Student Spotlight: Samanta Clavel Interns with the NY State Assembly in Albany

The New York State Assembly Internship Program is a great opportunity for students to gain both academic knowledge and hands-on experience. Working side by side with state legislators, students enrolled in the program can participate in government through a well-structured and practical learning experience. Open to both graduate and undergraduate students, the program selects up to 150 interns each year, giving participants the opportunity to develop effective skills, create a valuable network of professionals, and gain firsthand insight into how public policy is created and implemented. 

Farmingdale State College has had several students participate in the New York State Assembly Internship Program. Most recently, Samanta Clavel, a Criminal Justice student, who spent last semester in Albany participating in the program and gaining valuable insight. She states, “The experience gave me a deeper understanding of how government works, how laws are developed, and how public policy impacts communities across our state”. 

Throughout those fifteen weeks, Samanta worked as a legislative intern and assisted with a variety of policy and constituent-related tasks. She took notes while attending meetings and hearings, conducted research on legislation, drafted memos and letters of support, and assisted staff with a variety of work. Although tasks were challenging, Samanta credits the Criminal Justice program, explaining that courses focusing on law, public policy, and the justice system helped her better analyze policy issues from both a legal and social perspective. She also explains that those courses allowed her to better understand legislative discussions involving public safety, criminal justice reform, and social services. 

Programs such as The New York State Assembly help to better prepare students for the professional world. Prior to entering the program, Samanta had an understanding of the legislative process; however, once she began interning, she quickly realized it was much more complex. Opportunities such as these are important for students, as many of them finish college with a vast range of knowledge but limited experience to support it. Samanta states that the program helped her extensively by strengthening her research, writing, communication, and analytical skills.  

The program ultimately provided Samanta countless opportunities to learn from professionals and immeasurable assistance in further developing transferable skills. She explains that many of her takeaways from participating in the program simply cannot be learned in the classroom. Samanta also states that she highly recommends the program to any students considering it. She challenges you to step outside your comfort zone and take advantage of these opportunities, as she did, and explains that doing so will better develop the fundamental skills required in the professional world. When reflecting on her experiences, she explains that the program is effective in building confidence in students and better preparing them for future success. For students interested in government, public policy, or criminal justice, the New York State Assembly Internship Program offers a unique opportunity to turn classroom knowledge into meaningful professional experience.