Student Spends Summer in Washington, D.C. learning from Congressman Baird

Abigail Meier (Agrimarketing/Political Science; Elizabethtown, IN) chose to complete a summer internship that catered to her double major, potential career interests, and professional development. She found the perfect fit as a U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Intern working in the Washington D.C. office of Congressman Jim Baird, Indiana’s 4th District.

As an intern, Abigail (Abby) learned how to do the tasks of a legislative aid including composing meeting briefings, researching policy issues related to the agriculture industry, updating the daily commodity board, speaking with constituents, writing letters to address constituent concerns, and leading tours throughout the Nation’s Capital.

Abby also said this summer was the perfect time to be there, since Congress was working on the 2023 Farm Bill. The experience showed her the dynamics of working for the government and how federal policy works for agriculture. She learned that collaborating with others on how to solve the issue at hand produces the best results that benefit the most people.

“My favorite memory so far has been getting the opportunity to speak with industry professionals about their cause before the meeting with the congressman or members of staff,” said Abby.

This internship has solidified Abby’s goal to return to D.C. after graduation and work in policy, so she can continue working to improve the agriculture industry. Next summer, she hopes to return to D.C. and seek an internship where she can learn more about careers in agriculture and policy issues that impact the industry.

Abby says she is beyond grateful for the Congressman’s staff as they each individually impacted her.

“I have gained many mentors that I know will support me through the rest of my college career and beyond,” said Abby.

She is also grateful to have been chosen as a CATE policy intern through the College of Ag.

“The College of Agriculture has supported me in more ways than one,” said Abby. “I would not be able to be here without the support I have received from this program.”