is to work with clients involved in domestic...Read more about UCDC Spring 2022: Finding joy and inspiration while supporting immigrant communities at Mil Mujeres
UCDC Spring 2022: Press and public service; Capturing the power of politics 'happening before my eyes'
As a Delawarean, Washington D.C. has always been just a drive away, but my past two months in the nation’s capital have been eye-opening, filled with learning, adventure, and discovery. Over the past few weeks, I have worked for Senator Chris Coons of Delaware as a press intern. My...Read more about UCDC Spring 2022: Press and public service; Capturing the power of politics 'happening before my eyes'
UCDC Spring 2022: Navigating nonprofit work as a student of color person of color in high-level political spaces
Being a participant in the UCDC program has been an informative and enlightening experience. It has given me a taste of the D.C city culture and political climate which has brought value into deciding my career choices. I have had the opportunity to learn just how many options there are in...Read more about UCDC Spring 2022: Navigating nonprofit work as a student of color person of color in high-level political spaces
A cross-country journey to the International Law Institute
After driving 2,000 miles cross country from the public markets of Seattle, to the peak of the Sears Tower in the windy city, Washington D.C. has been unparalleled in its ability to continually inspire young people like myself. Throughout these last 10 weeks, I have been welcomed into a dizzying...Read more about A cross-country journey to the International Law Institute
A Unique Experience at USAID’s Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau
Participating in the UCDC program has been a transformative and enlightening experience thus far. Before interning at the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau, my experience was limited to local government work. While I enjoyed this...Read more about A Unique Experience at USAID’s Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau
Transformation and Change: First Time in the Nation’s Capital!
Washington D.C. has been a whirlwind of change; a refreshing escape from the mild weather and dryness in California, an exciting opportunity to be at the epicenter of the nation’s capital, and a thrilling eye-opener into career opportunities in public service and the federal government. As a...Read more about Transformation and Change: First Time in the Nation’s Capital!
At the Intersections of Legal Aid and Policymaking at Georgetown Law’s Criminal Defense and Prisoner Advocacy Clinic
Washington DC is an amazing and vibrant city. DC is known as the political hub of our country, full of opportunities for people interested in politics and policy. Although that is not all that is to DC, there is a lot more. DC is full of yummy food, amazing art, and some of the best museums in...Read more about At the Intersections of Legal Aid and Policymaking at Georgetown Law’s Criminal Defense and Prisoner Advocacy Clinic
UCDC: An Enriching Academic Experience at the American Bar Association’s Commission on Immigration
Although this year’s University of California Washington D.C. program was conducted remotely due to COVID-19, it remains one of the most enriching experiences of my academic career. At the American Bar Association’s Commission on Immigration, some of the top immigration lawyers in the country...Read more about UCDC: An Enriching Academic Experience at the American Bar Association’s Commission on Immigration
My Semester in UCDC: An Introduction to a Career in International Human Rights
Though my internship was conducted virtually, I was still able to learn a great deal about the field of international human rights. I obtained a deeper understanding of the fast-paced work culture of a Washington law firm. While working at Perseus Strategies, I was given the great privilege of...Read more about My Semester in UCDC: An Introduction to a Career in International Human Rights
An unforgettable (virtual) UCDC experience
My time with UCDC was a brand new life experience. With a pandemic going on, I could not spend time in Washington D.C. and meet in person with classmates and colleagues. However, the virtual setting did not stop me from having a fruitful experience. Over the first couple of weeks, it was...Read more about An unforgettable (virtual) UCDC experience
An online Semester in the Washington D.C. Program
My UCDC experience is one I will never forget. Although the semester was online, my professors and the events held by the UCDC program coordinators made me feel as if there was no difference. My class, “The US Supreme Court,” taught me about important cases in the Supreme Court, and I got to...Read more about An online Semester in the Washington D.C. Program
A taste of life and politics in DC
Ever since I visited DC in eighth grade as the big, end-of-the-year school field trip, I knew instantly that I wanted to move back. Despite my semester being cut short due to COVID-19, I am so grateful for having experienced UCDC. Through the program, I’ve made close friends from all different...Read more about A taste of life and politics in DC
The Room Where It Happened
On a cold Saturday in February, I visited the city of Philadelphia, PA. As a native Californian, my first discovery in the city was the bitter chill of a sunny winter day. Next, I learned that Philadelphia is a timeless, historically rich city. This I learned when I toured Independence Hall, the...Read more about The Room Where It Happened
Senior Year in DC: A Rewarding Last Semester
Although my time in Washington D.C. was cut short due to coronavirus, the ten weeks I spent there allowed me to grow academically, professionally, and socially. At the National Center for Health Research, I was exposed to research on topics such as medical device and pharmaceutical drug safety...Read more about Senior Year in DC: A Rewarding Last Semester
Say YES to packing your bags to move across the country
Participating in UCDC as a Matsui Washington Fellow gave me my second opportunity to intern in Washington, DC. I spent my first internship at the U.S. Department of State in Summer 2019 and my second internship at the U.S. Agency for International Development in Spring 2020. In both roles, I was...Read more about Say YES to packing your bags to move across the country
Blog: IGS Alums in Public Service
IGS Alumni Snapshot: Kyle Simerly, Public Information Officer of Caltrans (Cal in Sac 2011), with IGS’s Kelly Jones
On March 14, Caltrans deployed 700 electronic road signs to remind drivers to take precautions during the coronavirus pandemic. The signs currently flash...Read more about Blog: IGS Alums in Public Service
Caring for Collections within the Smithsonian Museums
As a Berkeley senior, I spent my last semester in DC as a Matsui Fellow. This experience has truly helped me jumpstart my professional career in the museum field. I interned with the National Collections Program (NCP) within the Smithsonian Institution during the UCDC program, and was...Read more about Caring for Collections within the Smithsonian Museums
An Unforgettable Experience
My time in DC absolutely flew by! Having been back in California for a little over two weeks, I already miss the DC Spring weather, my UCDC friends, and my internship. The remainder of my semester was jam-packed with events, ranging from touring the Capitol Building to attending the Cherry...Read more about An Unforgettable Experience
A city built on networking
I’ve been amazed at how fast the semester has flown by. With just over a month left, I’m feeling the pressure to take advantage of my time left in DC. But looking back, the last two months have been packed with work and class, and I’m impressed that I have managed to do as much as I have outside...Read more about A city built on networking
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