How She Got That Internship: Tatum’s Internship At Peace Corps

How She Got That Internship is a series that highlights conservative women’s internships in various organizations and positions to inspire the next generation of conservative women to lead. Did you, or a young woman that you know, have an internship experience you want to share with our readers? Submit it in this form and we will contact you if we think it would be a great fit for the series. 

Summer is perhaps the best time for young leaders to invest in themselves by gaining valuable work experience, namely through internships. As summer comes to a close and fall looms ahead, FFL is sitting down with a number interns to reflect on this year’s highlights and encourage more young leaders to apply for next year’s internships!

Tatum Ashby is 21 years old and a Senior at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida majoring in Political Science. This summer, Tatum is an intern at the United States Peace Corps in their Congressional Relations office.

How did you find out about the position, and why did you decide to apply?

I found out about the internship position at Peace Corps through a family friend. I decided to apply for the position because I felt it would be a great opportunity and it very well fit my interest in international affairs.

What was the driving force behind choosing to work at as a Peace Corps intern?

I would have to say the driving force behind deciding to work as a Peace Corps intern was definitely my lifelong interest in the work Peace Corps does. Ever since I was a little girl and I learned of the Peace Corps I have always had a passion to somehow be involved with the agency.

Have you interned in DC before? If so, where?

I have interned in DC before! I was an intern in the office of Senator Rand Paul last summer, which was an amazing experience as well.

Describe a typical day at your internship.

A typical day in the office of Congressional Relations at Peace Corps can vary, I work on a large range of projects. Our office receives a lot of casework, as well as coordinating congressional outreach projects and meetings/events on the Hill!

What has been the most rewarding aspect of working for the Peace Corps?

The most rewarding aspect of working for the Peace Corps has been the people that I have met. At headquarters about half of the staff are Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. They are such incredible people, I have made friendships and connections that will last me a lifetime and I have learned so much from hearing their stories and experiences from their time at post.

What was the biggest WOW moment of your internship?

The biggest WOW moment from my internship experience this summer would have to be getting to meet the Director of Peace Corps, Jody Olsen. She is such an inspiring woman with a true passion and desire to enhance the mission of Peace Corps.

Looking back over your time in the internship, what’s been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a result of your time working for the Peace Corps?

Reflecting on my time at Peace Corps the most valuable thing I have learned over the past 2 months is, never underestimate yourself and what you can bring to the table. I was fortunate enough to have supervisors who truly see potential in me and believe that I was an asset to the office and that was really empowering.

RELATED READ: How She Got That Internship: Heritage Foundation Edition

Would you apply to work at the Peace Corps again, and what advice would you give to future applicants?

I would most definitely apply to work at Peace Corps again, who knows maybe after my undergrad, I will apply to go into service! My advice to future applicants for internships at headquarters would be to inform yourself on what Peace Corps does and some of the programs that the agency offers. I would also suggest that you have some sort of passion or interest in international affairs.

Additionally, I would just like to say if anyone reading this is considering interning in DC, do it. It is truly an experience of a lifetime. You will learn and grow so much, while making great friends and connections along the way.

How She Got That Internship is a series that highlights conservative women’s internships in various organizations and positions to inspire the next generation of conservative women to lead. Did you, or a young woman that you know, have an internship experience you want to share with our readers? Submit it in this form and we will contact you if we think it would be a great fit for the series.