Junior PR Major finds niche in Washington

by Kate Wilson
edited by Doug Fisher

Public relations major Meghan Hughes has wanted to be part of USC's Washington Fellows Program since she was a freshman.

This fall, the junior from Anderson, who also has a political science minor, found her niche living in Washington and working for Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. The schedule is demanding, but the firsthand professional experience is unmatched as students apply things they’ve learned in the classroom.

“It’s fascinating to see it all come together,” Hughes said.

The Washington Fellows Program, jointly administered by the Institute for Public Service and Policy Research and the South Carolina Honors College, places students as interns in the offices of members of Congress or congressional committees, trade associations, policy-research organizations and news organizations. Students must also take 15 credit hours of semester work.

This year’s group includes six USC students, three from the College of Charleston and one from The Citadel. They have diverse academic interests, but all share an interest in political science.

Hughes understands how important communications studies are in the political world. The program was a perfect opportunity to combine both of her interests in a professional and academic experience.

The clear benefit, Hughes said, is the ability to combine other interests with political ones. Whether students have combined interests in communications, medicine, business, philosophy or other areas, the program can be adapted to suit both.

Program organizers "really work to cater to your interests,” she said.

From 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, Hughes worked at Graham’s office on Capitol Hill, and every day was new and exciting.

Along with working for Graham, she worked closely with his press secretary, Wes Hickman, who took Hughes to radio and television interviews and appearances. She also got to attend the Senate hearings that led to the confirmation of new Chief Justice John Roberts.

Dean Charles Bierbauer, who has led a Maymester class to Washington, called the city "the best journalism laboratory in the world.”

“Meghan is getting an opportunity to see how government works and how it intersects with the media," Bierbauer said. "Senator Graham is one of our elected officials who understands the media-government interaction and uses it effectively. That’s a good place to learn. We hope more students will seek out this kind of insight into their future professions.”

Hughes said the Washington Fellows Program is a great opportunity for public relations majors with combined interests in politics.

“I’ve quickly come to realize that schooling and classes only go so far to prepare you for a profession in the public relations world,” Hughes said. She hopes to continue in politics and public relations in Washington after her graduation next year.