CHIP Fellow Negar Faily Reflects on Internship With Congressman Brad Schneider 

Negar Faily is a senior at Loyola University Chicago, pursuing a degree in Political Science. Last fall, she interned with Congressman Brad Schneider on Capitol Hill.

Until the fall 2024 semester, I had never lived away from Chicago. During my junior year, I began exploring opportunities to study “abroad” and discovered my university’s Washington, D.C., internship program, which allowed me to intern while remaining a full-time student. A few months later, I found myself in D.C. as PAAIA’s CHIP Fellow and an intern for Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10).

This experience was enriched by the mentorship and guidance provided by PAAIA. Dr. Bolourchi, Mr. Ghorban, and Ms. Mana Azarmi offered invaluable advice—not only on professional skills like effective writing but also on managing stress and avoiding burnout. Their support, combined with the opportunity to attend and volunteer at a PAAIA-hosted briefing, significantly enhanced my understanding of networking and professional growth. Thanks to their mentorship, navigating my role as a Congressional Intern felt far less daunting.

Working in D.C. taught me the importance of adaptability. On any given day, I answered constituent calls, attended briefings and hearings, and completed administrative work. I sharpened my writing skills, technological proficiency, ability to read and analyze legislative materials, multitasking, and emotional intelligence. I also had the incredible opportunity to attend the White House Garden Tour, hear Bill Nye the Science Guy speak about healthcare, and witness Secretary Antony Blinken testify before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the Afghanistan withdrawal. While the weight of some subjects could be emotionally challenging, D.C.’s vibrant culture more than made up for it.

I am incredibly grateful to my family, professors, PAAIA, and my office for making this experience so rewarding. This opportunity not only broadened my perspective on public service but also strengthened my skills as a learner, coworker, and friend. To anyone considering working or interning on Capitol Hill, I cannot recommend it enough—it is truly an amazing experience!