This past summer (summer 2025), AnnLauren had the opportunity to serve as a Legislative Intern in the Office of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren in Washington, D.C. The role allowed her to be immersed in the day-to-day work of a Senate office, from attending hearings and briefings to supporting research that informed staff analysis and decision-making. She also worked closely with constituent services, helping log and route correspondence and maintain casework databases, which gave her insight into how the needs and concerns of real people shape policy priorities. Being part of this environment helped her better understand how policy and constituent work come together, reinforcing her interest in public service.
Name: AnnLauren Djoko
Class Year: Class of 2026
Major: Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology
Internship: Office of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren
Internship Location: Washington, D.C.
What skills or knowledge did you gain from this experience?
As a Philosophy–Neuroscience–Psychology major, I haven’t had many opportunities to take formal policy courses, even though I’ve always been interested in advocacy and public policy. Interning in Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office gave me direct exposure to how policy work happens across a wide range of issue areas. I supported hearings and briefings and conducted research on topics ranging from tax reform and housing to emerging issues like artificial intelligence, which allowed me to see how different policy sectors intersect. Working across these areas helped me develop strong research, writing, and analytical skills while also giving me the chance to discover what issues most excite me. The experience showed me how policy ideas move from concept to implementation and confirmed my interest in pursuing work that blends analysis, advocacy, and public impact.
How did this experience shape or confirm your career interests?
As a student minoring in Legal Studies and Sociology, I have always known that I want to pursue a career in law, particularly work centered on advocacy and equity. My work in Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office helped me think more deeply about how policy and law intersect, and how policy often serves as the foundation upon which laws are built. Being immersed in the legislative process showed me that understanding policy is essential to effective legal work, especially when advocating for marginalized communities. Through my work in the Senate, I became especially interested in how issues like immigration, housing, and economic access are shaped upstream through policy decisions before they ever reach the courts. That perspective helped me see policy not as separate from law, but as a critical tool for creating structural change. This experience affirmed my desire to pursue a legal career grounded in public service and strengthened my commitment to advocacy that is informed and responsive to community needs.
What was the most meaningful or rewarding part of your summer?
The most rewarding part of my summer was seeing research that my co-interns and I worked on appear in major news outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post. Even when it was just a small segment or data point, it was incredibly meaningful to see how the behind-the-scenes work we were doing as interns contributed to the team’s broader efforts and public conversations. It reinforced that even small pieces of research can have real impact, and it made the work feel purposeful and connected to the communities it was meant to serve.
What advice would you give other students looking for similar opportunities?
One piece of advice I would give is not to disqualify yourself before you apply. When I applied, I didn’t expect to get the position—congressional internships are highly selective, especially in an office as well known as Senator Elizabeth Warren’s. What carried me through both the application process and the internship itself was a clear sense of purpose. I knew I wanted to be in the room where policy is shaped firsthand, and public service has long been central to how I imagine my future. Holding onto that purpose kept me moving forward, even when things felt challenging, and reminded me why the experience mattered.
The Center for Career Engagement diligently collects data on student participation in various experiential learning opportunities. Students have an opportunity to opt in to participate in one of our student spotlight series, and we are excited to share their experiential learning narrative. Keep an eye out for our next spotlight feature.
Want to be featured for our Student Internship Spotlight? Contact Maria Bruns and share your career experience via WashU Career Insights.
