Michaela Worona, Political Science-Public Service, ’18

Michaela Worona attended the UC Davis Washington Program in Fall 2017.

Communication Intern, Governance Studies Department at The Brookings Institution

“Keep an open mind, have lofty goals, and be ready for anything.”

Michaela Worona set high goals before embarking on her journey to Washington, D.C. From making professional connections to gaining political experience, Michaela was ready to personally and professionally grow in an environment different from Sacramento.

In Washington, Michaela says she gained hands-on experience by actively applying knowledge from her political science courses in the College of Letters and Science. At the Brookings Institution, Michaela assembled media clips and reports for think-tank scholars, assisted with department events, and analyzed trends on the department website and social media accounts. “I appreciate how UCDC contextualized what I am learning in classes,” she said.

In addition to lessons learned while networking with co-workers at happy hour in downtown Washington, Michaela notes how valuable her UCDC “mentor” was in helping her make other connections in the capital. One of many UC alumni living and working in Washington, her mentor is among a cadre of alumni staffing the UCDC program’s network of mentors.

“My mentor facilitated meetings with over 40 different people from the Brookings Institution, and I gained invaluable experience and connections that will last me a lifetime,” said Michaela.

Back in Davis, Michaela continues her work in media and policy research at a public affairs and governmental relations firm in Sacramento. With a greater focus in her professional goals and understanding of a professional work environment, Michaela is already considering the possibility of moving back to Washington after graduation.

The UC Davis Washington Program (UCDC) offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students with majors of all kinds – from English to animal science – to live, work, and study for an academic quarter in the nation’s capital. No matter their major, students integrate compelling coursework with exceptional work experience from an array of organizations throughout the Washington, D.C., metro area. 

— By Maddy Shiber, writing intern in the UC Davis College of Letters and Science. May 15, 2018.