Erin Poe '25 Interns with the Congressional Oversight Committee
Weinberg College fourth-year Erin Poe spent this past summer interning with the Congressional Oversight Committee in preparation for a future career in public service with a focus on the federal government.
Poe also plans to go to law school to further these goals. Her experience working with the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability has fueled her passion for shaping government policy, and she wants to combine her legal and political expertise to create impactful, equitable policies that serve the public good. Below is a brief interview where Erin Poe discusses her time spent on Capitol Hill.
You worked with the Congressional Oversight Committee this summer – what was your role, and what did your work entail?
It was such an exciting and packed summer working with the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. My day-to-day work involved working closely with the Democratic clerk, press, and counsel teams, helping with research for ongoing investigations, and assisting senior staff during hearings. Toward the end of my internship, I got to write and edit hearing statements for committee members and even worked on committee memos. My fellow interns and I also handled correspondence with other Congressional offices and government agencies, which kept things fast-paced and dynamic. From hearings on the Secret Service to PBMs to the GAO, the committee explored some of the most pressing issues in government oversight.
What was the most significant thing you learned while working there?
I try to develop relationships with everyone I work with, and I think that making connections is everything in politics. You could be the smartest person in the room, but it's a major roadblock if no one wants to work with you. Politics is very much a team effort, and I learned that building strong connections, whether with fellow interns, committee staff, or people from other offices, is crucial. A bunch of my friends have interned for government offices, think tanks, media organizations, and consulting, and I believe those relationships will be incredibly valuable moving forward.
What’s the most interesting thing you encountered while working there? 
I’m going to sound silly, but it was honestly surreal how often I’d run into politicians—whether grabbing lunch or just walking through the halls. Seeing people you’ve only watched on TV or seen in the news right in front of you felt like an out-of-body experience at times! On the more practical side, I’ve also become surprisingly fluent in the countless acronyms for government agencies. It might not be the most useful skill outside of DC, but it definitely came in handy on the Hill!
What can you tell us about daily life working on Capitol Hill?
At first, the Capitol Complex felt huge and confusing, but it became second nature once I got the hang of it. I loved grabbing lunch around Capitol Hill — Sweetgreen is definitely my go-to. As I’ve mentioned, I really think that building connections is a big part of the experience, whether it's grabbing a quick coffee with colleagues or catching up with other interns after a busy morning. And, after a while, you will naturally find your rhythm and get into a routine.
Tell us about living in DC. What were your favorite neighborhoods or places to spend your free time?
DC was such a fun city to live in, especially because so many of my Northwestern friends were interning there, too. We spent a lot of time in Dupont Circle, Georgetown, and Capitol Hill, exploring the city whenever we had free time. Being an art history major, in addition to studying political science, I was obsessed with visiting the National Gallery of Art and the Phillips Collection. They have fantastic special exhibits! I will say that DC’s summer weather can be brutal, but the city is so walkable that I didn’t mind braving the heat to see the monuments, catch a Nationals game, or go to an outdoor concert.
Are summers in DC as bad as they say?
Yes! Yes! Yes! The weather was definitely a challenge for me. I’m from San Diego, where it’s basically 70 degrees all the time, so DC’s summer heat and humidity were not something I was used to. I will say there are definitely a lot of tourists in the summertime, especially around the National Mall, but it’s not unbearable—for me, it just adds to the buzz of the city.
Is there anything in particular you learned in your classes at NU that prepared you for your position?
My political science classes at Northwestern definitely gave me an excellent foundation for this internship as I had learned a lot about the legislative process. My courses on policy and government gave me a good grasp of how different branches work, the role of committees in shaping laws, and how representatives advocate for their constituents. However, one of the most valuable things I took away from NU is how its rigorous academic environment taught me effective time management. Balancing a demanding course load with extracurricular activities helped me develop the ability to prioritize and multitask, which was crucial in my internship, where balancing multiple responsibilities and deadlines simultaneously is the norm.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience or any advice you’d give to fellow students looking for opportunities like the one you had?
I absolutely loved my time working for Congress and would strongly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to take advantage! I would reach out to anyone and everyone in the field you're interested in, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or look for advice. Apply for internships early and often, and make sure you’re well-prepared for interviews. Networking is huge, and it’s amazing how far a quick conversation or connection can take you. Overall, Capitol Hill is a wild but incredible place to work, and I’d recommend it to anyone passionate about public service.