Naja Woodard ‘27 is a first semester sophomore, double concentrating in Africana Studies and History.

What motivated you to participate in the Brown in Washington (BiW) program?

I was motivated to join the Brown in Washington program because I wanted to explore my career options. I’ve never had an internship before this fall, so I thought it would be nice to experience that while exploring a new city. Even if the internship didn’t end up being everything I hoped for, I would at least know what fields to avoid in the future. Though, I did end up enjoying my internship. 

How did you learn about the internship opportunity at the Niskanen Center and what drew you to it?

I learned about the Niskanen Center through an email that the program coordinator, Dr. Frelier, shared with the BiW cohort members. I was interested in learning more about public policy and I thought working at a think tank would be a good way to get an introduction to different policy areas. I ended up being chosen to work in the Communications department, and I knew that the skills I would gain from that role could be applied to almost any job I choose to work in the future. Plus, everyone I interacted with at the Niskanen Center was very friendly and professional. So, I felt confident that I would enjoy working there. 

What have you most enjoyed this semester?

That’s a tough question to answer because there are a lot of things I enjoyed. But I would say I appreciated the opportunity to explore a new city the most. It was interesting to experience the culture of D.C. because it’s a very diverse city. I loved going to different festivals, museums, landmarks, and neighborhoods. I had the chance to bond with my cohort members and branch out to meet professionals living in D.C. Most people originated from places across the country or around the world, so it was a unique opportunity to learn about the journeys that landed them in the same place as me.  

How might other Brown University students know if an internship like yours is right for them?

That’s a very subjective question. An internship in communications is useful to pretty much anybody because you will have to be able to communicate your ideas with other people no matter what field you work in.  If you are good at reading quickly, adaptive writing, and taking feedback, you might consider working in communications–though, you can also pursue the field if you want to improve these skills too. 

Some of my main responsibilities included: promoting company publications on social media, video editing, and some analytics. Of course, communication work looks different depending on the company. So, be sure to read the job description carefully and don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions during your interviews. 

Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in pursuing an opportunity like this one?

I think anyone who is interested in participating in the Brown in Washington program should reach out to Dr. Frelier. She can either answer your questions or connect you with previous participants who can. I know it can be a bit intimidating to apply to a new program, but you can really make the experience your own. I suggest searching for organizations in D.C. that do work you’re interested in and see if they host internships. There’s something for almost anyone. 

If you end up going through with it, make sure you make the most of your time in D.C. I know school and work can be tiring. Still, you should make a point to seek out events–professional or casual–, connect with other professionals in fields you want to learn more about, and take in everything D.C. has to offer. It’s a unique opportunity, so don’t waste it!

Did you complete any Africana Studies courses that influenced your participation in the program or internship?

I took the class “This is America: Reimagining the American Saga” with Professor Mack Scott in the spring semester of 2024. He taught us a lot about the role of marginalized communities in the development of the United States and I think that sparked some curiosity about how our government works. Working at a think tank gave me some insight into what issues are relevant in Congress and the various actors that influence politics. Professor Hamiln’s class, “Introduction to Africana Studies,” was also a very reading- and writing-intensive course and I think that prepared me well for the work I had to do. I would recommend both classes to anyone on campus, whether or not they’re already an Africana Studies concentrator. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share to people who read this interview about your experiences or advice?

Overall, I think that Brown in Washington was a good opportunity to step away from campus while still working toward graduation. It gave me a slight taste of what life might be like for me after graduation, once I begin working. My extra free time not only gave me the chance to explore D.C., but I was also able to take out time to prepare myself to return to campus. I was able to think about what programs I really wanted to invest in, explore career opportunities, and return to Brown with a clearer vision for my future. 

I appreciate the time and guidance of all the people I met while I was in D.C. and I feel very motivated to finish my undergraduate education. If you use the opportunity wisely, BiW can give you the chance to reflect on what you want out of your time at Brown and build new connections for your future. Anyone who is interested in learning more about my experience is welcome to reach out to me!