Name: Paul Calkins, Jr.
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
Year: Class of 2021
Major: Strategic communication with minors in Spanish and political science
Internship: Calkins joined the U.S. House of Representatives this summer as a Congressional Intern for Representative Ted Budd. He serves as a liaison between constituents and Congressional staff by researching pending legislation, responding to constituents’ legislative inquiries, and communicating the Congressman’s position on certain issues. Calkins has the opportunity to draft letters on a variety of legislative issues to send to constituents. He attends hearings and briefings on behalf of the legislative staff, compiles follow-up information, briefs relevant staffers on the subject matter and occasionally recommends potential action.
How HPU helped you get there: “The faculty and staff of HPU do a tremendous job of pushing me to challenge myself. My professors give me assignments that I’m not an expert in because the best way to learn and succeed is to go outside of your comfort zone. That’s what HPU has pushed me to do. Dr. Doug Hall in the Office of Career and Professional Development has been helping me since day one. I remember sitting in his office telling him I wanted to work on Capitol Hill this summer. He was surprised by my ambition but never doubtful of my ability. He assisted me with perfecting my LinkedIn profile, resume and told me he’d keep an eye out for any opportunities. Fall of 2018, the opportunity arose to apply for the HPU in the City: Washington D.C. program. I went through the interview process and was fortunate enough to be accepted. The trip that was led by Dr. Hall and Erica Burroughs and was beyond beneficial to my future endeavors. I made contact with offices in D.C. and was able to continue the conversations with employers after the trip. Needless to say, there are numerous opportunities in the Office of Career and Professional Development. You just have to use them as a resource.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Kerr Ramsay, the associate vice president for admissions, has been an incredible resource for me during my time at HPU. Whether it is advice in the University Ambassador role I hold, or helping me come up with ideas for the Media Fellows Program, he is able to help me succeed. He advises for the Sigma Nu chapter on High Point University’s campus and provides great insight on what qualities make a great leader.”
What has your internship experience been like, and how is it preparing you for your future?: “I could not have asked for a better first internship. The atmosphere that I find myself in every day is unlike any other job. I am seeing first hand the floor procedure of the U.S. House of Representatives. It is an honor to work for the U.S. government. I feel prepared for future endeavors, whether it be in the public sector again, or venturing over to the private sector. It is a fast paced environment, and it has taught me to be able to adapt quickly.”