Working on the personal staff of a Nobel Peace Prize Winner, former Vice President of the United States and visionary proponent of the Internet is no easy task. But that’s the assignment that Erin House, a senior political science major at High Point University, tackled during a summer internship with Al Gore.
House’s responsibilities as an intern included handling correspondence, archiving and organizing Gore’s personal notes from his most recent book, “The Future.” She also compiled press contacts from local, national and international media outlets, researched and fact checked, and transcribed speaking events for press releases.
“Being a part of Al Gore’s personal staff is a political science major’s dream come true,” House says. “Working for someone like Al Gore means there is no room for error, so I had to make sure my work was consistently accurate, thoroughly researched, well organized and done in a timely manner. I was afforded opportunities to work on projects that many interns would not have had access to in other internships.”
The Power of Networking
The Ponte Vedra, Florida native first connected with Gore’s office after hearing a common theme from HPU’s Office of Career & Internship Services: network, network, network.
“I used LinkedIn to connect with a family friend that I hadn’t spoken with since I was a child and found out that she is the current Chief of Staff for Al Gore,” says House. “I sent her a message to reconnect, and after talking with her about my major, she suggested I apply to intern at the office. Al Gore’s office doesn’t advertise their internships, so the recommendations of his staff and associates are crucial.”
Choosing To Be Extraordinary
House credits Dr. Alixandra Yanus, assistant professor of political science, Dr. Jenn Brandt, director of women’s and gender studies and assistant professor of English, and Dr. Mark Setzler, chair of the political science department, for encouraging her to push beyond what was expected and to never give up.
“The unique and professional atmosphere of the HPU campus allowed me to feel confident and comfortable in a professional environment,” says House. “I didn’t realize how much Dr. Qubein’s statement – in order to be great, you must be surrounded by greatness – really affected my professional development.”
With commencement just around the corner, House also says HPU’s inspiring environment encouraged her to go above and beyond the call of duty – a trait that will serve her well, no matter where her post-grad career takes her.